Serving the Smokies: Barry Hipps looks back on 35 years of GSMA

Barry Hipps currently works at Oconaluftee Visitor Center as a volunteer at the information desk on Mondays and part-time seasonally in the store.

A lifelong connection to the Smokies is woven into Barry Hipps’ legacy of service. Thirty-five years ago, Hipps sat on the board of directors for Great Smoky Mountains Association, then known as Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association, and later returned to the organization to become a long-time member of GSMA’s retail team. Hipps comes […]

National Parks Conservation Association connects veterans to the outdoors

Since 2016, National Parks Conservation Association has worked to provide advocacy opportunities for veterans, service members, and their families by connecting them to park protection campaigns. The nonprofit seeks meaningful opportunities to educate veterans on the issues facing parks such as Olympic National Park where this group is hiking. Courtesy of Jimi Shaughnessy, National Parks Conservation Association.

Tranquil water bubbles in a cold mountain stream. In the distance, hikers can be heard making their way to the trailhead. Trees are adorned with lichens and mosses. The sun is shining, and there is not a cloud in the sky. It is a fantastic day for a hike. One of the thousands of visitors […]