In accordance with Western Carolina University’s holiday schedule and protocol, the Highlands Biological Station will be closed to the public from Wednesday, December 24, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026. Please note that while our Botanical Gardens will remain open daily from dawn to dusk, all public facilities, offices, and indoor spaces will be closed during this time. We encourage you to plan your visit accordingly. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Station in the new year!

Join us at the Nature Center to learn about the winter wildlife found across the Highlands Plateau. Our Education Specialists will be ready to welcome folks back with engaging conversations, interesting facts about our local flora and fauna, and a self-guided “specimen search” through our botanical gardens. January 16th & 17th | 30th & 31st FREE | Drop-In, from 10 am - 3:30 pm Program provided by:

Do you think you can identify an animal by its fur? Drop in for a few minutes, or stay and pair the ‘Who’s Out There?’ activities with this hands-on opportunity to see and feel a variety of animal skins! January 16th & 17th | 30th & 31st FREE | Drop-In, from 10 am - 3:30 pm Program provided by:

Join us at the Nature Center to learn about the winter wildlife found across the Highlands Plateau. Our Education Specialists will be ready to welcome folks back with engaging conversations, interesting facts about our local flora and fauna, and a self-guided “specimen search” through our botanical gardens. January 16th & 17th | 30th & 31st FREE | Drop-In, from 10 am - 3:30 pm Program provided by:

Do you think you can identify an animal by its fur? Drop in for a few minutes, or stay and pair the ‘Who’s Out There?’ activities with this hands-on opportunity to see and feel a variety of animal skins! January 16th & 17th | 30th & 31st FREE | Drop-In, from 10 am - 3:30 pm Program provided by:

Join us at the Nature Center to learn about the winter wildlife found across the Highlands Plateau. Our Education Specialists will be ready to welcome folks back with engaging conversations, interesting facts about our local flora and fauna, and a self-guided “specimen search” through our botanical gardens. January 16th & 17th | 30th & 31st FREE | Drop-In, from 10 am - 3:30 pm Program provided by:

Do you think you can identify an animal by its fur? Drop in for a few minutes, or stay and pair the ‘Who’s Out There?’ activities with this hands-on opportunity to see and feel a variety of animal skins! January 16th & 17th | 30th & 31st FREE | Drop-In, from 10 am - 3:30 pm Program provided by:

⚠️ ❄️ The Nature center will be closed January 31st due to winter storm warnings. Stay safe everyone! Join us at the Nature Center to learn about the winter wildlife found across the Highlands Plateau. Our Education Specialists will be ready to welcome folks back with engaging conversations, interesting facts about our local flora and fauna, and a self-guided “specimen search” through our botanical gardens. January 16th & 17th | 30th & 31st FREE | Drop-In, from 10 am - 3:30 pm Program provided by:

⚠️ ❄️ The Nature center will be closed January 31st due to winter storm warnings. Stay safe everyone! Do you think you can identify an animal by its fur? Drop in for a few minutes, or stay and pair the ‘Who’s Out There?’ activities with this hands-on opportunity to see and feel a variety of animal skins! January 16th & 17th | 30th & 31st FREE | Drop-In, from 10 am - 3:30 pm Program provided by:

Join us at the Nature Center to celebrate your love for the outdoors! We will be crafting nature-themed Valentines to share and spend some time getting to know others within our community. Supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring materials you would like to share. February 13th & 14th FREE | Drop-In, from 10 am - 3:30 pm Program provided by: