Adult Field Courses

Grandfather Mountain’s Adult Field Course series offers participants the chance to explore the mountain like never before. Students examine specific aspects of the park ecosystem through fun, hands-on field excursions. Course leaders are experts in their fields and include professors, naturalists, scientists and acclaimed photographers, writers, historians and artists.

The series runs from April through October, with topics including bird ecology and behavior, ecology, photography, sketching and stargazing. Cost is $60 per person (or $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club program), with registration required in advance. Each is limited to 15 participants, so they fill up quickly.

Most courses run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., unless otherwise stated, and participants are asked to bring their own lunch to be eaten in the field.

2022 Adult Field Courses

Fireflies of North Carolina
June 11, 2022
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hosted by Dr. Clyde Sorenson

Fungi in the Cloud Forest
July 23, 2022
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hosted by Dr. Coleman McCleneghan 

Salamanders: Why Grandfather Mountain is a Hotspot for Biodiversity
August 20, 2022
10 a.m to 4 p.m.
Hosted by Jon Davenport

Using Tree Rings to Observe Endangered Tree Species Through Time
Aug. 27, 2022
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hosted by Dr. Saskia van de Gevel

The Birds of Grandfather Mountain: The Wonders of Migration
Sept. 17, 2022
8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hosted by Curtis Smalling

Grandfather’s Starry Skies
Oct. 22, 2022
5 to 11 p.m.
Hosted by Dr. Stephan Martin

About Adult Field Courses

Since 2008, the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation has aimed at creating educational programming that deepens understanding through in-depth study and field research. Our goal is to provide you with a rich experience in a particular field of study, and to also provide a safe and memorable trip to Grandfather Mountain.

Also see: Educator Workshops | Experiences | Daily Programs