Naturalist Ila Hatter: Woman of the Smokies

For some 16 years, Ila Hatter has been splitting her time between helping visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitor centers and GSMA bookstores and teaching programs as a naturalist. Having recently retired from her GSMA job, Ila reflects on how she learned the ins and outs of edible and medicinal plants, why that knowledge is important, and what's coming up in this transition time between winter and spring (think the fresh greens our ancestors would have eagerly devoured after a winter of stored away foods). And Ila describes the feeling of being featured as one of our Women of the Smokies, an honor she shares with none other than Dolly Parton, in one of our latest books.

[@stevecarlsonyoutubechannel9251]

LOVE LEARNING NEW THINGS

[@greywindLOSP]

This Lady always brings a smile to my face and a warm feeling in the soul! I am Proud and Honored to have met and spoke to her over the years A Truly Grand Lady! My best to Ms. Hatter!...........ATB!

[@tennesseenana4838]

We can learn the most important things in life from nature and wonderful people like Ila.

[@lyndareed563]

This is great what a wonderful heritage !!

[@katyg.2119]

What a lovely video of a lovely woman! So glad GSMNP and GSMA has Ila!

[@dougsyd1662]

Loved this video. Its apparent to me that I was born 150 years or so later than I was supposed to have been born.

[@1motherbear]

We love you, Ila! (and Jerry.:-)

[@paular.neeley7630]

Loved this. Would love to learn more.

[@Rooster2628]

Who would dislike this?

[@1959jimbob]

Well I for one dislike it...Why? Because I FREAKING LOVE IT AND MRS.HATTER

[@user-cg7ss2xl6c]

Everyone needs a her for a Granny.