The Carlos Campbell Overlook offers a panoramic view of verdant mountains. An angled sign atop a pedestal and a picture post stand next to a walkway at the top of a steep hill. Trees cover the slope.
The sign's title appears over a close-up photograph of a salamander in a grassy field and a series of four photos of mountains.
Sign Text:
"What makes the view from this overlook so striking? How about its great plant diversity: seven major forest types with their own microclimates of temperature, moisture, and sunlight. Each is habitat for different plants and animals. What will you see in the future as climate change alters these dynamics? Take photos on the nearby picture post to help us record change here."
The close up photo of the salamander shows its purplish grey skin, bulbous dark eyes, and patches of red on the sides of its head.
Caption:
"Red cheeked salamanders and many other species make the Smokies the Salamander Capital of the World. The red cheeked salamander's high elevation forest home changed dramatically with the decline of the Fraser fir tree. Do you see the clouds and fog gathering at the high peaks? That moist air is essential for salamander survival."
A photo shows yellow-green bushes emerging in the valley floor.
Caption:
"Warmer temperatures and more rain cause plants to bud and leaf out. The spring greening in these mountains starts at lower elevations and rises higher as summer approaches."
A photo shows a dark green forested mountainside speckled by yellow, orange, and red.
Caption:
"Leaves change from green to autumn hues when trees sense fall's lower night temperatures and less rain. Could changes to seasonal weather patterns affect fall's arrival?"
A photo shows a brown forested mountainside dusted with snow. Clouds surround the mountain tops.
Caption:
"How much moisture falls as rain and snow is crucial for keeping plants and the forest floor moist. Clouds help, too, by blocking drying sunlight."
A photo shows fog over a mountainside view.
Caption:
"Scientists use satellite images to watch vegetation patterns. Your photos help ground-truth these images on days when clouds, fog, and haze obstruct satellite views."