The National Park Service is hosting its annual public science meeting at the Historic Rugby Visitor Center, located at 1331 Rugby Parkway in Rugby, Tennessee. The public is invited to join scientists who have been conducting research at Obed Wild and Scenic River, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and other sites across the Cumberland Plateau.

Throughout the day, presentations will cover a variety of topics specific to the Upper Cumberland Plateau, including wild hogs, restoration efforts at cultural landscapes, the impacts of hemlock woolly adelgid on native hemlock trees, and additional related subjects.

The main goals of the free event are to increase public understanding of the parks’ ecosystems, improve communication and collaboration between researchers and the community, and encourage future scientific studies. Registration begins on April 8th at 9:00 AM Eastern Time, with the meeting starting at 9:30 AM and oral presentations continuing throughout the day. Poster presentations at the end will offer a more informal opportunity for discussion.

Lodging in Rugby can be reserved online at www.historicrugby.org or by calling (423) 628-2441. For more details about the event, contact (423) 569-7310 or email [email protected].