Biological Station - Highlands Biological Station

A legacy of discovery

Founded in 1927 by a dedicated group of biologists and local citizens, the Highlands Biological Station has a rich legacy of advancing scientific discovery in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Originally a private research facility, HBS became part of the University of North Carolina system in the mid-1970s and is now administered by Western Carolina University. Around the same time, the Station's supporting non-profit was reorganized as the Highlands Biological Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization that continues to play an integral role in its mission.

Supporting and promoting scientific research remains at the heart of HBS. With nearly a century of ecological and environmental research conducted here, the Station continues to be a hub for scientists, students, and collaborators dedicated to understanding and conserving biodiversity.

Information for researchers

Planning your visit

We're thrilled you're considering the Highlands Biological Station for your research. Below you'll find the key information to help you plan — and when you're ready to reserve, reach out at hbs@wcu.edu.

Email HBS

01 · Before you arrive

Permits & documentation

Before arriving, all required permits and documentation must be submitted. Visit our Permitting & IACUC page to learn what's needed for your project.

Still unsure which forms you need? Reach out to the team below and we'll help you sort it out.

Executive Director Dr. Jim Costa costa@wcu.edu

Associate Director Jason Love jlove@wcu.edu

02 · On the Station grounds

On-site facilities

The Station offers a range of resources to support your fieldwork and lab work — from bench space to a regional herbarium and a library of shared equipment.

Lab spaces

Private and shared laboratory space to suit individual projects and collaborative teams.

Explore labs

HBS Herbarium

The Highlands Biological Station Herbarium documents the flora of the southern Blue Ridge.

View collections

Research equipment

A selection of field and lab equipment is available to support your work on site.

See equipment

Where to stay

On-site housing for researchers

We offer a range of on-site housing options to suit different needs and budgets, so you can stay close to your study sites for the duration of your visit.

View housing options →

03 · Beyond the grounds

Field sites

Beyond the Station, we have access to several off-site research locations through our local partners. Let us know early if you plan to work off-site so we can help coordinate access.

Please note

These sites are not open to the public.
Additional permissions or guidelines may apply.

04 · Financial aid

Grant-in-Aid of Research

Thanks to support from the Highlands Biological Foundation, we offer limited financial awards for faculty and graduate students conducting research in the region.

Learn about the Grant-in-Aid (GIA) Program →

Stay connected

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Research