GSMA Brochure

GREAT SMOK Y MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION supports the perpetual preservation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the national park system by promoting greater public understanding and appreciation through education, interpretation, and research.

WELCOME TO OUR FAMILY TR EE On behalf of the board and staff of Great Smoky Mountains Association, thank you for becoming a member! You and all our members are the lifeblood of our organization. You are today’s stewards of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: you take the time to learn about the park’s resources; you honor its rich history; you buy and read our publications; and you contribute your member dues, donations, and time so that this park can continue to inspire people for generations to come.

I have been a card-carrying GSMA member only since my first visit here in 2013, but it was a membership program very much like GSMA’s that really launched my passion for public lands. I grew up and worked in high tech in California. Along the way I joined my nearby national park’s cooperating association, went to their member gatherings, bought and read their books, and volunteered with them in the park. Through this stewardship in action, I came to realize that national parks and all public lands are profoundly important to me. From recreation to solace, from inspiration to deepened friendships, national parks—and GSMNP in particular—are part of the fabric of my life.

I hope they are for you, too.

CONTENTS

WHO IS GSMA?

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HOW YOUR MEMBERSHIP HELPS

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The Smokies are our passion. We appreciate the faith you have in Great Smoky Mountains Association to help us fulfill our educational mission.

GET ROOTED IN THE SMOKIES

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Laurel Rematore Executive Director Great Smoky Mountains Association

BRANCH OUT

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Through your support our talented staff are able every day to help park visitors plan a safe and memorable experience, as well as awaken their curiosity in the Smokies’ mountain culture and extraordinary biodiversity. We are able to provide Junior Ranger program booklets to inspire future generations of park supporters. With your support we are able to publish books such as Women of the Smokies and Pictures for a Park, which highlight two under-acknowledged groups that made such an impact on the park. We are able to create music CDs like On Top of Old Smoky: New Old Time Smoky Mountain Music, keeping alive this important reflection of Smoky Mountain culture.

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GREAT SMOK Y MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION

WHO IS GSMA? $

?

Has provided $36 million in aid to GSMNP since 1953 Employs 35 full-time & 60 seasonal employees

Operates 12 visitor centers in & around GSMNP

Publishes books, DVDs, CDs, park newspaper, + much more

Contacted 2.8 million people in 2016 via visitor centers

Distributes 1.5 million pieces of literature related to GSMNP each year

Won 35+ awards for interpretive products, including a Grammy nomination

AS AU T HOR IZE D BY T H E U.S. CONGR ESS, Great Smoky Mountains Association is a non-profit cooperating association, and as such is one of the National Park Service’s oldest and most enduring partnerships. The strength of our relationship is derived from our primary purpose: to support the scientific, historical, and interpretive activities of Great Smoky Mountains National Park by providing educational products and services to park visitors. The success of this partnership is determined by our ability to work cooperatively in a responsive way to meet the changing needs of the park and its visitors.

Has 25,000+ members & 175 business members

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HOW YOUR MEMBERSHIP HELPS Great Smoky Mountains Association depends on the generous support of our members to fulfill our mission­— to preserve the Smokies for generations to come.

H I S T O R IC B U I L DI N G S

BAC KCOUN T RY R ANGERS

D E M O N S T R A T IO N S

You help us safeguard our trails with support for You help us preserve the old ways: Sorghum and soap making backcountry rangers who protect more than 800 old-time music, spinning, quilting and basket making, storymiles of trails offering spectacular mountain vistas, telling, harp singing, and old-time toys. rushing streams and waterfalls, historic structures, and quiet groves of old-growth forest.

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GREAT SMOK Y MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION

You help us protect one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States.

More than 90 historic structures—houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools, and grist mills—have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park.

Learn more about how your membership supports the Smokies at WWW.SMOKIESINFORMATION.ORG/INFO/AID-TO-THE-PARK

S A V E T H E H E M L O C K T R E E S

You help us fight pests and invasive species attacking our park’s hemlock trees. With continued funding, we are saving a healthy patchwork of hemlocks so that future visitors can marvel at the “redwoods of the East.”

