Highlands Biological Station

Botany Bootcamp
2026-06-01 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax) | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Botany Bootcamp
June 1, 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

Millipede Night Crawl
2026-06-02 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/#june-2
Free Nature Center programming provided by Highlands Biological Foundation.

Paper Botanicals – Fraser’s Magnolia
2026-06-04 09:00 - 15:30 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Paper Botanicals – Fraser’s Magnolia
June 4, 2026, 9:00AM – 3:30PM
Instructor: Cynthia Woodsong
Celebrate the beauty of one of the Southern Appalachians’ most distinctive trees in this hands-on botanical art workshop focused on Fraser’s Magnolia (Magnolia fraseri).
The workshop will begin with a short introduction to Fraser’s Magnolia led by Dr. James Costa, Executive Director of Highlands Biological Station. Participants will learn about the natural history, ecology, and identifying characteristics of this remarkable tree species.
Following the introduction, the group will take a short walk on the Highlands Biological Station grounds to observe Fraser’s Magnolia in its natural setting. Participants will receive a checklist of botanical features to look for as they examine the tree closely, encouraging careful observation of leaf shape, flower structure, and other identifying details.
After returning indoors, botanical artist Cynthia Woodsong will guide participants through the process of creating a detailed paper replica of a blooming Fraser’s Magnolia branch. Using carefully prepared materials and step-by-step instruction, participants will construct their own botanical sculpture while learning techniques used to create accurate plant replicas.
This workshop combines field observation, natural history, and artistic practice, offering a unique opportunity to study a native plant and then recreate it through craft.
Participants will leave with:
• A completed paper Fraser’s Magnolia branch
• A deeper understanding of the plant’s botanical features
• New skills in botanical paper craft and observation
All materials and tools will be provided, and no previous experience working with paper or botanical art is required.

About the Instructor
Cynthia Woodsong is a North Carolina Master Naturalist with a certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration from the North Carolina Botanical Garden at UNC Chapel Hill. Her work focuses on creating paper replicas of flowering plants native to the southeastern United States, rendered with careful botanical accuracy.
These paper plants may be displayed in clay pots or incorporated into botanical plates created in watercolor or colored pencil.
Cynthia’s work can be viewed at woodsongbotanicals.org and at the North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

MAPS Bird Banding at HBS | June 5
2026-06-05 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.

Rock Outcrop and Cliff Ecology
2026-06-08 - 2026-06-12 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
2 Credit Hours
June 8–12, 2026
Instructors: Dr. Laura Boggess, Mars Hill University & Mr. Gary Kauffman, USFS (Emeritus)
Cliffs and rock outcrops are among the most striking and ecologically distinctive landscapes in the Southern Appalachians. These environments support rare, endemic, and specialized species shaped by extreme conditions and long-term geological processes—yet they remain understudied, in part due to their inaccessibility.
Highlands Biological Station lies within one of the most rugged and geologically diverse regions of the Appalachians, offering access to unique communities such as high-elevation granitic domes, rocky summits, cliffs, and montane red cedar woodlands.
In this weeklong, field-intensive course, we will explore the emerging field of cliff ecology and conservation. Most of our time will be spent outdoors, developing field skills, observing species assemblages, and examining how organisms interact with one another and with their physical environment. Through complementary lectures, readings, and discussions, we will consider the natural history of these ecosystems, the ways humans engage with them, and how we can shift our relationship toward stewardship and reciprocity.
By the end of the course, you will have built a strong foundation in cliff and outcrop ecology, connected with a community of like-minded peers, and deepened your relationship with the distinctive landscapes of the Southern Appalachians.

Salamander Meander
2026-06-09 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/#june-9
Free Nature Center programming provided by Highlands Biological Foundation.

