Virtual Wilderness Wildlife Wednesdays

Wilderness Wildlife Week returns this year to Pigeon Forge, from January 25-29 at the Ramsey Hotel and Convention Center. This event is our annual celebration of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its abundance of wildlife, variety of plants, trees, and wildflowers, and rich history.

To get ready, join us online for Virtual Wilderness Wildlife Wednesdays every Wednesday in January 2022 for free virtual programs from some of your favorite Wilderness Wildlife Week speakers.

The dates for these online sessions are:

January 5

The Truth About Bears
Join Joel Zachry as he presents a multitude of facts and truths about one of the Smokies most iconic wildlife symbols – the bear.
YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/Lm4ofRAMJuY

Bearwise in the Smokies
Join Great Smoky Mountains National Park biologist Bill Stiver and wildlife expert Kim Delozier as they detail how to be Bearwise to keep yourself, the community, and bears safe.
YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/c8FVdR3qw4Q

Live Birds of Prey and AEF 2022 Update
Join the American Eagle Foundation as they showcase some prominent birds of prey and discuss some major updates for the organization in 2022.
YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/P3_K6mCG4ac

January 12

The Walker Sisters of Little Greenbrier
Join Robin Goddard as she shares the fascinating story of strength and perseverance of the Walker Sisters and their lifetime living in the Greenbrier section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/I0LqoK00T8M 

Wiley Oakley Stories & Jack Tales
Join storyteller Lew Bolton as he recounts the adventures of the “Roamin’ Man of the Mountains” Wiley Oakley along with some jack tales.
YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/9J11Key3TII

The Story of Grandma Gatewood
Join storyteller Anne Van Curen as she portrays the first woman to thru-hike the entire Appalachian Trail Emma “Grandma” Gatewood.  Grandma Gatewood’s story is one of overcoming a hard home life and finding peace in nature.
YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/bJiEf29yJbU

January 19

Our Great Smokies: Nothing Else Compares
Join author and outdoor adventurer Joel Zachry as he shares a multitude of reasons why Great Smoky Mountains National Park is unique and surpasses other natural areas.
YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/llxqVVT-sh0

Waterfalls and Landforms of the Smokies and Beyond
Join Keith Garnes as he showcases some of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls found in the Smokies and throughout Tennessee, along with arches and natural landforms everyone should experience.
YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/Rebg6EGX2lo

Wintering Waterfowl
Join author and naturalist Stephen Lyn Bales as he details the variety of birds found near bodies of water in the Smokies and beyond.
YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/yIJkZMCYXfQ

January 26

State of the Smokies 2022
Join Dana Soehn from Great Smoky Mountains National Park as she shares the annual State of the Smokies update and what to expect in 2022.
YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/FLEmp0JA7Lg

Fisheries Management in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Join GSMNP’s Supervisory Fishery Biologist Matt Kulp as he provides a wide array of fishery information about fish species inside the Park and how they are managed.
YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/SJVoAiLOosQ

Owl-ology 101
Join author and naturalist Stephen Lyn Bales as he discusses the various species of owls, their biology and what makes them so unique.
YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/RX_2tHqYTV0

For those who missed our virtual sessions in 2021, you can check them out on the Wilderness Wildlife Week Playlist on our YouTube Channel. Click the ‘Watch Now’ links to view sessions individually.