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. Established 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 […]

The Seminoles called him Puc Puggy — the Flower Hunter. He earned it. In the spring of 1775, William Bartram rode into the Cherokee mountains of western North Carolina and stayed barely two months. He never stopped writing. Travels, the book he made of that journey, appeared in 1791 and has been keeping readers company […]

Science on the Rocks: Darwin, Wallace, and the Making of The Descent of Man📅 Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 4:00 PM📍 Weyman, Highlands Biological StationFree and open to the public Join Highlands Biological Station as we close out the 2026 Science on the Rocks series with a special conversation featuring Dr. Jim Costa and his […]

Late summer is one of the most rewarding moments in the Highlands Botanical Garden. Join Dr. Paul Manos of Duke University for an unhurried, guided walk through two of the Garden's most distinctive habitats: the Bog Garden, where saturated soils support a specialized community of plants found almost nowhere else nearby, and the Pollinator Garden, planted to draw in the bees, butterflies, moths, and flies that keep these systems running.

Do you have an interest in birding but aren't sure how to get started with this popular pastime? This program is for anyone who wants to learn the basics of birding and discover how easy it can be to get started. Join Maddie to learn about entry-level gear, bird ID apps, and tips and tricks […]

Join HRI and the Highlands Biological Station for an educational walk to see and learn about the Old Growth Forest in Highlands, NC. You’ll get to see one of the oldest eastern hemlocks in North America, among other magnificently large trees of all species.

Join Maddie on an interpretive hike up Whiteside Mountain in search of our resident Peregrine Falcons! While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, there is always a chance we may encounter a variety of migrating birds and other resident animals commonly seen in the Highlands area. Along the way, we’ll make observations, ask questions, discuss our […]

Join us for a calm and grounding morning to start your day off right. During this hour-long program, we will take a few quiet moments to breathe deeply, gently stretch our bodies, and explore ways we can practice mindfulness during this season of change. Location: Sto Pavilion, 111 Lower Lake Rd Leader: Maddie Wikstrom FREE | Designed […]

Ever stumbled across a skull while out on a stroll and wondered what it can tell you? Join Alex for a brief introduction to the fascinating world of bone science! Bring your questions and any skulls you’d like to have identified. Location: Sto Pavilion, 111 Lower Lake Rd Leader: Alex Waite FREE | All Ages | Registration […]