Highlands, NC · Est. 1927
Highlands Biological Station
Research, education and conservation in the southern Blue Ridge, a global biodiversity hotspot.
Founded 19274,118 ft23-acre campus12 acres of botanical gardensA center of Western Carolina University
Our mission
A field station for the southern Blue Ridge
To foster research, education and conservation focused on the rich natural heritage of the southern Blue Ridge, a global biodiversity hotspot.
Highlands Biological Station is a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University, just minutes from downtown Highlands. We work to understand the remarkable biodiversity of the region and to share the Plateau’s natural wonders with our community and visitors, through visiting researchers, college courses and workshops, and free programs for all ages.
The Highlands Nature Center, the Highlands Botanical Gardens and the research and teaching laboratories are all part of the Station.
What’s on
Programs, talks and walks
Annular Solar Eclipse in the GalápagosNine days and seven islands aboard the M/V Isabela II with Dr. Jim Costa. Rates rise after December 31.Learn more →
Nature programs outdoorsBioBlitzes, moth nights and seasonal walks, held outdoors while the Nature Center is closed.See programs →
Precipitation data, in near real timeWeather, soil moisture and water quality from sensors on campus, plus a climate record since 1961.Learn more →Coming up
Full calendarWalks, talks and programs are on the events calendar.
Getting here
Three entrances, three addresses
Each entrance is closest to a different part of the Station. GPS often sends people looking for the Nature Center or the gardens to the Administration Building, so pick the one that matches why you’re here.
Entrance 01
Highlands Nature Center
930 Horse Cove RoadHighlands, NC 28741
Park behind the Nature Center or at the Sunset Rock parking area across the street. A path behind the building runs along the Amphitheater to the Woodland Way trail and down to the main garden entrance. The building is closed for repairs through 2026; the grounds stay open.
Entrance 02
North Campus
111 Lower Lake RoadHighlands, NC 28741
Park off Lower Lake Road at our northern entrance. Follow the gravel path through the Native Pollinator Conservation Garden and across the Lindenwood Lake dam to the boardwalk into the Botanical Gardens. Groups drop off and pick up here.
Entrance 03
Administration Building
265 North 6th StreetHighlands, NC 28741
Visiting researchers and students taking courses or workshops park here or at the Valentine House. The main office is in this building.
While the Nature Center is closed, nature programs meet at Cook Pavilion & Valentine Meadow, 888 Horse Cove Road.
Stories
Latest from the Station
Field dispatches and histories from the archives, written at Highlands.
Puzzling the Grassy Archipelago
Why do Roan Mountain’s grassy balds stay open when forest surrounds them? Jim Costa follows a clue from Wallace’s 1858 notebook.By Dr. Jim Costa, HBS Executive Director · Read the story →
Charlton Ogburn, Jr. at Highlands Biological Station
How a seventeen-year-old birder helped begin the first check-list of Highlands’ birds, and kept his ties to the Station for the rest of his life. By Lily Haney · Reinke Archives InternRead the story →Monthly
Stay connected with the Station
The monthly newsletter brings the latest from HBS: field notes, volunteer stories, garden facts and what’s coming up.
Nature Center programs and Foundation events have their own list. Sign up with the Foundation
Want to lend a hand? Volunteer at the Station