Discover One of America's Greatest Wonders:The Great Smoky Mountain

All it takes is a day's drive to reach one of our country's greatest natural wonders. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; thus, bisecting the park in an unbroken chain that rises more than 5,000 feet for over 36 miles.  

Considered the most diverse ecosystem outside of the tropics, the Great Smoky Mountains are an international phenomenon. In fact, Emily Delanzo, a Student Temporary Employee (STEP) for the National Park Service, says that the “Four distinct seasons and incredible biodiversity help characterize the vast amount of information and experiences this park has to offer.” The park is home to more than 200 species of birds, 66 types of mammals, 39 varieties of reptiles, and 43 species of amphibians. Emily has spent much of her time working to study the land’s unique character. She recognizes not only the natural beauty, but also the rich cultural ties to the land.

Shortly after advertisements portrayed the Smokies as a perfect family getaway, American citizens from across the United States flocked to the nearby cities nestled in between the mountains. New development fueled the need to log the mountains in the early 1900s. It was not until the 1920s that a few environmentalists began considering to establish a national park. By 1932, one-by-one mountain natives gave up their property for the establishment of the park. Knoxville executive Colonel David Chapman served a meaningful role in the process by fundraising to acquire land. The national park officially opened in 1934, with President Franklin D. Roosevelt presiding over the opening ceremony at Newfound Gap. Consequently, today we recognize the Great Smoky National Park as the first national park previously owned privately by individual citizens. A few buildings remain on the park in remembrance of the once thriving communities.

Although we admire the Smokies' beauty, we must understand the sensitivity of the environment. Emily is grateful that as a young child, her parents helped her understand how we each have a duty to our planet. While working for the National Parks Service at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, she is given the opportunity to teach visitors the “natural and cultural beauty of this area.” Emily admits, “The Smokies are my home because I cannot fathom residing anywhere else, and my heart is now covered in these red clay hills.”

Today, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most visited national park in the country. In fact, Emily says that, “Nearly ten million people annually flock to the Smokies to appreciate all of the great experiences it has to offer.” Although the tourism industry adds billions of dollars to these small local communities' economies, are we thinking sustainably about the mountain's future? The Smokies are known for the light haze that hangs over the mountaintops. The fog is produced when the warm air from the Gulf of Mexico cools rapidly in the high elevations of the Smokies. Once a completely natural occurrence that often took place in the morning or after a rain, can now be noticed most of the day due to much air pollution. The haze visible today is mostly because of air pollution from vehicles and new industrial growth. The air pollution also leads to acid rain, which harms the rare plants of the region.

You are probably thinking why is it important to understand the importance of environmental issues facing Southern Appalachia and the Great Smoky Mountains. First, all of the South’s rivers begin as small mountain streams. In theory, when these headwater streams become polluted, the entire watershed is affected.  Second, who knows what can be found in the forests of the Smokies. Maybe a medical cure? Emily says, “Through the Discover Life in America project and the All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, seven-hundred species new to science have been discovered inside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park alone.” Third, air pollution poses a threat to public health. Perhaps, you have a loved one in the region. 

It may be disappointing that unique species that call the Smokie’s home are threatened by air pollution, but the good news is that this can be controlled.

Try this:

1. Consider becoming a member of Friends of the Smokies. These guys are doing amazing things to raise money for conservation, park up-keep, and education programs. Annual memberships start at $25.

2. Send an e-card to a friend with a picture of the Great Smokey Mountains. Spread the word about the beauty of the Park, and maybe even plan a visit yourself.

3. Even at home, reduce your local footprint by combining trips, keeping your car well maintained, and bike or walk if possible. 

Check out www.greeningforward.org for more tips.