PARKS AS CLASSROOMS

You help us bring thousands of students each year to the park and provide them engaging learning experiences by utilizing the park’s cultural and natural resources as teaching tools.

PROTEC TING BLACK BEARS

You help us manage the “symbol of the Smokies.”

The lives of more than 1,600 black bears are wild, free, and thriving because of you.

V I S I T O R S E R V IC E S

You help us welcome more than 10 million people each year to our park. Exploring the Smokies begins at one of our state-of-the-art visitor centers, where rangers conduct educational programs, where our staff provide recommendations for the best hiking, picnicking and camping spots, and where Junior Rangers take their oaths.

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GET ROOTED IN THE SMOKIES Our members renew their commitment each year because they care about the future of the national park.

Membership perks—of which there are many—are just an added bonus.

GSMA MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

DUES (INDIVIDUAL /FAMILY)

STORE DISCOUNT %

$15

Free Gift

Buckeye ($15 each for extra cards in household)

$35/$50

15% off GSMA Shopping

Chestnut ($25 each for extra cards in household)

$100/$125

15% off GSMA Shopping

Dogwood ($100 each for extra cards in household)

$200/$300

15% off GSMA Shopping

Hemlock ($500 each for extra cards in household)

$1,000/$1,500

20% off GSMA shopping FOREVER!

$65

15% off GSMA Shopping

Acorn (up to age 14)

Potential to Earn Hemlock Level in 5 yrs.

Ginkgo

(International Level for residents outside the U.S.)

A portion of each membership level can be considered a deductible donation to Great Smoky Mountains Association.

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GREAT SMOK Y MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION

SMOKIES BEAR PAW & $50 GIFT FREE ADMISSION LIFE LEGACY FUND CERTIFICATE IN TO BRANCH OUT MAGAZINE LISTING OUR GSMA STORES EVENTS

(After 4th Dogwood payment)

ACORNS

(Individual youth up to age 14) - FREE copy of Sabrina: A Great Smoky Mountains Story by Lisa Horstman - Youth membership card and fun trivia and games worksheet B U C K E Y E I N DI V I D U A L S A N D B U C K E Y E F A M I L Y M E M B E R S

• Annual membership card in your name • FREE “Get Rooted in the Smokies” tote bag (while supplies last; in store only) • 15% off at all GSMA stores, including our website • Annual subscription to Smokies Life Magazine •M onthly Cub Report e-newsletter • Rent the Mountain Farm Museum audio tour at Oconaluftee Visitor Center for .99 cents, a $2 savings • Receive the Bear Paw member newsletter, your choice—digital or paper • Reciprocal Discount Program saves you at least 10% off in-store purchases at 400 public land stores (see pages 10-11 for details) • Gain access to ‘Members Only’ area of website for fall foliage and spring wildflower reports, as well as Recipes of the Smokies • Invitation to Branch Out events • Invitation to Members Weekend each September • Discounts from select GSMA Lookout League Members C H E S T N U T I N DI V I D U A L S A N D C H E S T N U T F A M I L Y M E M B E R S

All the benefits of the Buckeye Level, plus...

• J oin or upgrade your membership for two chances to win prize packages donated by Lookout League members in NC and TN D O G W O O D I N DI V I D U A L A N D D O G W O O D F A M I L Y M E M B E R S

All the benefits of the Chestnut Level, plus...

• Your name listed on our Bear Paw Donor List • $ 50 gift certificate to spend in our GSMA stores and website after your fourth installment

All members receive a free subscription to Smokies Life!

H E M L O C K I N DI V I D U A L S A N D H E M L O C K F A M I L Y M E M B E R S

All the benefits of the Dogwood Level, plus...

• A free, half-day private tour of Cades Cove provided by Mike Meldrum, NPS retired ranger, who spent 16 years working in the Cove. Visit details would be worked out directly with Mike.

• 20% off at all GSMA stores, including our website • Free admission to all Branch Out events (This benefit does not apply to lifetime members grandfathered into the previous program. See page 8 for details.)

