Cherokee in Swain County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Land of Diversity

Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, March 14, 2009

1. Land of Diversity Marker

Inscription. Few Places in North America sustain a greater variety of life than the Great Smoky Mountains. The forests, streams, and meadows here support more than 100 types of trees, 58 kinds of fish, some 1,500 flowering plants, more than 200 bird species, and an array of mammals that includes black bear, red wolf, and gray fox.

Such abundance is a function of topography and climate. Varying elevations provide endless combinations of moisture, temperature, wind, sunlight, and soil types. Most plant species of eastern North America can find a niche somewhere among the slopes and coves of the Smokies. And in a few cases, the region has nurtured species all its own; some plants and animals here are found nowhere else.

Erected by National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Natural Features.

Location. 35° 35.381′ N, 83° 22.242′ W. Marker is in Cherokee, North Carolina, in Swain County. Marker is on U.S. 441. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cherokee NC 28719, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fifty Years of Mountain Logging (approx. 1.6 miles away); Measure of Men (approx. 2 miles

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

away); Where Man Is Only a Visitor (approx. 2.4 miles away); Spared the Saw (approx. 2.6 miles away); The Great Smokies (approx. 3.4 miles away); Rockefeller Memorial (approx. 3.4 miles away in Tennessee); The Appalachian Trail (approx. 3.4 miles away); Hands That Built (approx. 3.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cherokee.

Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, March 14, 2009

2. Land of Diversity Marker

The aptly names slimy salamander is one of 27 salamander species in 12 different genera found in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Smokies have one of the most diverse salamander populations on earth.

Pink Ladyslipper image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, March 14, 2009

3. Pink Ladyslipper

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,008 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 18, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.