2022 COVID-19 Policy
Described below are updated policies to ensure the safety of our pilgrims, leaders (and their guests), partners, sponsors, and all others associated with the 72nd Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (SWFP2022).
As a science, conservation, resource management, and educational event that annually brings together people from >35 US states and three countries, the SWFP strongly supports the recommendations of the CDC, WHO, and other health institutions and accepts the science that vaccines and masks help reduce the risk of the COVID-19 virus. Furthermore, this annual event is supported by numerous partners, sponsors, and contractors (e.g., GSMNP, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, City of Gatlinburg, several universities, and private transportation services). It relies on people trusting one another to generate necessary carpools and car shuttles, and it requires people to gather in close proximity to see small features and engage in discussions of the natural world. Lastly, the structure of the non-profit event has always been one where pilgrims pay a fee and are able to register for an unlimited number of programs through the week. In addition to the outdoor events, some programs utilize indoor spaces provided by GSMNP, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, UT Field Station, and potentially the Gatlinburg Convention Center. In the event of heavy rain or storms, pilgrims and leaders have always shared umbrellas, vehicles, or other personal resources to keep one another safe in the outdoors. Being respectful, thoughtful, and kind to one another during the SWFP has always been a priority.
In an effort to navigate the COVID policies of our partners, sponsors, and contractors, and to continue in the atmosphere where leaders and pilgrims feel free to share, commune, engage, invite, and look out for one another, the SWFP leadership decided unanimously to make full COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for all participants (all pilgrims and leaders and their families and guests) in 2022.
Please plan accordingly so that you meet the definition for full vaccination status before your arrival. You may consult the CDC website as you plan to achieve your full vaccination status ahead of the SWFP2022 event. We will use a third-party verification system to confirm vaccination status separate from registration. We ask that if you test positive for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to the event, show symptoms of COVID-19, or otherwise feel unwell to please refrain from attending SWFP2022. If this happens, we will offer your choice of a full refund until the start of the event or we will allow your ticket to transfer to 2023 and give to you a priority registration for that year. We ask that you let us know if you will not be attending with as much advance as possible so we can make proper arrangements. If you experience symptoms while attending the event, please remove yourself from the event and do the responsible thing of letting SWFP leadership know. SWFP leadership will work with you on potentially issuing partial refunds or otherwise making the situation right.
There is no decision regarding masking or distancing at this time. We hope that by late April 2022 this will not be of concern, but we will continue to watch infection rate trends closer to the event to make a decision regarding if and where masking may be necessary. We would never discourage masking if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Although we are greatly looking forward to gathering together in person and sharing our knowledge and enthusiasm in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we understand that this pandemic has put stress on everyone physically, emotionally, and financially. Therefore, we want you to do what you think is best. If you have any questions about SWFP’s protocols please reach out to Joey-Shaw@utc.edu. If we don’t see you this year, it is with great sincerity and hope that this policy has not driven you away from SWFP and we honestly hope to see you in 2023.
Joey Shaw
Chair, Spring Wildflower PIlgrimage in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
UC Foundation Professor, Biology, Geology, Environmental Science
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
As a science, conservation, resource management, and educational event that annually brings together people from >35 US states and three countries, the SWFP strongly supports the recommendations of the CDC, WHO, and other health institutions and accepts the science that vaccines and masks help reduce the risk of the COVID-19 virus. Furthermore, this annual event is supported by numerous partners, sponsors, and contractors (e.g., GSMNP, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, City of Gatlinburg, several universities, and private transportation services). It relies on people trusting one another to generate necessary carpools and car shuttles, and it requires people to gather in close proximity to see small features and engage in discussions of the natural world. Lastly, the structure of the non-profit event has always been one where pilgrims pay a fee and are able to register for an unlimited number of programs through the week. In addition to the outdoor events, some programs utilize indoor spaces provided by GSMNP, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, UT Field Station, and potentially the Gatlinburg Convention Center. In the event of heavy rain or storms, pilgrims and leaders have always shared umbrellas, vehicles, or other personal resources to keep one another safe in the outdoors. Being respectful, thoughtful, and kind to one another during the SWFP has always been a priority.
In an effort to navigate the COVID policies of our partners, sponsors, and contractors, and to continue in the atmosphere where leaders and pilgrims feel free to share, commune, engage, invite, and look out for one another, the SWFP leadership decided unanimously to make full COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for all participants (all pilgrims and leaders and their families and guests) in 2022.
Please plan accordingly so that you meet the definition for full vaccination status before your arrival. You may consult the CDC website as you plan to achieve your full vaccination status ahead of the SWFP2022 event. We will use a third-party verification system to confirm vaccination status separate from registration. We ask that if you test positive for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to the event, show symptoms of COVID-19, or otherwise feel unwell to please refrain from attending SWFP2022. If this happens, we will offer your choice of a full refund until the start of the event or we will allow your ticket to transfer to 2023 and give to you a priority registration for that year. We ask that you let us know if you will not be attending with as much advance as possible so we can make proper arrangements. If you experience symptoms while attending the event, please remove yourself from the event and do the responsible thing of letting SWFP leadership know. SWFP leadership will work with you on potentially issuing partial refunds or otherwise making the situation right.
There is no decision regarding masking or distancing at this time. We hope that by late April 2022 this will not be of concern, but we will continue to watch infection rate trends closer to the event to make a decision regarding if and where masking may be necessary. We would never discourage masking if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Although we are greatly looking forward to gathering together in person and sharing our knowledge and enthusiasm in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we understand that this pandemic has put stress on everyone physically, emotionally, and financially. Therefore, we want you to do what you think is best. If you have any questions about SWFP’s protocols please reach out to Joey-Shaw@utc.edu. If we don’t see you this year, it is with great sincerity and hope that this policy has not driven you away from SWFP and we honestly hope to see you in 2023.
Joey Shaw
Chair, Spring Wildflower PIlgrimage in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
UC Foundation Professor, Biology, Geology, Environmental Science
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
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