• A lifetime of knowing your membership is supporting the Smokies W W W.SMOK IESINFOR MATION.ORG

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G I V E A G I F T M E M B E R S H I P : Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations—every special occasion is a reason to celebrate the Smokies­, no gift wrapping required.

Clockwise from left: I’m Rooted soft v-neck tee.

I’m Rooted ornament.

These designs change from year to year. I’m Rooted coasters and pottery mug.

MEMBERS ONLY SWAG

Great Smoky Mountains Association members have access to an exclusive line of merchandise designed specifically with Y O U in mind.

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GREAT SMOK Y MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION

at any of our visitor centers 75

Knoxville

640

W H E N Y O U S H O P T H E S M O K I E S,

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SEVIERVILLE

Exit 407 75 40

the money you spend stays here and works to ensure Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains a national treasure, beloved by all who visit.

321

66

411

NORTH

Sevierville

TENNESSEE

441

Pigeon Forge

GATLINBURG

to I-75S

321

321

Little Riv e r Ro a d

N ew fou nd

TREMONT

TN

NC

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SUGARLANDS

Townsend

me m C li n g

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to Asheville

Gap Ro ad

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OCONALUFTEE

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CLINGMANS DOME

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TN NC

Gatlinburg

TOWNSEND

CADES COVE

321

s

SWAIN COUNTY

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Cherokee

Maggie Valley

23

276

441 129

Fontana

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143

74

28 19 74

Bryson City

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NORTH CAROLINA

276

Waynesville

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• Cades Cove Visitor Center • Gatlinburg Welcome Center • Sevierville Visitor Center • Sugarlands Visitor Center • Townsend Visitor Center • Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Visitor Center

• Clingmans Dome Information Center • Oconaluftee Visitor Center • Swain County Visitor Center

23 74 441 74

Dillsboro

441 23

Sylva

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miles

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WWW.SMOKIESINFORMATION.ORG 1.888.898.9102

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NATIONWIDE RECIPROCAL DISCOUNT PROGRAM Cooperating associations offer discounts to members of Great Smoky Mountains Association. Discounts vary from association to association. This list of associations does not include all the stores that participate in this program.

Proof of membership may be required for purchases, so be sure to have your membership card on hand. For more information about the reciprocal discount program and a full list of participating stores, visit the Public Land Alliance website: W W W. P U B L I C L A N D S A L L I A N C E . O R G ALASKA

CALIFORNIA

FLORIDA

IL L INIOS

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Becharof National Wildlife Refuge Bering Land Bridge National Preserve Denali National Park and Preserve Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge Kenai Fjords National Park King Salmon Visitor Center Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Koyukuk Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Lake Clark National Park and Preserve Togiak National Wildlife Refuge Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge www.alaskageographic.org

Cabrillo National Monument www.cnmf.org Death Valley National Park www.dvnha.org Golden Gate National Parks www.parksconservancy.org John Muir NHS www.wnpa.org Joshua Tree National Park www.joshuatree.org Lassen Volcanic National Park www.lassenassociation.org Point Reyes National Seashore www.ptreyes.org Presidio of San Francisco www.parksconservancy.org Yosemite National Park www.yosemiteconservancy.org

Big Cypress National Preserve www.evergladesassociation.org Biscayne National Park www.evergladesassociation.org Canaveral National Seashore www.EasternNational.org Dry Tortugas National Park www.evergladesassociation.org Everglades National Park www.evergladesassociation.org Gulf Islands National Seashore www.EasternNational.org Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve www.EasternNational.org

Lincoln Home National Historic Site www.EasternNational.org National Great Rivers Museum www.jnpa.com

ARIZONA Glen Canyon Natural History Association www.glencanyonnha.org Grand Canyon National Park www.grandcanyon.org Petrified Forest National Park www.petrifiedforestbookstore.com Prescott National Forest www.aznaturalhistory.org Western National Parks Association www.wnpa.org

ARKANSAS William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home NHS www.jnpa.com Arkansas Post National Memorial www.EasternNational.org

