Inspired by Ireland
Mulling potential topics throughout his coursework, Czarnosmki unexpectedly found inspiration abroad.
Hiking Ireland for 2 1/2 months last summer, he stopped at various tourist locations and visitor centers where simple requests for information regularly turned into in-depth conversations about the area.
Also at these spots were wonderfully illustrated printed maps packed with details on why hikers may want to traverse a particular area. Typically free or for a small charge, the handouts presented insight that those back in the Smokies rarely afforded and appealed to his passion for cataloging plants in the field.
“Here, if you go hiking or backpacking, most of the trail info will say its difficulty, but not what’s so special about the trail that would make you want to walk it,” Czarnomski said.
Returning home, he researched available guides at local outfitters, libraries and bookstores, and though he came across some wonderful books, the presentation was largely dry.
“Out biodiversity is more special than that, but how do you explain it to people coming to the area for the first time or even for locals?” Czarnomski recalled.
In nearby Purchase Knob, Czarnomski found an
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