News Release

The Public is Invited to the Annual Big South Fork and Obed Science Meeting on April 8, 2026

NPS

News Release Date: March 31, 2026

Contact: Christopher Derman, [phone]

The National Park Service will host an annual public science meeting at Historic Rugby Visitor Center at 1331 Rugby Parkway, Rugby, Tennessee. The public is invited to spend the day with scientists who have been conducting research at Obed Wild and Scenic River, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and other areas on the Cumberland Plateau.

A wide range of topics specific to the Upper Cumberland Plateau will be covered during the day, including talks on wild hogs, restoration efforts at cultural landscapes, impacts from hemlock wooly adelgid on native hemlock trees, and other topics.

The overall goal of the public meeting is to facilitate an increased understanding of the ecosystems of the parks, enhance communication and collaboration among researchers and the public, and encourage future scientific investigations. Meeting registration starts at 9:00 AM (ET), and the meeting begins at 9:30 AM, and oral presentations will be given throughout the day. Poster presentations at the end of the workshop will provide an opportunity for less formal dialogue.

Lodging in Rugby can be booked online at www.historicrugby.org or by calling [phone]. For more information about this free event, please call [phone] or email [e-mail].