Foundation

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The Highlands Biological Foundation, Inc., is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that represents the continuation of the original private corporation that founded the Highlands Biological Station and supported it for its first 50 years of operation (1927-1977). Its mission is to raise funds, invest these, and use the income to support the research and educational [...]

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Nature Center

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  Highlands Nature Center was founded as the museum of the Highlands Biological Station in 1927, and was originally housed as an annex to the Hudson Library. Its present home, the Clark Foreman Museum building, was constructed between 1939 and 1941 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) using native granite from the local quarry and [...]

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Botanical Garden

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  Celebrating 50 years! The Highlands Botanical Garden was established in 1962 as a refuge and demonstration garden for the diverse flora of the Southern Appalachians and its unique communities.  Nearly 500 species of mosses, ferns, wildflowers, shrubs and trees flourish in natural forest, wetlands and old-growth plant communities connected by a series of trails [...]

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Summer course for science educators: Mountain Biodiversity

With Karen Kandl, Western Carolina University instructor and Associate Director of the Highlands Biological Station June 25 – 29

We invite educators of all levels to enroll in this engaging study of the biogeography and biodiversity of the southern Appalachian mountains.  Mountain Biodiversity focuses on the theory and practice of conservation biology as it relates to this unique regional environment.  Topics include southern Appalachian historical geology, regional biogeography, principles of ecology and evolution, biodiversity assessment, and conservation biology.

Prerequisites: none.

course credit: can be taken for 2 graduate credits or 3 CEUs

registration and credit fees:  Registration fee for teacher education courses is $150.  Graduate credit may be obtained through Western Carolina University for an additional $85 per course.  Non-WCU students will also be charged an additional $50 application fee.

Click here to see the course syllabus and schedule.

The registration process is easy.   Learn More

Education

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    Summer Camps

    Highlands Nature Center is pleased to offer the following summer camps.  Registration is open but please call 828.526.2623 ahead of time to check availability before sending in a reservation form. “WOW! – a World of Wonder”  Ages 4 – 6     10:00 am – noon daily     Cost $55 per child The natural world is an amazing place!  Come and have [...]

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    Courses & Workshops

      The Station offers several courses each summer at the advanced undergraduate/graduate level dealing with the special biological features of the Southern Appalachians and with areas of study that are appropriate for investigation at a mountain field station.  Credit for all courses is available through either UNC-Chapel Hill or Western Carolina University. In addition to our regular summer courses, HBS often [...]

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    Backyard Naturalists

    The Highlands Biological Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of Backyard Naturalists.  The mission of Backyard Naturalists is to inspire a lifelong appreciation of the natural world in children through educational programming that integrates science, art, and technology. The program will draw from the considerable educational resources of the Highlands Nature Center, where staff [...]

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    Nature Center

    The Nature Center offers exhibits and year-round educational programming focusing on the biodiversity of the southern Appalachian region. Programming includes pre-K-12 outreach, special events and daily activities during the summer that are open to the general public, as well as summer nature camps for ages 4 to 14. Younger campers explore the outdoors and learn [...]

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