Highlands Biological Station

Conservation Biology in the Southern Appalachians
2026-07-20 - 2026-07-31 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
4 Credit Hours
July 20–31, 2026
Instructors: Dr. Christopher B. Mowry, Berry College
Conservation biology is a multidisciplinary science devoted to understanding and safeguarding Earth’s biodiversity—a field that is both inspiring in its discoveries and sobering in its urgency. Nowhere is this duality more evident than in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, one of the world’s recognized biodiversity hotspots. Students in this course will encounter the region’s remarkable species richness firsthand while exploring the ecological, social, and management complexities that shape modern conservation efforts.
Course Overview
Classroom lessons will be directly connected to field experiences in nearby forests, coves, bogs, and bottomlands. Students will engage with a range of core topics, including:
Patterns, distribution, and measurement of biodiversity
Population modeling and extinction vulnerability
Climate change impacts and adaptation
Habitat loss, fragmentation, and connectivity
Overexploitation, invasive species, and disease
Endangered species management
In situ and ex situ conservation strategies
The roles of local, national, and international conservation organizations
Throughout the course, students will gain exposure to practitioners and researchers whose expertise and on-the-ground experience illuminate real-world conservation challenges and solutions.
Format & Expectations
Each day will combine lecture-based instruction with field and laboratory activities. The schedule will remain flexible to accommodate weather conditions and guest collaborators, but students should plan for 7–8 hours per day of engagement in class and/or field settings. Lectures will be supplemented with visual tools—including presentations, news stories, online resources, and selected films—while hands-on learning will include:
Field site visits and case studies
Computer modeling exercises
Compilation of a biodiversity journal
Written lab assignments submitted through Canvas
Who Should Enroll
This course is designed primarily for upper-level undergraduates majoring in biology, environmental science, or related fields who have—or wish to develop—a strong foundation in organismal and ecological biology. A working knowledge of basic ecological and evolutionary principles is recommended; however, students at other stages in their academic careers are encouraged to contact the instructor with questions. The course is also open to lifelong learners and those seeking CEUs or CECs.

Spiders of the Southern Appalachians
2026-07-20 - 2026-07-31 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
4 Credit Hours
July 20–31, 2026
Instructors: Dr. Sarah Stellwagen, UNC–Charlotte & Dr. Alex Sweger, Hartwick College
This course offers an immersive introduction to spider systematics, morphology, behavior, physiology, and ecology. Each day begins with morning and/or evening lectures and discussions that build a comprehensive foundation in arachnology.
Afternoons are dedicated to fieldwork across the Southern Appalachians, with the goal of assembling a substantial collection of the region’s remarkably diverse spider fauna while observing ecological interactions and behavioral patterns. Students typically encounter 28–30 spider families during the course.
Evenings provide focused time in the lab for species identification and collection work, and students are expected to devote sufficient time to developing their taxonomic skills. The course also incorporates spider videos, informal discussions, and opportunities to explore a variety of topics in spider biology and evolution.
Lecture and discussion sessions will cover:
An introduction to spiders, including family-level diversity and collecting techniques
External morphology and characters used in identification
Spider systematics, phylogeny, paleontology, and the history of spider taxonomy
Behavior, ecology, and biodiversity
Internal morphology and physiology, including digestion, toxins, pheromones, and silk chemistry and production
Designed for students, researchers, and naturalists alike, this course provides a deep and hands-on understanding of one of the most ecologically significant—and often overlooked—groups in the Southern Appalachians.

Wild Encounters
2026-07-21 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Halifax) | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Meet and learn about some interesting resident wild creatures that live in the fields, forests, and other habitats here in western North Carolina.
This program features Carlton Burke of Carolina Mountain Naturalists.
This program features Carlton Burke of Carolina Mountain Naturalists.
All ages welcome
Weather dependent
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://highlandsbiological.org/naturecenternights/#july-21
Free Nature Center programming provided by Highlands Biological Foundation.

