14th North American Plecoptera Symposium
May 12-14, 2026 | Highlands Biological Station
Hosted by Chris Verdone, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Biological Assessment Branch
265 NORTH SIXTH STREET,
HIGHLANDS, NC 28741
Reconnecting, Collaborating, Discovering
Join us in scenic Highlands—one of the highest-elevation towns in the Appalachians—for a vibrant gathering of stonefly researchers and enthusiasts.
Itinerary
Registration
The anticipated maximum cost for the meeting is $254 per person, which includes meals (except Thursday dinner). A two-night option is also available at $200 per person, including Thursday breakfast.
A registration announcement with a link will be emailed on December 1, 2025, and registrations will be accepted through March 31, 2026.
Accommodations
On-site residences offer a hostel-style atmosphere with bedrooms that accommodate 2–4 people. All beds are extra-long twins, and attendees should bring their own sheets, pillow, and towels. Each residence includes access to a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, and shared common areas.
Catered Meals
Meals will be provided by a catering service, with the exception of the final night when we’ll head into town for dinner (not included in the registration cost). If you require vegetarian or vegan meals, or have any food allergies, please email verdonec@gmail.com—I’ll be happy to accommodate your needs.
Additional Information
Submission of Abstracts
Abstracts will be accepted February 1 through April 15, 2026. Please send abstracts to verdonec@gmail.com
Presentations
Options include oral and poster presentations. Oral presentations should be 15–20 minutes, but longer presentations may be given if requested. Presentations may be emailed to verdonec@gmail.com or brought to the meeting on an external drive.
Swag
A meeting themed T-shirt ($20) and hat ($15) will be available for purchase. Orders may be made at registration. Payment for the shirt or hat will be accepted at the meeting by cash or check. Additional swag items will be available through a silent auction. Proceeds from the auction will go towards funding student scholarships for the next NAPS meeting.
Travel
Highland Biological Station in Highlands, North Carolina [35.05389, -83.18938].
● Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport – 2 hours drive time
● Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – 2.5 hours drive time
● Charlotte Douglas International Airport – 3.25 hours drive time
Final Note
We can host up to 30 participants at the Highlands Biological Station, and we’d love to see a full house! If you know colleagues or fellow researchers working in any area of stonefly systematics, please pass this invitation along. The more voices we have in the room, the richer the conversations will be—and there’s always room for one more!
