Discover the wonders of nature this summer!
We are excited to announce the first of our scheduled workshops for this summer! As we get closer to summer we will be adding new workshops, so be sure to follow us on social media and sign up for the Station newsletter HERE.
Explore, Learn, and Grow: Summer Workshops for All Levels
Summer workshops at Highlands Biological Station are:
- Great for beginning and advanced students – most have no pre-requisites
- Hands on and engaging
- Taught by expert instructors from a variety of backgrounds
- Designed for adult learners
The Lost Shortia: HBS Oconee Bells 2025
Dr. Jim Costa, Executive Director & Professor, Highlands Biological Station & Western Carolina University
A day of exploration to learn about the ecology and curious history of the “lost and found” Oconee Bells (Shortia galacifolia) and see some of the largest remaining populations of this rarity at peak bloom in its native habitat!
$200/person
Pressed & Preserved: A Botanical Workshop
May 14, 2025, 2 – 4PM
Dr. Kathy Mathews, Botany Professor & Director of the WCU Herbarium
In this workshop, we’ll explore pressed plant specimens in the HBS herbarium and learn about the importance of preserving plants. Participants will collect and press plants, either from the field or their own garden, with a hands-on lesson in using herbarium presses. We’ll also cover creating labels and post-processing techniques, with the option to dry your plants at HBS or at home.
$100/person
Paper Botanicals: Spring Flora
Great White Trillium – May 22, 2025, 9AM – 3:30PM
Vasey’s Trillium – May 24, 2025, 9AM – 3:30PM
Cynthia Woodsong
Celebrate spring with paper Trillium workshops!
In celebration of the much-loved spring trilliums, HBS will host two paper botanical workshops.
Participants will use crepe paper to make life-size and realistic replicas of these Trillium species, while learning about the botanical characteristics of this genus.
$100/person, per session
The Nature of Drawing: Naturalist's Sketchbook
June 6, 2025, 9AM – 4PM
Preston Montague, ASLA, PLA
Explore the art of observation and storytelling by creating sketches that bring moments in nature to life. Participants will learn basic drawing techniques with pen, pencil, and colored pencils, making this workshop ideal for beginners and welcoming to those with intermediate skills. Led by artist and landscape architect Preston Montague, this course inspires a deeper connection to the natural world through art and creativity.
$200/person
Mindful Birding, with Topher Stephens
June 10, 9 – 11:30AM
Topher Stephens
Mindful Birding is a practice of slowing down and deepening our awareness of nature by appreciating each bird we encounter with curiosity and presence. Unlike traditional bird walks focused on identification, this workshop emphasizes mindfulness, using birds as guides to connect with the landscape and our own sense of wonder. No prior experience with birding or mindfulness is needed—just an open mind and a willingness to observe with fresh eyes.
$100/person
Learning Birdsongs, with Topher Stephens
June 10, 1 – 3:30PM
Topher Stephens
Designed to help participants identify local birds by their songs and calls using a simple, systematic approach. After a short presentation covering key sound qualities like pitch, rhythm, and repetition, we’ll head outdoors to practice listening, describing, and memorizing birdsongs using mnemonic devices and vocal imitation. No birding or musical experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to tune into the language of the forest!
$100/person
Botany Bootcamp
Session 1: July 2, 2025, 9AM – 3:30PM
Session 2: July 3, 2025, 9AM – 3:30PM
Dr. Paul Manos, Duke University
$200/person per session
Bartram's "Rare and Elegant Flowering Shrub"
Tent. early September
Dr. Jim Costa, Highlands Biological Station & Western Carolina University & Cynthia Woodsong
Explore Franklinia in person and in paper.
$200/person
Explore the Botanical Gardens
Phone:
Address:
111 Lower Lake Road
Highlands, NC 28741
Hours & Admission:
FREE! From dawn to dusk please feel free to explore our trails. We just ask that you please adhere to the guidelines below.
Guidelines:
- All pets must be properly leashed and cleaned up after.
- Stay on the marked trails to protect the plants.
- Do not pick or remove plant material.
- Do not leave trash on Station grounds.
- Please watch for uneven terrain, rocks, and roots.
North Campus
