Highlands Biological Station

Identification of Southern Appalachian Grasses
2022-05-16 - 2022-05-21 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Instructor: Dr. Paul McKenzie (US Fish and Wildlife Service Emeritus)
The purpose of this class is for participants to know the differences between grasses, sedges and rushes; obtain a thorough knowledge of the grass flower and variations among different grass Tribes in the SE Appalachians; have extensive practice using dichotomous keys in lab; and examine and identify grasses observed in the field using principles and concepts learned in class.
Prerequisites: None but participants who have experience using dichotomous keys in a plant identification class will be able to grasp the material sooner than those who don’t.
Cost: $500 course fee + $300 housing fee (if staying on-site)
Click here for the syllabus.

Conservation Biology
2022-05-16 08:00 - 2022-05-27 17:00 (America/Halifax) | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Instructor: Peter White (UNC – Chapel Hill)
The goal of this class is to review all the biological knowledge that is essential to conservation, ranging from genetics to populations to ecosystems and from small scales to broad ones, while focusing on the diverse and complex landscape of the Southern Appalachians. Some of the material may be review from general biology or ecology classes, albeit with new conservation-themed examples, and some will be new to you because the work in question is only carried out in a conservation context. Examples of competencies gained are the following: ability to evaluate the relative contributions of niche-environment relations and spatial-temporal constraints to biodiversity patterns and the consequence of these patterns for conservation design; understanding how genetic diversity is affected by effective population size; understanding how extinction risk is affected by the size, number, and distribution of populations; ability to construct, in a conceptual sense, population and metapopulation models; understanding concepts of ecosystem dynamics, resistance, resilience, and adaptability; ability to critically analyze modern conservation issues like invasive species, climate change and change in other ecological processes, habitat loss and fragmentation, trophic cascades, ecological restoration, and ex situ conservation. The key competency to gain is to think critically about scientific findings, to see where uncertainties and opportunities for new research lie, and to use the findings of biological science as a conservation tool box.
Prerequisites: General biology and ecology courses or permission of instructor
Click here for the syllabus.

Biology of Plethodontid Salamanders
2022-05-23 08:00 - 2022-06-03 17:00 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Instructors: Dr. Joe Pechmann (Western Carolina University) and Dr. Ken Kozak (University of Minnesota)
Stay tuned for course description and syllabus. Visit https://highlandsbiological.org/2022-academic-course-schedule/ for more information.

Fish of the Southern Appalachians
2022-05-30 - 2022-06-10 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Instructor: Dr. Mollie Cashner (Austin Peay University)
Stay tuned for course description and syllabus. Visit https://highlandsbiological.org/2022-academic-course-schedule/ for more information.

Fireflies 101
2022-06-02 19:00 - 22:00 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Dr. Luiz Silveira (WCU)
Did you know…

That fireflies are beetles?
That our planet is home to over 2,200 firefly species?
That all firefly species make light as larvae (immature stage), but many don’t do it in the adult stage?
That many fireflies can be identified by their species-specific flash pattern?
That over a dozen firefly species can be found on the Highlands Plateau?

Come join Western Carolina University entomologist Dr. Luiz Da Silveira for our first “Fireflies 101” workshop, where participants will learn about the natural history of fireflies, ways of observing and telling them apart, and what we can do to make our gardens more “glowing.” The workshop will conclude with a night walk around the Highlands Biological Station grounds and Botanical Garden, where we will learn to identify the fireflies we encounter and decipher their light-flash conversations.
Dr. Luiz Da Silveira is an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at Western Carolina University. He received his Ph.D. in Ecology at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Afterwards he worked one year as a post-doc at the University of Georgia. Luiz specializes on the taxonomy of South American fireflies and on global biogeography of the Lampyridae.
Cost: $150
Click here to register.

