The Great Smoky Mountains is one of the most visited National Park areas in the USA. Gatlinburg has been a primary family vacation destination for many years. Area growth, due to this popular vacation destination, now includes nearby Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Townsend Tennessee.

This growth, while beneficial to the our local economy has caused some harmful side effects to the national park. One such example is the bad air quality from pollution both local and as far away as Atlanta that are taking their toll on our beloved national park.

Smoky Mountain University was founded with a couple of basic goals concerning the park. Our main goal is educate people on the Smoky Mountains. We seek to educate our students on both the good and bad aspects of the Smokies.

The best way to fix the problems of the park is to raise awareness of it’s problems and to motivate people to help be part of the solution. And with that in mind, we encourage people to get volunteer to help assist the National Park Service in any way possible. You can volunteer to pick up trash, map locations of Ash trees, as well as help in special park events. The National Park Service located at the Gatlinburg park entrance has many projects that you can volunteer your time and services for. Why hesitate? Pick up the phone and call 865-436-1200 and ask to speak to a volunteer coordinator.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a treasure worth saving and we need your help. Our online campus located at www.SmokyMtnU.com will be posting information on volunteer opportunities available with the National Park Service.

We look forward to seeing you at the volunteer events.

Onyx Blackburn
The Dean
Smoky Mountain University