Science on the Rocks: Glow Worms of the Highlands Plateau
2026-07-22 16:00 - 17:00 | Weyman Building, 265 N 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Science on the Rocks: Glow Worms of the Highlands Plateau📅 Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 4:00 PM📍 Weyman, Highlands Biological StationFree and open to the public
Join Highlands Biological Station for an informal Science on the Rocks conversation with Heather Pratt about the fascinating glow worms of the Highlands Plateau.
These tiny bioluminescent insects bring a little nighttime magic to our forests, using their natural glow as part of their life cycle. Heather will share more about their biology, behavior, and ecology, including where they can be found, why they glow, and what these remarkable organisms can teach us about the hidden lives of insects after dark.
Come curious, bring your questions, and settle in for a relaxed evening of science and conversation at HBS. Attendees are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice.
Presenter: Heather PrattTopic: Glow Worms of the Highlands PlateauLocation: Weyman, Highlands Biological Station

André Michaux in North America: Revealing the Botanical Treasures of the Carolinas
2026-07-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Zahner Conservation Lecture 6
Featured Speaker
Dana Beach, Founder and former Executive Director, SC Coastal Conservation League, Board Member, Butler Parklands
Date: Thursday, July 23
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Cost: FREE | No registration required
Learn more: https://highlandsbiological.org/foundation/events/zahnerlectures/#andre-michaux
Sponsored by Ruthie & Berry Edwards
Organized by Highlands Biological Foundation

MAPS Bird Banding at HBS | July 27
2026-07-27 05:00 - 13:00 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
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 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.

Visitors 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.
Location: Highlands Biological Station / Cook Pavilion

Cost: 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.

Botany Bootcamp
2026-07-27 09:00 - 16:00 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Botany Bootcamp
July 27, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Instructor: Dr. Paul Manos, Duke University
Botany Bootcamp is an engaging, hands-on workshop designed to introduce participants to the remarkable diversity of plant life found on the Highlands Plateau. Hosted at the Highlands Biological Station, this immersive day blends short lectures with interactive activities to build a foundational understanding of botany in a relaxed and supportive learning environment.
Throughout the workshop, participants will explore key botanical concepts while examining the structure, form, and growth habits of common native plants found on the Station’s grounds. With guidance from Dr. Paul Manos, participants will learn how botanists observe plants, identify important structures, and recognize patterns that help distinguish different plant groups.
Activities may include:
• Examining plant structures and forms using hand lenses and microscopes
• Sketching flowers, leaves, and other plant features to sharpen observational skills
• Discussing plant adaptations and growth patterns
• Exploring native plants growing on the Highlands Biological Station campus
• Learning the basics of plant identification and botanical terminology
This workshop is designed for beginners and plant enthusiasts alike. No prior botanical experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to look closely at the plants around us.
Whether you are a nature lover, gardener, artist, educator, or simply interested in learning more about the plants of the Southern Appalachians, Botany Bootcamp offers a fun and accessible introduction to the world of botany.
Join us for a day of discovery as we magnify tiny plant details, practice careful observation, and deepen our appreciation for the incredible diversity of plants on the Highlands Plateau.

Please Bring
• Binoculars if you have them (loaner pairs will be available if needed)
• A lightweight Crazy Creek–style camp chair or small foam pad for sitting
• Weather-appropriate layers and comfortable outdoor footwear

Summer Soirée at Flat Mountain Farm
2026-07-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Flat Mountain Farm, 1359 Flat Mountain Rd, Highlands, 28741, United States
Join the Highlands Biological Foundation for our most anticipated night of the year — the Summer Soirée at Flat Mountain Farm — our largest annual fundraiser in support of biological research and education in the southern Appalachians.

Learn more & purchase tickets here: https://highlandsbiological.org/soiree2026/
Tickets on sale in June 16th.

Salamander Meander
2026-07-28 20:00 - 21:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Venture out after dark in search of one of the Plateau’s most elusive amphibians! Join our Naturalists as we explore cool, damp habitats and uncover the quiet lives of salamanders and the important role they play in our forest ecosystem.
All ages welcome
Weather dependent
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://highlandsbiological.org/naturecenternights/#july-28
Free Nature Center programming provided by Highlands Biological Foundation.

Science on the Rocks: Conservation Research on Kral’s Water Plantain
2026-07-29 16:00 - 17:00 | Weyman Building, 265 N 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Science on the Rocks: Conservation Research on Kral’s Water Plantain📅 Wednesday, July 29, 2026 | 4:00 PM📍 Weyman, Highlands Biological StationFree and open to the public
Join Grant-in-Aid researcher Jake Thompson for an informal Science on the Rocks conversation about Kral’s water plantain (Sagittaria secundifolia), a threatened aquatic plant with an important conservation story.
Jake’s research focuses on the propagation, growth, and reproduction of this rare species, helping build a better understanding of what it needs to survive and how conservation efforts might support its future.
Come curious, bring your questions, and settle in for a relaxed evening of science and conversation at HBS. Attendees are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice.
Presenter: Jake Thompson, Grant-in-Aid ResearcherTopic: Conservation research on Kral’s water plantainLocation: Weyman, Highlands Biological Station

