UT’s Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage has been honored with the Tennessee Native Plant Society Conservation Award, which is given annually to a person who has contributed significantly to the preservation and public education of the state’s diverse habitats. This is the first year an organization has received the award.
The pilgrimage is a five-day exploration of plant and animal life. It will be held April 23-27 and includes 143 guided walks and indoor presentations that cover the region’s rich wildflowers, fauna, ecology, and cultural and natural history.
The Society recognizes the tremendous impact the pilgrimage has had on promoting education and appreciation of the spring flora of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
A formal presentation of the award will be held on Thursday, April 25 during the evening program in the Mills Auditorium.
Online registration for the pilgrimage is now open and on-site registration begins at 5 p.m.
Since its founding in 1978, the Tennessee Native Plant Society has helped nurture the growing interest in wildflowers and other native flora while also working to protect Tennessee’s native plant heritage and preserve it for future generations.
For more information about the event, visit the Tennessee Today announcement.