The Friends of South Cumberland are proud to offer the Tennessee Naturalist Program to their friends and neighbors. 

The Tennessee Naturalist Program is a 501(c)3 education course designed to introduce the natural history of Tennessee to interested adults.

Graduates join a corps of Tennessee naturalist volunteers providing education, outreach and service dedicated to the appreciation, understanding and beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.

The course is a series of 10 four-hour classes scheduled in two semesters, from September to November and from February to May, usually held on Saturday mornings. An outstanding group of educators and naturalists makes each session lively and memorable.

The classwork is divided between lectures, hands-on activities and many hours of outdoor immersion.

Topics include geology, forests, plants, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, aquatic ecosystems, trail building and interpretation.

The fieldwork portion of the course can be physically demanding, with off-trail hikes on steep hills and rough terrain and some night activities. Those with physical limitations may discuss this with the chapter and/or instructor before the course begins to determine if the planned fieldwork can be modified to suit their needs. Tuition is $300.

For information, visit tnnaturalist.org/about-us.

Among those who have served as volunteer instructors are Tennessee State Naturalist Randy Hedgepath; Sewanee professors Bran Potter, Ken Smith, Scott Torreano and Kirk Zigler; Sewanee Herbarium Curators Mary Priestley and Yolande Gottfried; Chattanooga State professor Richard Clements, TWRA Certified Animal Rehabilitator Margaret Matens; Tennessee State Park Rangers Jessie McNeel, Jason Reynolds, Philip Hylen and Mark Taylor; and former St. Andrew’s-Sewanee instructor Ron Ramsey.