Park to host Reptile Program Aug. 23

by Aug 22, 2012COMMUNITY sgadugi, Happenings0 comments

Great Smoky Mountains National Park invites the public to attend a special program titled Of Skin and Scales: Our Amazing Reptiles.  The program will be presented on Thursday, August 23, at 1p.m., on the porch of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

Michael Skinner, Executive Director of the Balsam Mountain Trust, will present the hour-long program.  The program aims to help dispel myths and fears about reptiles by focusing on their amazing variability, adaptations and beauty. Those attending the program will see living reptiles, as well as artifacts representing the reptile world.

 “We are delighted to welcome back Balsam Mountain Trust to the park for this program.” said Supervisory Park Ranger Lynda Doucette, “This is an opportunity for visitors to see and learn about these remarkable reptiles first hand.”

Balsam Mountain Trust is a local non-profit whose mission is stewardship of the natural and cultural resources on Balsam Mountain Preserve and throughout the Blue Ridge Mountain region.

The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is located on U.S. Highway 441, 2 miles north of Cherokee, North Carolina.  Info: 497-1904.  General park information is available from the park’s website at www.nps.gov/grsm.

 – NPS