Connecting Appalachia: Wildlife Connectivity, Corridors, and Road Crossings
2026-07-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Zahner Conservation Lecture 7
Featured Speaker
Liz Hillard, PhD, Senior Wildlife Biologist-Appalachian Region for Wildlands Network
Date: Thursday, July 30
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Cost: FREE | No registration required
Learn more: https://highlandsbiological.org/foundation/events/zahnerlectures/#connecting-appalachia
Sponsored by Lori & Ed Heys
Organized by Highlands Biological Foundation

Macrofungi of the Blue Ridge
2026-08-03 - 2026-08-14 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
4 Credit Hours
August 3–14, 2026
Instructors: Dr. Rachel Swenie, Harvard University
This hands-on course introduces students to the collection, identification, and diversity of macrofungi—including mushrooms—of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains.
Students will develop skills in field collection, morphological and anatomical identification, and specimen preservation for continued study.
Lecture and discussion topics include:
The biology of the mushroom lifecycle
Ecological roles of fungi
Fungal diversity and evolutionary relationships
Documenting and preserving field specimens
DNA barcoding methods
Each day includes a morning field trip followed by an afternoon lecture and laboratory session. In the lab, students will examine and identify collections using morphological analysis and dichotomous keys. Microscopes and chemical reagents will be available for accurate species determinations.
Fungal specimens will be dried and labeled for herbarium preservation, and the lab will remain open in the evenings for additional study and exploration.

Millipede Night Crawl
2026-08-04 20:00 - 21:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Creep into the nighttime world of one of the forest’s most fascinating decomposers! Join our Naturalists for a closer look at millipedes as we explore the forest floor and discover how these many-legged creatures play an important role in keeping our ecosystem healthy.
All ages welcome
Weather dependent
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://highlandsbiological.org/naturecenternights/#august-4
Free Nature Center programming provided by Highlands Biological Foundation.

Science on the Rocks: The Hidden Chemical World of Salamanders
2026-08-05 16:00 - 17:00 | Weyman Building, 265 N 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Science on the Rocks: The Hidden Chemical World of Salamanders📅 Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 4:00 PM📍 Weyman, Highlands Biological StationFree and open to the public
Join Grant-in-Aid researcher Paul Nicolosi for an informal Science on the Rocks conversation about the hidden chemical world of salamanders.
Paul’s research focuses on the functional characterization of chemosensory secretions in plethodontid salamanders, offering a fascinating look at how these lungless amphibians use chemical signals to interact with their environment and with one another.
Come curious, bring your questions, and settle in for a relaxed evening of science and conversation at HBS. Attendees are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice.
Presenter: Paul Nicolosi, Grant-in-Aid ResearcherTopic: SalamandersLocation: Weyman, Highlands Biological Station

MAPS Bird Banding at HBS | August 6
2026-08-06 05:00 - 13:00 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States

Plastic Pollution on the Plateau: An Overview of Microplastics Research in the Southern Appalachians
2026-08-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Zahner Conservation Lecture 8
Featured Speaker
Jason Love, Associate Director of Highlands Biological Station, Western Carolina University
Date: Thursday, August 6
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Cost: FREE | No registration required
Learn more: https://highlandsbiological.org/foundation/events/zahnerlectures/#plastic-pollution
Sponsored by Paul Manos & Diane Lennox
Organized by Highlands Biological Foundation

Science on the Rocks: Darwin, Wallace, and the Making of The Descent of Man
2026-08-12 16:00 - 17:00 | Weyman Building, 265 N 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
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 new book.
In this engaging final talk of the season, Dr. Costa will explore the scientific, historical, and personal forces that helped shape Charles Darwin’s The Descent of Man. The talk will trace the intellectual world of Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, examining how their ideas on evolution, natural selection, and humanity developed, overlapped, and diverged.
Drawing from his new book, Dr. Costa will share insights into the history of evolutionary thought, the correspondence and debates that shaped the era, and the “mountain of facts” Darwin worked to organize into one of his most significant works.
Come curious, bring your questions, and settle in for an informal evening of science, history, and conversation at HBS. Attendees are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice.
Presenter: Dr. Jim CostaTopic: Darwin, Wallace, and the making of The Descent of ManLocation: Weyman, Highlands Biological Station