Vascular Flora of the Blue Ridge
2022-06-13 - 2022-06-24 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Instructor: Dr. Paul Manos (Duke University)
The course is designed for students of all sorts, professional biologists, and amateur enthusiasts. The goals are to introduce plant diversity with a community-based approach through field observations of the flora of the Blue Ridge: to emphasize basic distinguishing features among lycophytes, ferns and seed plants; to focus on field characteristics of common and rare species and their habitats; to use keys to identify species; and to better understand the ecology of the major plant communities of the region and the biogeography of the species.
Prerequisites: One course in Introductory biology or ecology, training in natural history or permission of instructor
Cost: $1000 course fee + $600 housing fee (if staying on-site)
Click here for the syllabus.

Diversity and Identification of Southern Appalachian Leaf Litter Arthropods
2022-06-20 - 2022-06-24 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Instructors: Dr. Mike Caterino (Clemson University) and Dr. Paul Marek (Virginia Tech)

A hands-on introduction to field and lab methods for the sampling and identification of arthropods living in leaf litter. Litter sifting will be practiced in multiple habitats. Following Berlese extraction of specimens, students will learn to identify the major groups and conduct preliminary comparisons of diversity among samples and habitat types.

Prerequisites: General biology required. A course in general entomology would be useful but not critical.
Cost: $500 course fee + $300 housing fee (if staying on-site).
Click here for the syllabus.

Geology of the Highlands Plateau
2022-06-23 09:00 - 18:00 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Bill Jacobs, Author of Whence These Special Places? The Geology of Cashiers, Highlands & Panthertown Valley
This workshop has grown out of Bill Jacobs’ book, Whence These Special Places? The Geology of Cashiers, Highlands & Panthertown Valley. As reflected in both the book and his talks, Bill is particularly fascinated with how geologic processes, some dating back more than 500 million years, have produced today’s mountains and waterfalls. He will discuss such questions as:
– How did the rocks in our mountains form and get to where they now are, and how has that history determined the appearance of today’s landscape?
– What created the high-elevation area we call the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau?
– Little Sliding Rock and Glen Falls are both much-loved cascades on the Plateau, but one is so smooth you can slide on it and the other is a series of jagged precipices – why the difference?
– What in the world is Shining Rock, and is there anything else like it in the world?
– Why is Rock Mountain gently rounded while nearby Chimneytop has a chimney? What gives Whiteside Mountain its unique character, with precipitous cliffs standing high above a more gently rounded base?
The workshop format will provide time for a richer discussion than is possible in shorter talks, as well as for questions and examination of rock samples and geologic maps. To close out the classroom activities, Bill will provide a “virtual field trip” to numerous nearby sites, such as Sunset Rock, Glen Falls, Little Sliding Rock, Whiteside Mountain and Devil’s Courthouse, and the Cullasaja waterfalls, to help participants better appreciate the geology on display during their future visits to these special places.
After lunch (on your own) Bill will lead an optional excursion to High Falls, below Lake Glenville Dam. At this extraordinary site, participants can examine up close how different rock groups have been complexly mixed together, and how their different characteristics are reflected in both the exposed rocks and the overall shape of the falls. (Note – this excursion requires over 600’ of elevation gain on uneven surfaces, as well as rock-hopping around the base of the falls. It should be undertaken only by experienced, confident hikers).
As in the book, Bill will use language and concepts easily understood by non-scientists, with numerous photographs and illustrations. He will also provide several handouts, and will be delighted to respond to questions, whether about the book or the geology. Signed copies of Whence These Special Places? will be available for purchase through Highlands Biological Station’s Nature Center. Additional information about both the book and its author may be found at www.GreatRockPress.com.
Cost: $60 for morning session (9am – 12pm); $100 for morning session and hike to High Falls (strenuous) in afternoon (1pm – 6pm).
Click here to register.

Landscape Ecology and Conservation of Amphibians
2022-06-27 - 2022-07-08 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Instructors: Dr. Bill Peterman (Ohio State University)
Amphibians are among the most imperiled taxa globally, with habitat loss and degradation posing the greatest threats. Landscape ecology and conservation biology provide an appropriate lens to address these threats. This course will provide an overview of landscape ecology and conservation biology principles as they pertain to amphibian ecology and life history. Students will gain an understanding of course topics through lecture, discussion of primary literature, as well as hands-on exercises and field excursions. Students will also obtain a foundational understanding of GIS technologies through lab exercises. There will be an emphasis on the salamander diversity of the Southern Appalachians and their habitats throughout the course.
Prerequisites: Zoology, Herpetology or Vertebrate Biology; Ecology or Population Biology; or permission from instructor
Cost: $1000 course fee + $600 housing fee (if staying on-site)
Click here for the syllabus.

