Learn about the mountains before taking another trip.

Through a partnership with the Smoky Mountains, UT offers non-credit programs about the park. The month of June is the perfect time to get educated, because people have several courses with to choose from.

“We have an instructor who is an expert in each one of these fields,” said Mary Jerger, program coordinator. “Most people would rather take a class rather than go to the park by themselves.”

This Saturday brings a multitude of choices for the nature goer.

“Incredible Edibles and Traditional Medicinals” will be from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“People will spend the day sampling wild flavors and identifying useful plants and trees,” Jerger said. “They will also discover how to identify wild edibles and what plants were used for dye, food and medicine.

Gain hiking tips from the experts with “Hiking with Confidence”. This class will prepare people to hike by telling them what to pack and what to look for in animal behavior.

In the “Wildflowers and Ferns of Roan Mountain” class, participants will watch the peak bloom of a rare plant.

June courses end with a hike. “Azaleas of Gregory Bald” will take people to the tops of the historic Chestnut Flats area to an elevation of 2,800 feet.

Everyone is encouraged to attend classes.

“This is a good opportunity for anyone with any experience level to learn about Smoky Mountain history,” said Wanda Dewaard, an instructor. “There are various topics of interest for the general public; there is a whole variety of things for anyone interested in the Smokies.”

Overall, the classes see about 700 students a year and are typically for ages 16 and over.

“People come from everywhere to take these classes,” Dewaard said. “Some people from the surrounding areas plan their vacation around a class.”

For more information call 974-0150 or visit http://www.outreach.utk.edu/smoky.