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Dear friends,
Here in the Smokies, spring has arrived in full force. The forest floor is dotted with spring ephemerals – trillium, bloodroot, trout lily – blooming in brief but brilliant bursts. Trees once bare now shimmer with fresh green leaves. It’s a season that reminds us of what it means to emerge and to grow.
And yet, while the landscape around us is thriving, the political landscape, particularly when it comes to federal funding, tells a different story. What once held promise now feels more like retreat.
Over the past year, we’ve pursued two transformative federal opportunities to support our vision for Tremont’s second campus: a $20 million EPA Community Change Grant and a $3 million Community Project Funding request that had passed through committee and been included in the Department of Agriculture’s appropriations bill. These weren’t just budget lines – they were signs that national priorities could align with community-rooted, nature-based solutions.
But that momentum shifted. The EPA grant program was unexpectedly halted under the new administration. And though our Community Project Funding request made it into the final bill, it was ultimately rescinded when Congress passed a continuing resolution last month that eliminated earmarks.
It’s disappointing to lose both the resources and the recognition those opportunities represented. Still, just like the forests that bloom again each year, our vision remains rooted and resilient.
This vision is bigger than any one grant cycle. Tremont’s second campus is a generational investment in young people, in resilient communities, and in our shared future on this planet. We are continuing design development and recently reached an exciting milestone in the process: we’ve selected Denark Construction as our construction manager. Their deep commitment to community and reputation for excellence make them an ideal partner as we take this next step toward building a space rooted in purpose, sustainability, and learning. We are continuing to meet with funders and partners who understand the impact this place will have.
And every challenge deepens our clarity and conviction.
Thank you for being with us through every step, through the blooms and the setbacks. Your belief in this work sustains us and enriches our impact today and for years to come.
With gratitude,
Catey McClary
President & CEO
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