Drawing Leaves in the Studio and Field (Part 1 of 3)
2022-06-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Margie Bauer (Natural science illustrator and artist)
This 3-part course is to improve your drawing skills when drawing leaves. While each session may be taken by itself, the skills from the previous class(es) will be used in subsequent classes. Before students apply the botanical drawing skills in each session, students will be lead through a meditation process that will help our creative side flow.
Click here for the syllabus.
Prerequisites: Basic drawing skills
Cost: $50/session
Click here to register.

Drawing Leaves in the Studio and Field (Part 2 of 3)
2022-07-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States

Comparative Temperate/Tropical Ecology
2022-07-10 - 2022-07-28 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Dr. Jim Costa (WCU/HBS) and Dr. Travis Knowles (Francis Marion University)
An introductory exploration of the ecology and biogeography of temperate-zone and tropical biodiversity hotspots, from the southern Appalachians to Andean Ecuador. Based at two mountain biological field stations (Highlands Biological Station in Highlands, NC and Wildsumaco Biological Station, Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, Ecuador), we will take a field-based comparative approach to exploring southern Appalachian and Amazonian Andean montane ecology and biogeography in the spirit of the explorer-naturalists of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. We will consider the geological context of the Appalachians and Andes, comparative biogeography / ecology of these respective regions in terms of the ecological and historical factors that shape their biota, big-picture patterns of latitudinal and elevational diversity gradients, principles of forest community structure and function, and examine comparative species composition and interactions in selected groups as well as soil structure and microbiota.
Prerequisites: Introductory Biology sequence, at least one course at the 200 level or above in Biology, Environmental Science, or Geosciences/Natural Resources Management, or permission of instructor.
Click here for the syllabus.
Stay tuned for updates regarding cost and travel information.

Southern Appalachian Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies - Session 1
2022-07-11 - 2022-07-22 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Instructor: Dr. John Morse (Clemson University Emeritus)
Please note that both sessions of this course are identical – you only need to sign up for 1 session.
Natural history and taxonomy of mayflies (Ephemeroptera), stoneflies (Plecoptera), and caddisflies (Trichoptera), including systematics, ecology, and behavior of larvae and adults, with emphasis on those aspects important in ecological studies, biological monitoring of water quality, and sport fishing. Insects will be collected from mountain stream habitats, and identifications will be done in the laboratory.

Prerequisites: Students are expected to have prior training in zoology, but not necessarily entomology.
Cost: $1000 course fee + $600 housing fee (if staying on-site)
Click here for the syllabus.

Drawing Leaves in the Studio and Leaves (Part 3 of 3)
2022-07-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States

Rock Outcrop and Cliff Face Communities
2022-07-18 - 2022-07-22 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Instructors: Laura Boggess (Mars Hill University) and Gary Kaufmann (USDA Forest Service)
This course may not be taken for graduate credit.
The Southern Appalachians are an area of high bryophyte diversity, and this course will introduce students to common and some rare mosses, liverworts, and hornworts of the region. The class will survey bryophyte diversity by visiting and sampling from a variety of habitats in the vicinity around Highlands, NC. Laboratory work will involve extensive use of microscopes, and identifications will rely on microscopic characters and use of dichotomous keys. Students will explore diagnostic features for bryophyte identification and learn common taxa in the field and closeup using microscopes. Lectures will cover differences among mosses, liverworts, and hornworts as well as morphological features used to distinguish bryophyte taxa. No prior bryology experience or studies are necessary to take the course, though students should be willing to work with microscopes and use diagnostic keys for identification in the lab. The course is geared towards botanists, natural resource professionals, naturalists, and students. Prerequisites: a botany, plant science, or plant taxonomy course or permission of instructor.
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $500 course fee + $300 housing fee (if staying on-site)
Click here for the syllabus.

