Spiders of the Southern Appalachians

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 […]

Mushrooms of the Carolinas and Southern Appalachian Region

Highlands Biological Station 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 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 […]

Grasses of the Southern Appalachians

Highlands Biological Station 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 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, […]

BEE Kind | Compassion & Reciprocity: Lessons from the Pollinator Garden

HBS North Campus 111 Lower Lake Road, Highlands, NC, 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 […]

Free

Mosquitoes of the Southern Appalachians

Highlands Biological Station 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, United States

Instructor: Dr. Brian Byrd (Western Carolina University) Check back later for a description and pre-requisites.

Southern Appalachian Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies

Highlands Biological Station 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 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 […]

BEE Kind | Forest Bathing Walk (5/20)

HBS North Campus 111 Lower Lake Road, Highlands, NC, 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 […]

$20

BEE Kind | Forest Bathing Walk (5/21)

HBS North Campus 111 Lower Lake Road, Highlands, NC, 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 […]

$20

Pollinator Party Walk

Highlands Nature Center

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 […]

Free

NCN: Salamander Meander (Members Only)

Highlands Nature Center

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 […]

Free