Naturalist Club Presents Photo Gallery
Undergraduate Vols of the UT Naturalist Club assembled a gallery of photos from club events as to present as part of the Scopes Trial Centennial. The gallery is on display now through February in the Mary Greer Room of the Hodges Library, adjacent to the library’s Starbucks location.
A reception for the gallery exhibition will be 1–3 p.m. Monday, January 27. The photos share the club’s nature-appreciating activities and their message that nature enjoyment is accessible for everyone.
“We live in a beautiful world,” said EEB Assistant Professor Laura Russo, the club’s faculty mentor. “The Naturalist Club is all about sharing our joy and wonder of the natural beauty that surrounds us.”
Student Experiences with Nature
The Naturalist Club is organized through the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB), with goals to connect students with nature by providing a variety of events and activities each semester, ranging from social events to presentations by faculty experts on nature-themed topics like salamanders, botany, birding, and more.
“One of the first events I attended when joining the club was major advising led by EEB students,” said EEB major Benvy Kelly. “They helped me discover cool classes and better navigate the different opportunities here on campus. This club has a very special place in my heart because of the amazing people I’ve met in it. Additionally, Naturalist Club helps me apply all the concepts I’ve learned in my biology classes.”
The club offers valuable connections for students across disciplines. Civil engineering major Grayson Whitlock enjoys learning about the environment while exploring Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains.
“Nearly every event has a professional in the field, like a researcher or a ranger, to make it a major learning opportunity,” he said.
Both students say the club’s 2024 Salamander Meander as a high point in club participation.
“We rode up to the Smokies and helped a professor gather salamander samples for an ongoing project,” said Whitlock. “We got to learn about their habitat, feeding habits, and lifecycle—all while finding salamanders.”
Preview of Adventure
The Photo Gallery gives club members a way to bring their field experiences back to campus.
“The gallery is a perfect representation of the adventures we go on as a club,” said Kelly. “It showcases the sights we see, the experiences we gain, and the fun we have. I really hope any students who stumble into the photo gallery become interested in joining. We’ve got members from all departments on campus. While our majors may be different, our love for nature and what it holds remain the same.”
The Naturalist Club plans for many new explorations for 2025. Interested Vols can peruse the photos at Hodges Library to get a taste of the opportunities.
By Randall Brown