Bryophyte Identification
2022-07-25 - 2022-07-29 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Instructor: Ed Schwartzman (Joe Pye Ecological Consulting)
Please note that this course may not be taken for graduate credit.
The Southern Appalachians are an area of high bryophyte diversity, and this course will introduce students to common and some rare mosses, liverworts, and hornworts of the region. The class will survey bryophyte diversity by visiting and sampling from a variety of habitats in the vicinity around Highlands, NC. Laboratory work will involve extensive use of microscopes, and identifications will rely on microscopic characters and use of dichotomous keys. Students will explore diagnostic features for bryophyte identification and learn common taxa in the field and closeup using microscopes. Lectures will cover differences among mosses, liverworts, and hornworts as well as morphological features used to distinguish bryophyte taxa. No prior bryology experience or studies are necessary to take the course, though students should be willing to work with microscopes and use diagnostic keys for identification in the lab. The course is geared towards botanists, natural resource professionals, naturalists, and students. Prerequisites: a botany, plant science, or plant taxonomy course or permission of instructor.
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $500 course fee + $300 housing fee (if staying on-site)
Click here for the syllabus.

Southern Appalachian Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies - Session 2
2022-07-25 - 2022-08-05 | NC

Lichen Identification Workshop
2022-07-29 - 2022-07-31 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Dr. Jessi Allen (EWU) and Dr. James Lendemer (NYBG)
This course will focus on lichen identification, both in the lab and in the field, including basic morphology and chemical tests, keying, and sight identification of common genera. We will also discuss the ecological and evolutionary importance of lichens.
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $300 course fee with on-site housing available for $120/person (Thursday night – Monday morning)
Click here to register.

Spiders of the Southern Appalachians
2022-08-01 - 2022-08-12 | NC
Instructors: Dr. Sarah Stellwagen (UNC – Charlotte) and Dr. Kefyn Catley (Western Carolina University Emeritus)

Spiders are one of the most diverse groups of animals, and the many different ecosystems within and surrounding the southern Appalachians provide an ideal setting for collecting and learning about these unique organisms. This course will present a comprehensive introduction to spider natural history including systematics, morphology, behavior, physiology, and ecology. Specimens will be collected during daily field trips, and identification skills practiced in the laboratory. This year, the course will also include a day which focuses on Opiliones (daddy-long-legs), a related arachnid order.

Prerequisites: general biology, ecology, or permission of instructor
Cost: $1000 course fee + $600 housing fee (if staying on-site)
Click here for the syllabus.

Mushrooms of the Carolinas and Southern Appalachian Region
2022-08-14 - 2022-08-20 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Dr. Alan Bessette and Arleen Bessette (Authors of multiple mushroom field guides)
** This workshop is currently full and has an extensive waitlist. If additional spots open up we will let the public know via social media and on our website.
This workshop will focus on the mycological diversity of North & South Carolina, and the Southern Appalachian Region. Activities will consist of lectures/presentations on topics such as (but not limited to): Identification Techniques, Major Groups of Fungi, Ecology, Edibility & Toxicity; daily field work (forays); and laboratory/class activities where participants will be introduced to the use of field keys, microscopy, documentary photographic techniques, and more. Designed for beginners wanting a solid introduction to mycology, and for more advanced individuals wishing to pursue their personal mycological interests, this workshop facilitates learning in a relaxed group setting in a unique and mycologically rich area.
Click here for the syllabus.
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $500 course fee + on-site housing for $300 per person for duration of workshop

