GSMNP - Scientists from around the country as well as Park Rangers, educators, photographers, and volunteers will gather in Gatlinburg, TN December 4-7, 2002 to report findings on new forms of life discovered in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) Annual Conference and the ATBI Photograpy Workshop are open to the public. The meeting presents current research on this unique project, including the discovery of over 300 organisms new to science and over 2500 species that are new records for the Park. Partners who are involved in the work include the non-profit Discover Life in America (DLIA), Friends of the Smokies, and Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association. The event will be held at the Glenstone Lodge on Historic Nature Trail Rd. in Gatlinburg.

On the agenda is keynote speaker Richard Conniff, winner of the 1997 National Magazine Award for his writing in Smithsonian Magazine and the 1998 Wildscreen Prize for the Best Natural History Television script for his work with the BBC. His television work has been nominated for an Emmy Award for distinguished achievement in writing. He is the author of six books, including Spineless Wonders and A Natural History of the Rich. His is the winner of the 2001 John Burroughs Award for Outstanding Nature Essay of the Year. He will address the conference on Thursday morning, December 5 and present an additional program on Thursday evening. To register to attend this evening reception, contact Emily Jones at 865-453-2428 or fotsej@bellsouth.net.

The ATBI Photography Workshop will be held on Wednesday, December 4 with guest presenter Connie Toops and the Photography Project Team of Discover Life in America: Rebecca Shiflett, Don McGowan, Steve Bohleber, Kemp Davis, and Milt Butterworth. Connie Toops is a renowned nature photographer with more than twenty years of experience. She is a contributing editor for Nature's Best and Birder's World. Married to a former National Park biologist, Connie has lived in Everglades National Park, on a dormant volcano at Lava Beds National Monument, and in or near eight other natural and historic sites. Fee for the Photography Workshop is $100 funds will benefit biodiversity research in the Smokies. Her topic is "How to Photograph Up-Close in Nature".

On Saturday, December 7, the DLIA Photography Team will conduct a free Photo Workshop for high school and college students. There will be both indoor and field sessions. Contact Jeanie Hilten, DLIA, 430-4752 or jeanie@dlia.org

Other highlights of the ATBI Conference include discoveries from the 2002 field season in the Park, science education projects, and plans for upcoming investigations. On Thursday evening, a fundraising auction, "Bids for Biodiversity" will be held at Rainforest Adventures at Governor's Crossing in Sevierville, TN. For tickets and to donate items for the auction, contact Emily Jones, 865-453-2428 or fotsej@bellsouth.net

The All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory is a unique ecological undertaking to find and document every species of life in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, from ferns and fungi to birds and beetles. The effort, begun in 1998, will take from 10-15 years and will serve as a model for efforts to document the variety of life throughout the nation.

The venture will greatly increase understanding of Great Smoky Mountains National Park resources and how to protect them in the face of growing threats such as air pollution, exotic plants, insects and diseases, and development along Park boundaries. The ATBI provides unparalleled educational opportunities, and perhaps will lead to discoveries of species with economic or research importance.

Scientists from across the country and around the world are involved, assisted by volunteers, teachers and students. Contributions provided by Friends of the Smokies and the Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association have helped to finance the project to date along with individual donations, participation by various universities, museums, and institutions, and corporate involvement.

Individuals with interests and experience in such areas as biology, taxonomy, education, computer and office skills, ecology, or knowledge of the Smokies who would like to volunteer with Discover Life in America are encouraged to attend. The conference fee is $30 per person and $15 per student.