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COLORADO Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park www.wnpa.org Dinosaur National Monument www.inhaweb.com Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve www.wnpa.org Mesa Verde National Park www.mesaverde.org Rocky Mountain National Park www.rmconservancy.org

GREAT SMOK Y MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION

GEORGIA Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park www.EasternNational.org

HAWAII Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park www.hawaiipacificparks.org Kalaupapa www.pacifichistoricparks.org Pu`uhonua O Honaunau Pu`ukohola Heiau www.hawaiipacificparks.org

IDAHO Craters Of The Moon Hagerman Fossil Beds www.nps.gov/crmo/bookstore.html

MARYLAND Antietam National Battlefield Catoctin Mountain Park www.EasternNational.org

MIC HIGAN Isle Royale National Park Keweenaw NHP www.irkpa.org Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore www.EasternNational.org

MINNESOTA Grand Portage National Monument www.EasternNational.org Voyageurs National Park www.jnpa.com

MISSOURI George Washington Carver National Monument www.carverbirthplaceassoc.org Jefferson National Expansion Memorial www.jnpa.com Ozark National Scenic Riverways www.EasternNational.org Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site www.jnpa.com

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield www.EasternNational.org

MONTANA Big Hole National Battlefield www.glacier.org Glacier National Park www.glacier.org Little Bighorn Battlefield NM www.wnpa.org Nez Perce National Historical Park www.discovernw.org

NEBRASKA Homestead National Monument of America Niobrara National Scenic River www.EasternNational.org

NEVADA Great Basin National Park www.wnpa.org Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Spring Mountains National Recreation Area www.southernnevadaconservancy.org

NEW MEXICO Aztec Ruins National Monument Bandelier National Monument Carlsbad Caverns National Park El Malpais National Monument Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument White Sands National Monument www.wnpa.org

NEW YORK African Burial Ground National Monument Ellis Island Federal Hall National Memorial Fire Island National Seashore Governors Island National Monument Statue of Liberty National Monument Women’s Rights National Historical Park www.EasternNational.org

NORTH CAROLINA Blue Ridge Parkway Cape Hatteras National Seashore Fort Raleigh National Historic Site Guilford Courthouse National Military Park Wright Brothers National Memorial www.EasternNational.org

NORTH DAKOTA Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site www.trnha.org Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail www.wnpa.org Theodore Roosevelt National Park www.trnha.org

OKLAHOMA Chickasaw National Rec Area Washita Battlefield National Historic Site www.wnpa.org

OREGON Crater Lake National Park www.craterlakeoregon.org John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Lewis and Clark National Forest www.discovernw.org Oregon Caves National Monument www.craterlakeoregon.org

PEN NS Y LVA NIA Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site Delaware Water Gap National Rec Area Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site Independence National Historical Park Steamtown National Historic Site Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial www.EasternNational.org

SOUTH DAKOTA Badlands National Park www.badlandsnha.org Jewel Cave National Monument www.blackhillsparks.org

Mount Rushmore National Memorial www.mountrushmoresociety.com Wind Cave National Park www.blackhillsparks.org

TEXAS Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument www.wnpa.org Amistad National Rec Area Big Bend National Park www.bigbendbookstore.org Big Thicket National Preserve Guadalupe Mountains National Park Padre Island National Seashore Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site www.wnpa.org Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River www.bigbendbookstore.org

TENNESSEE

VIRGINIA Appomattox Court House National Historical Park Assateague Island National Seashore George Washington Birthplace National Monument www.EasternNational.org Manassas National Battlefield Park Petersburg National Battlefield www.EasternNational.org Shenandoah National Park www.snpbooks.org

Big South Fork National River and Rec Area Natchez Trace Parkway Obed Wild and Scenic River Shiloh National Military Park www.EasternNational.org

WASHINGTON

UTAH

WEST VIRGINIA

Arches National Park www.cnha.org Bryce Canyon National Park www.brycecanyon.org Canyonlands National Park www.cnha.org Capitol Reef National Park www.capitolreefnha.org Dinosaur National Monument www.inhaweb.com Glen Canyon National Rec Area www.glencanyonnha.org Rainbow Bridge National Monument www.glencanyonnha.org Zion National Park www.zionpark.org