Grasses of the Southern Appalachians
2023-05-08 - 2023-05-12 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Instructor: Dr. Paul McKenzie (USFWS, Emeritus)
This class will include a detailed description of the grass flower, inflorescence type, habitat and ecological associations, Tribal affinities, distribution, and habit differences. The class will be taught in four parts: 1) power point presentation and classroom instruction, 2) examination of important features with hand lens and dissecting scope, 3) team keying of grass specimens, and 4) field identification.
Dichotomous keys, hard copy print outs of power point presentation, and other handouts will be provided by the instructor. Tips for proper collection; processing; label development; herbaria deposition of grass specimens; and suggested websites/electronic tools helpful in grass study will also be discussed.
Suggested references/materials recommended or required (*) include the following:
1. Hand lens (*): A 16x is preferred over a 10x loupe.
2. Clark, L.G. and R.W. Pohl. Agnes Chase’s First Book of Grasses- (1996)- the Structure of grasses explained for beginners. 4th Smithsonian Books. Washington, D.C. 127 pp. This book is inexpensive and an absolute must for anyone wanting to understand grass identification.
3. “Plant Identification Terminology- An Illustrated Glossary” by James G. Harris and Melinda Woolf Harris (2001)- Second Edition. Because dichotomous keys will often use terms related to various plant structures or texture that some students are unfamiliar with, a good illustrated glossary that both defines and illustrates terms is highly recommended for any plant identification course. I have yet to find one better than this one and at $20.95 for a paper back copy from Amazon, it is a steal
Pre-requisites: None, but individuals with experience in plant taxonomy or have taken another plant identification class will grasp the material quicker.

BEE Kind | Compassion & Reciprocity: Lessons from the Pollinator Garden
2023-05-09 10:00 - 11:00 | HBS North Campus, 111 Lower Lake Road, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Tuesday, May 9th | 10 – 11 AM
Highlands Biological Station’s North Campus (111 Lower Lake Road)
FREE | No registration necessary
There are many lessons that can be gleaned from nature. Studies show that spending time in the natural world can raise our awareness of the other species that share this world with us and build our own capacity for compassion. By better understanding our role in the complex system of biodiversity we can not only bring peace and kindness to ourselves but create a ripple effect that increases our capacity to be kinder and more considerate of others. Bees and their flower partners demonstrate reciprocity and show how cooperation can lead to fruitful ventures. Join Sonya Carpenter on May 9th, at 10:00 am in the pollinator garden of the Highlands Biological Station to learn about reciprocity in the natural world.
Weather dependent.
Mental health awareness starts with kindness! This event is being held as part of BEE Kind, an initiative from the Counseling Center of Highlands and Highlands-Cashiers Health Foundation to raise awareness about the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mosquitoes of the Southern Appalachians
2023-05-15 - 2023-05-19 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Instructor: Dr. Brian Byrd (Western Carolina University)
Check back later for a description and pre-requisites.

Southern Appalachian Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies
2023-05-15 - 2023-05-26 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Instructor: Dr. John Morse
Natural history and taxonomy of mayflies (Ephemeroptera), stoneflies (Plecoptera), and caddisflies (Trichoptera), including systematics, ecology, and behavior of larvae and adults, with emphasis on those aspects important in ecological studies, biological monitoring of water quality, and sport fishing. Insects will be collected from mountain stream habitats, and identifications will be done in the laboratory.

Pre-requisites:Students are expected to have prior training in zoology, but not necessarily entomology

BEE Kind | Forest Bathing Walk (5/20)
2023-05-20 17:00 - 20:00 | HBS North Campus, 111 Lower Lake Road, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Saturday, May 20th | 5 – 8 PM | Register HERE
Highlands Biological Station’s North Campus (111 Lower Lake Road)
$20/ person | Registration required
Join Robin Hancock of Renewal by Nature for a forest bathing walk through the Highlands Botanical Garden. This rather intense, yet relaxed, practice renews us in a way that allows our inner peace and health to radiate beyond the Forest Therapy walk and positively impact our day to day experiences. In addition to the psychological and emotional benefits, Forest Therapy has a positive impact on human physiology in the form of improved biometric measures and function.
Each walk is 3 hours in length, and consists of a series of invitations crafted to encourage the participants to connect with nature through their senses. Events are rain or shine, unless the weather is threatening.

