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I’ll start by sharing that I’m not a huge fan of snakes. Perhaps I’ve just been conditioned to fear them because almost every time I see one, it is unexpected and startling. Walking in my office, for example… I don’t ever expect to see a snake. But being in the National Park has meant I’ve found them in my office on more than one occasion. Outdoors, however, it’s a different story—when I’m hiking on the trails, I don’t carry with me the expectation that I am alone. Whether hiking with others—or just in nature—I feel a sense of connection.
Over the years, these hikes have included many tours of our second campus property. Walking the property is a beautiful way to experience firsthand the vast and vibrant landscape, envision the site of our future buildings, and walk along the trails that will be shared with people and wildlife for generations to come.
A couple of years ago, those tours began to include a new feature—plywood and metal sheets placed on the ground in various locations across the property. To most folks, their purpose is initially unclear. More than once, I’ve watched folks, tired of standing or hiking around, eye these as a place to rest. I am quick to warn folks that these are very scientific structures, placed to support snake population research, and that they “should not be touched.” Of course, those who are indeed fond of snakes (unlike me) would disagree. To those people, they should be touched as they can tell us so much about who we share this land with.
Joe Gordon is one of those people. He is in his third year of monitoring and learning from the snakes on our second campus—learn more about his research and findings. I admit, even for someone like me, it’s a fascinating read.
Joe’s passion is a good reminder that how we connect with nature is unique. We each come to explore nature fueled by our individual interests. That’s what I love about Tremont and the way we teach—it is personal, and it goes beyond taking in facts. We create space to ask questions, to appreciate the beauty, the mystery and the complexity of the world around us. It requires active learning and exploration. It results in people who feel an increased sense of belonging to the world around them.
I wonder, if I were to take you on a tour of the second campus, what would you do? Would you lift the plywood sheets to check if a snake was peering up at you? Or would you leave that for another person? There’s no wrong answer here. Because at Tremont, we are building a place that celebrates our diverse connections to nature, inspiring us all to care for this extraordinary planet and each other.
Catey McClary
President & CEO
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
Cover image: Northern Watersnake photographed by John Matthew Erickson, Tremont summer teacher naturalist