Mount Rainier National Park Olympic National Park San Juan Island National Historical Park www.discovernw.org Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park www.EasternNational.org Harpers Ferry National Historical Park www.harpersferryhistory.org New River Gorge National River www.EasternNational.org

W YOMING Devils Tower National Monument www.nps.gov/deto/bookshop.htm Fossil Butte National Monument www.inhaweb.com Grand Teton National Park www.grandtetonpark.org Yellowstone National Park www.Yellowstone.org

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BRANCH OUT Branch Out programming is designed to enhance your appreciation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on all levels. When you join a program, you take the trail less traveled; learn more about this park’s diversity of flora and fauna, and immerse yourself in our rich history.

“I liked that we camped for two days in one spot so that not all the hiking was with a full pack, which also meant less take down and set up of the campsite.” - Robb T., SC

Our backpacking trips take you into the park’s deepest reaches, where you’ ll nourish your soul surrounded by friends and nighttime noises.

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GREAT SMOK Y MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEMBERS’ WEEKEND Join us each September for our Annual Members’ Weekend to make new friends, learn more about the Smokies, and hear the latest news and happenings directly from park and association leaders. Our Members’ Weekend includes good food, good conversation, volunteer opportunities, and a chance to come together to deepen your roots in the Smokies.

M E M B E R S’ W E E K E N D H IG H L IG H T S : T H O S E W H O A T T E N D W I L L ...

“I enjoyed the Annual Members’ Weekend so much. It’s almost worth your membership dues just to be invited to this single event!”

-Karen K., TN

• Hear updates from the National Park Service • Learn more about GSMA happenings • Interact with like-minded park supporters • Enjoy dinners Friday and Saturday night • Take hikes with professional guides • Learn more about the park’s history • Make new friends!

• Try something new • Relax in pleasant surroundings • Learn from experts

Check out SMOKIESINFORMATION.ORG/INFO/ANNUAL-MEMBERSHIP-WEEKEND for information on this year’s event!

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Visit SMOKIESINFORMATION.ORG/INFO/BRANCH-OUT-PROGRAMS for a list of current Branch Out events!

“Love the array of topics and wish we could attend more.”

- Christopher M., TN

When you ‘Branch Out’ with us to hike or bike or learn something new, your Smoky Mountain experience truly begins.

Birds, trees, salamanders, wildflowers, fish, insects, opossums, fireflies: Learn to love all life in the Smokies.

“Citizen Science was awesome! This program opened my eyes to the beauty of nature that I walk right by. Wanda DeWaard was wonderful!”

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- Nancy M., Tennessee

GREAT SMOK Y MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION

BR A NCH OUT E ve nt

H I K I N G 1 0 1 is designed to enhance our members’ knowledge of and appreciation of park trails. The program is intended to help members explore lesser-used areas of the park in a group setting while re-enforcing “Leave No Trace” principles and other hiking values designed to ensure safe, satisfying exploration of this national park.

Our members deeply appreciate John Muir’s sentiment: “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” They understand that our Branch Out hikes can lead to a happier, healthier life.

“Would be hard to improve on this hike. Maybe a catered lunch on top and a cookout afterwards.

(Just kidding, sorta’)!”

- James R., NC

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THANK YOU!

GREAT SMOK Y MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 130 · Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 Membership@GSMAssoc.org · 1.888.898.9102 www.SmokiesInformation.org

photo credit s: dav e al l en photograph y — cov er and back, warren biel enberg —5 (cl assroom); gsma photos —3, 5 (hemlocks), 8, 12 (hikers), 13, 14 (hikers), 15; bil l l ea — 4 (trees and cabin), 5 (bear), 12 (moss); nps photos — 4, 15 (ranger); james wal ker —5 (ovc); gary w il son — 2, 3 (v ie w), 6, 14 (sal amander).