Mental health awareness starts with kindness! This event is being held as part of BEE Kind, an initiative from the Counseling Center of Highlands and Highlands-Cashiers Health Foundation to raise awareness about the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

BEE Kind | Forest Bathing Walk (5/21)
2023-05-21 09:00 - 12:00 | HBS North Campus, 111 Lower Lake Road, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Saturday, May 21st | 9 AM – 12 PM | Register HERE
Highlands Biological Station’s North Campus (111 Lower Lake Road)
$20/ person | Registration required
Join Robin Hancock of Renewal by Nature for a forest bathing walk through the Highlands Botanical Garden. This rather intense, yet relaxed, practice renews us in a way that allows our inner peace and health to radiate beyond the Forest Therapy walk and positively impact our day to day experiences. In addition to the psychological and emotional benefits, Forest Therapy has a positive impact on human physiology in the form of improved biometric measures and function.
Each walk is 3 hours in length, and consists of a series of invitations crafted to encourage the participants to connect with nature through their senses. Events are rain or shine, unless the weather is threatening.

Mental health awareness starts with kindness! This event is being held as part of BEE Kind, an initiative from the Counseling Center of Highlands and Highlands-Cashiers Health Foundation to raise awareness about the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

Pollinator Party Walk
2023-05-21 14:00 - 15:30 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Sunday, May 21 | 2 – 3:30 PM | Registration required HERE
FREE admission

This Endangered Species Day, join Mainspring Conservation Trust & Highlands Nature Center for an easy stroll through the Highlands Botanical Garden to learn about some of our endangered pollinators, from bees & wasps to butterflies & moths!
Meet at the Highlands Nature Center (930 Horse Cove Road).

Introduction to Plant Ecophysiology in the Southern Appalachian Mountains
2023-05-22 - 2023-06-02 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Instructor: Dr. Howie Neufeld (Appalachian State University)
A short course on basic plant ecophysiology instrumentation and techniques, designed for beginners and advanced students alike. Students will learn the operating principles behind plant gas exchange (photosynthesis and transpiration), pigment extraction, and plant-water relations. This will include measuring plant water stress and hydraulics, which is how plants move liquid water in their stems. Students will become proficient in the use of portable gas exchange systems, pressure chambers for measuring water stress, hydraulic conductance systems, and fluorescence systems for measuring leaf stress. Much of the course will be field-based and measurements will be done on native plants in the lab and field; weather permitting, students will take field trips to different plant habitats in the Southern Appalachians and learn about the environmental factors governing growth and survival in these unique areas. After mastering the instrumentation and theory during the first week, students will work in groups to plan and conduct a field experiment during the second week, the results of which will be presented at a mini symposium at the conclusion of the course.
Pre-requisites: Students must have completed the introductory biology sequence at their institution

NCN: Salamander Meander (Members Only)
2023-05-26 21:00 - 22:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Friday, May 26 | 9 – 10 PM
Limited spaces | Registration required HERE (registration opens Monday, May 22)
FREE admission, donation appreciated

Kick off Highlands Nature Center’s summer season by searching for salamanders in the Botanical Garden! Discover strange and fascinating facts about our slimy amphibian friends, then join our Education Specialists on a walk through the gardens to find local species. Please bring a flashlight for this adventure! We will meet in the amphitheater behind the Nature Center (930 Horse Cove Road). This program is weather-dependent.

NatureTime StoryTime
2023-05-29 10:30 - 11:15 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
May 29 | June 12 | June 19 | June 26
10:30 AM
Highlands Nature Center
FREE | No registration necessary
Join local storyteller Ms. KK at the Highlands Nature Center as she reads fun books and sings silly songs all about the great outdoors. After the StoryTime fun, Ms. KK will take you on an interactive adventure walk! This program is geared towards elementary-aged children, but all nature explorers are welcome. New Nature Themes each week (such as): Cute Critters, Buggin’ Out, Frogs & Reptiles Oh My!, Going Camping, and More!
About Ms. KK:
A beloved storyteller, Ms. KK always puts her heart, energy, and infectious personality into every performance. Her enthusiasm and overall love of books is contagious. Ms. KK believes that when you open a book it opens up a world with endless possibilities. Whether she is performing virtually or in person, Ms. KK will make sure everyone has fun! Honestly, if I can make a child smile it makes my whole heart shine. Ms. KK taps into her former acting, improv, and voice-over skills as well as my years as a storyteller on YouTube and in Public libraries, to make every performance full of fun and joy!
