E. E. Reinke Library
Nestled within the Highlands Biological Station, the E. E. Reinke Library honors the legacy of Dr. Edwin Eustace Reinke — a visionary biologist and the Station's first director. This library supports research and education in the natural sciences, with a special focus on the rich biodiversity of the Southern Appalachians.
Whether you're a student, visiting scholar, researcher, or curious naturalist, the Reinke Library is a gateway to knowledge and discovery — from foundational field guides and ecology texts to decades of HBS theses, dissertations, and archival collections.
to inspire generations of scientists and naturalists."
Quick Links
Access digital resources, databases, journals, and interlibrary loan services through Western Carolina University's Hunter Library.
Visit library.wcu.edu →Browse decades of student research conducted at HBS — theses and dissertations spanning ecology, botany, zoology, and more.
View publications →An ongoing series drawing on the rich historical records of Highlands Biological Station — stories, discoveries, and documents from nearly a century of field science.
Read the archives →Learn about the Station's rich scientific history — from its founding in 1927 to nearly a century of ecological research in the Southern Appalachians.
Explore history →Archival materials related to Dr. Edwin Eustace Reinke and the early history of Highlands Biological Station, held at Vanderbilt University.
Access Vanderbilt archives →Long-term ecological datasets and research outputs from Highlands Biological Station — available to support scientific study and collaboration.
Browse data →Dr. Edwin Eustace Reinke: Founding Visionary
Dr. Edwin Eustace Reinke
1885 – 1970 · First Director, Highlands Biological Station
Dr. Edwin Eustace Reinke was a pioneering biologist whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for what would become the Highlands Biological Station. A professor of biology at Vanderbilt University, Dr. Reinke was instrumental in establishing a summer field station in Highlands, North Carolina, recognizing the region's extraordinary ecological diversity and potential for scientific research and education.
In 1927, he brought the first group of students to the area for field-based instruction, and by 1929, he became the first Director of the newly formed Highlands Biological Station. Under his leadership, HBS quickly gained a reputation as a hub for ecological and botanical study in the Southern Appalachians. His interdisciplinary approach — blending botany, zoology, and ecology — helped shape the Station's enduring focus on integrative field science.
Dr. Reinke also made lasting contributions to the Station's intellectual legacy. He donated his personal collection of books to seed what would become the E. E. Reinke Library — one of the earliest scientific literature resources in the region.
Reinke archival materials at Vanderbilt →"His commitment to accessible, hands-on education continues to inspire generations of scientists and naturalists who pass through the Station today."
A History of Field Science
First Students Arrive
Dr. Reinke brings the first group of students to Highlands, North Carolina for field-based instruction — the seed of what would become Highlands Biological Station.
Highlands Biological Station Founded
HBS is formally established, with Dr. Edwin Eustace Reinke appointed as its first Director. The Station quickly gains a reputation as a hub for ecological and botanical study in the Southern Appalachians.
The Library Is Born
Dr. Reinke donates his personal collection of natural science books to the Station, seeding what will become the E. E. Reinke Library — one of the earliest scientific literature resources in the Southern Appalachian region.
Botanical Gardens Established
The Highlands Botanical Gardens are founded, building on the Station's integrative mission of field research, conservation, and education championed by Dr. Reinke.
A Living Research Legacy
The Reinke Library continues to serve students, visiting scholars, and naturalists from across the country — maintaining Dr. Reinke's vision of accessible, integrative natural science at the heart of the Southern Appalachians.
Plan Your Research Visit to HBS
Students, faculty, and visiting scholars are welcome to use the Reinke Library and HBS's broader research resources. Contact us to plan your visit.