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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Highlands Biological Station
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260525
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260606
DTSTAMP:20260524T030421
CREATED:20260106T155528Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T160827Z
UID:28875-1779667200-1780703999@highlandsbiological.org
SUMMARY:Biology of Southern Appalachian Salamanders
DESCRIPTION:4 Credit Hours\nMay 25 – June 5\, 2026\nInstructors: Kenneth H. Kozak\, Ph.D. (University of Minnesota) & Joseph H. K. Pechmann\, Ph.D. (Western Carolina University) \nThe Southern Appalachians are home to one of the richest and most ecologically significant salamander assemblages on Earth. This immersive field- and lab-based course introduces students to the extraordinary diversity\, biology\, and evolutionary history of these remarkable amphibians. \nThrough a blend of lectures\, guided discussions\, hands-on laboratory work\, and targeted field excursions across multiple Appalachian mountain ranges\, students will explore foundational and advanced concepts in evolutionary biology and ecology. Topics include reconstructing evolutionary histories\, species concepts and delimitation\, life-history variation\, population and community dynamics\, and the role of salamanders in forest ecosystems. Readings from primary literature will deepen understanding of current research and methodologies. \nStudents will gain experience identifying regional taxa\, conducting field and laboratory analyses\, and interpreting evolutionary and ecological data—while engaging directly with the landscapes that make the Southern Appalachians a global hotspot for salamander diversity. \nPrerequisites: Introductory biology\, ecology\, or evolution\, or permission of the instructors.
URL:https://highlandsbiological.org/event/biology-of-southern-appalachian-mammals-2/
LOCATION:Highlands Biological Station\, 265 North 6th St\, Highlands\, NC\, 28741\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://highlandsbiological.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Salamander-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Highlands Biological Station":MAILTO:hbs@wcu.edu
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260606
DTSTAMP:20260524T030421
CREATED:20260106T155141Z
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UID:28871-1780272000-1780703999@highlandsbiological.org
SUMMARY:True Sedge Workshop: A Weeklong Dive into the Genus Carex
DESCRIPTION:2 Credit Hours\nJune 1–5\, 2026\nInstructors: Dr. Joey Shaw\, UT-Chattanooga \nTrue sedges are famously challenging to identify. With numerous species often growing side by side in the same microhabitats\, reduced and specialized floral structures\, unique terminology\, and diagnostic features that may rely on very small measurements—or even mature material—students of botany can easily feel overwhelmed. It is no surprise that sedges are among the plant groups learners struggle with most. \nThis course focuses on two primary goals: \nBuilding fluency in sedge terminology and learning how to confidently apply and interpret that terminology when using identification keys. \nUnderstanding the key characteristics that distinguish the many taxonomic sections of the genus Carex—the largest and most complex sedge genus—as well as how to separate Carex from other spring-flowering sedges. \nUsing herbarium specimens\, newly collected material\, and additional plant samples provided in class\, we will assemble an in-room reference collection organized by genus and Carex section. This hands-on approach allows students to compare specimens directly\, reinforcing both visual recognition and taxonomic concepts. \nThis workshop is designed to strengthen identification skills and build confidence in working with this large and intricate group of plants. For most participants\, our focus will remain at the level of distinguishing Carex sections rather than resolving species-level identifications—though students wishing to work at the species level are welcome and encouraged to do so!
URL:https://highlandsbiological.org/event/true-sedge-workshop-a-weeklong-dive-into-the-genus-carex/
LOCATION:Highlands Biological Station\, 265 North 6th St\, Highlands\, NC\, 28741\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://highlandsbiological.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Sedges.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Highlands Biological Station":MAILTO:hbs@wcu.edu
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260605T050000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260605T130000
DTSTAMP:20260524T030421
CREATED:20260424T164351Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T164435Z
UID:30759-1780635600-1780664400@highlandsbiological.org
SUMMARY:MAPS Bird Banding at HBS | June 5
DESCRIPTION:Join Highlands Biological Station and the Blue Ridge Bird Observatory for a morning of bird banding as part of the MAPS\, or Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship\, program.\nEstablished at HBS in 2020\, the MAPS bird banding station is part of a larger effort to assess trends in avian demographics across North America. During banding sessions\, trained researchers safely capture birds\, collect important biological data\, and fit each bird with a USGS-issued aluminum band with a unique identification number before release. Data collected may include age\, sex\, feather condition\, wing measurements\, and signs of disease or injury.\n \nVisitors strolling through the Highlands Botanical Garden during morning banding sessions are welcome to observe the process and learn more about the birds that call our campus home. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience real\, ongoing research and see conservation science in action.\nLocation: Highlands Biological Station / Cook Pavilion\n \nCost: Free to observeWeather Note: Bird banding is weather-dependent and may be canceled or rescheduled due to rain\, wind\, or other conditions that could affect bird safety.
URL:https://highlandsbiological.org/event/maps-bird-banding-at-hbs-june-5/
LOCATION:Highlands Biological Station\, 265 North 6th St\, Highlands\, NC\, 28741\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://highlandsbiological.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bird-Banding-2026.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Highlands Biological Station":MAILTO:hbs@wcu.edu
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