Here we approach the mountain top property via a narrow, steep, winding lane. We pray there is no oncoming traffic. It is a beautiful sunny day, the temperature drops as we get higher and higher. I drove my car behind the bus, that is another parent in front of me. It was a dust storm by the time we got to the top.
Students file off the bus and head for the house for a short orientation.
After a short hike into the woods we sift the leaves collecting bugs.
The rangers say don't worry about poison ivy or oak.
It doesn't grow in this high elevation. Several
parents have come along. I was happy for the help.
We enjoyed a sack lunch on the side porch of the house.
Teacher assistant, Mr. B, knew more about the flora and fauna
than the rangers. He has a BS from Indiana in agriculture.
Beautiful view from the side porch of Purchase Knob.
We viewed the collected bugs projected on the wall of the once
master bedroom. Bugs were under a microscope and MUCH
bigger than life size. Interesting but eerie! It made my skin itch.
Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
The Appalachian Highland Science Learning Center is based on 535 acres in Haywood County, North Carolina, contiguous with the rest of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The parcel includes the 5,086 foot elevation Purchase Knob, a historic cabin, and two buildings which contain offices, laboratory space, a 50-person classroom, and housing for up to eight visiting scientists.
The buildings and land were donated in 2000 by Kathryn McNeil and Voit Gilmore, who had owned the property since 1964, and had built a summer home upon it. This represents the largest donation of land since GSMNP came into existence. Since then, the park has averaged about 5,000 visiting scientists, students and teachers each year. Everyday, the staff and program participants thank the family for their generous gift.
In 2001, Purchase Knob became the home of one of five initial Learning Centers created by Congress to support research in the National Parks and to transmit the information generated to the public. Eventually, 32 learning centers are expected nationwide.
The buildings and land were donated in 2000 by Kathryn McNeil and Voit Gilmore, who had owned the property since 1964, and had built a summer home upon it. This represents the largest donation of land since GSMNP came into existence. Since then, the park has averaged about 5,000 visiting scientists, students and teachers each year. Everyday, the staff and program participants thank the family for their generous gift.
In 2001, Purchase Knob became the home of one of five initial Learning Centers created by Congress to support research in the National Parks and to transmit the information generated to the public. Eventually, 32 learning centers are expected nationwide.
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