Tremont Institute receives $10,000 REI grant supporting community science programs
July 25, 2021

TOWNSEND — Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont received a $10,000 grant from REI Co-op in Pigeon Forge to support community science programs in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The grant will support Tremont’s goal to increase the diversity of their community scientists by introducing and expanding these hands-on programs to new audiences. The partnership will focus on addressing the barriers that prohibit participation, including awareness of these opportunities and transportation to the National Park.

“We share Tremont’s mission of connecting humans and nature, and we believe the outdoors are for all,” said Matthew Wheat, REI Pigeon Forge store manager. “It’s really inspiring to help connect the great diversity of visitors to the rich biodiversity of the Smokies.”

“We hope to create a new generation of community scientists who will benefit emotionally and physically from their connection to the park,” said Erin Canter, manager of science literacy and research at Tremont. “While they are exploring and learning about the wonders of our region, they’ll also be contributing to important scientific research.”

Community science is a method for researchers to broaden their reach and capacity for data collection and observation with the help of community volunteers. Research programs at Tremont include bird banding, monarch butterfly tagging, salamander population monitoring, phenology tracking, otter spotting and more. These programs play an important role in promoting stewardship of the National Park, and connecting individuals to the environment more broadly.

“This collaboration between researchers and volunteers is essential for expanding our ecological knowledge, as well as the reach of education and conservation efforts worldwide,” Canter added. “Anybody who is curious, engaged and willing to apply their skills of observation can contribute to this critical work.”

Tremont’s community science programs are provided at no cost to participants. To learn more or get involved, visit www.gsmit.org/community-science.

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont provides in-depth experiences through educational programs that celebrate ecological and cultural diversity, foster stewardship, and nurture appreciation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Connecting People and Nature since 1969. Learn more at www.gsmit.org.

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of more than 20 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 168 locations in 39 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a lifetime with REI’s active adventure travel company that runs more than 100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.