This was originally published as part of Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont’s 2025 Annual Report, which shares highlights from August 2024-July 2025. Explore the full virtual annual report.
Building a Future Campus for Regenerative Learning
At Tremont, we envision a future where people are more connected to nature – and we’re building a second campus that makes these connections happen.
In 2019, we purchased 194 acres adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Townsend, Tennessee. We’re using this land to build a regenerative education center that not only expands our program capacity but also demonstrates a better future for all people.
This year, progress took root in trail systems, habitat restoration, and a flourishing garden. These early steps bring us closer to creating a Living Building Challenge–aligned space that will redefine what immersive, sustainable nature education can look like in the Smokies. A few specific highlights:
- We welcomed a team of eight AmeriCorps members who restored 0.6 miles of overgrown trail, plugged about 60 shiitake logs, and cleared about half an acre of invasive species
- We tested some of our ideas for new types of adult programming. Read “Birds, Buildings, and Big Ideas: Testing a Vision for Place-Based Learning”
- We hosted in-depth species studies. Read “Community Science Highlights: Biodiversity on Tremont’s Second Campus”
- We continued working on the construction schematic designs and answered some questions about building on the property. Read “Testing for Geothermal Heating and Cooling Capacity”
- Dedicated volunteers, along with students from UTK’s Jones Center for Leadership and Service, constructed a new 0.3-mile trail.
Growing Something Good
Elizabeth Davis may be a familiar face to friends of Tremont, but she has recently taken on a new role as Tremont’s first-ever Land Manager.
This year, Elizabeth harvested from the second campus garden:
- 360 cucumbers
- 160 summer squash
- 40 lbs shiitake mushrooms (plus ~120 more logs inoculated)
- 25 gallons of sweet potatoes
- …and lots of beans, okra, peppers, and luffa!
A Legacy for Tremont’s Future
In October, 2025, we proudly announced the creation of the Hank Dye MyMtns Fund. Launched with an initial contribution of $15,000, this fund honors Hank Dye – a devoted friend, board member, and champion of Tremont – and celebrates his lasting commitment to preserving and sharing the wonders of the Smokies.
At Tremont’s annual Homecoming celebration, many guests were moved to tears when Hank’s former colleagues made a surprise entrance to announce the fund. There, Hank learned of the fund and the newly dedicated “Hank’s Hill.” Imagined as the first view people see upon arriving at the new campus, it is a place where generations of kids will run, play, and begin their journey into the heart of the Smokies. Read more about this dedication.
