Twenty-four MSA biology students and four science teachers flew 550 miles to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They learned about the environment and history of the region and stayed at the park from April 10-12, 2024.   

Teachers Jeremy Schratweiser, Michele Bailey-Hennesy, David Bostic and Jordan Jarman planned, organized and prepared the students for the annual trip. 

The students spent their hours at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (GSMIT), slept in dorms and ate meals together. GSMIT hosts camps and classes for kids year-round. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park receives over 13.2 million visitors every year, and it is the most visited national park in the country, according to Smithsonian Magazine. 

During their expedition, the students explored the wildlife and insects of the area. They waded through the Middle Prong River looking for macroinvertebrates and surveyed creeks for salamanders. 

Hiking on switchback trails through the mountains was another feature of the trip; however, the skies opened up with a downpour of rain during their excursions.

“My favorite part was probably when it finally stopped training after a while, and we all sat on a hill in the sun together,” said sophomore Evie Lamora. 

Rising MSA sophomores interested in the field trip next year should contact any one of the teachers mentioned. 

“I would recommend this trip for anyone who likes nature, and is okay with getting really wet and dirty,” said Evie Lamora.