Science on the Rocks: Microplastics in Big Brown Bats
2026-06-10 16:00 - 17:00 | Weyman Building, 265 N 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Science on the Rocks: Microplastics in Big Brown Bats📍 Weyman, Highlands Biological Station
Kick off the Science on the Rocks series with Grant-in-Aid researcher Rachel Price for a relaxed conversation about microplastics in Big Brown Bats and the influence of urbanization.
Rachel’s research explores whether county-level urbanization is associated with the presence of microplastics in bat organs, offering a closer look at how human activity may leave traces in wildlife in unexpected ways.
Come curious, bring your questions, and join us for an informal evening of science and conversation at HBS.
Presenter: Rachel Price, Grant-in-Aid ResearcherTopic: Microplastics in Big Brown Bats and the Influence of UrbanizationLocation: Weyman, Highlands Biological Station

Weird and Underappreciated Arthropods of North Carolina
2026-06-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Zahner Conservation Lecture 1
Featured Speaker
Dr. Matt Bertone, Entomologist and Director, NC State Plant Disease and Insect Clinic (NCSU)
Date: Thursday, June 11
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Cost: FREE | No registration required
Learn more: https://highlandsbiological.org/foundation/events/zahnerlectures/#arthropods
Sponsored by Vicki and Donny Ferguson
Organized by Highlands Biological Foundation

The Biology and Conservation of Birds
2026-06-15 - 2026-06-26 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
4 Credit Hours
June 15–26, 2026
Instructors: Dr. Rob Bierregaard, Acadamy of Natural Sciences/Drexel University (Retired)
This two-week intensive course offers a comprehensive introduction to avian biology, behavior, and conservation, grounded in both field experience and laboratory study. Mornings are spent on field excursions where students will develop bird identification skills by sight and sound while observing and interpreting behavior—examining not just what birds are doing, but why they do it.
Afternoon sessions begin with lectures covering key themes in ornithology, including the evolutionary diversification of birds, avian communication through songs and displays, migration ecology, and contemporary conservation challenges. Students will then synthesize their morning field observations and engage in hands-on laboratory work using study specimens, skeletal materials, raptor migration datasets, and their own field-recorded audio.
By the end of the course, students will build strong identification skills, deepen their understanding of avian ecology and evolution, and gain practical experience with the tools and methods used in modern ornithological research.

MAPS Bird Banding at HBS | June 15
2026-06-15 05:00 - 13:00 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States

Amphibian Diversity & Biogeography Workshop
2026-06-15 09:00 - 2026-06-16 17:00 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Amphibian Diversity & Biogeography Workshop
June 15–16, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Daily
Instructor: Patrick Brannon
The Southern Appalachian Mountains are home to one of the greatest concentrations of salamander diversity in the world. This two-day workshop introduces participants to the remarkable amphibian species of the region while exploring the ecological and biogeographical patterns that shape their distribution.
Through a combination of lectures, field exploration, and hands-on activities, participants will learn to identify frogs and salamanders, investigate their habitats, and examine the environmental factors that contribute to the extraordinary diversity found in these mountains.

Day One: Highlands Biological Station
The first day will take place at Highlands Biological Station and will focus on foundational knowledge and field observation.
Participants will:
• Learn to identify frog species by both sight and sound
• Explore the biology and life history of salamanders
• Discuss why the Southern Appalachians support such exceptional salamander diversity
• Search for stream and terrestrial salamanders on the Station grounds
• Investigate microhabitat use and local stream communities
Activities will include a frog lecture and call-identification lab, field searches for frogs and salamanders, and a hands-on stream communities lab examining habitat relationships.
Lunch: Participants should bring their own lunch.

Day Two: Standing Indian Campground Field Trip
On the second day, participants will travel to Standing Indian Campground, located west of Franklin near the Appalachian Trail. Transportation will be provided via an HBS van.
During this field-based exploration, participants will examine the ecological gradients and microhabitats that influence amphibian distributions across the landscape.
Activities may include:
• Studying coarse woody debris and its role in salamander habitat and decomposition processes
• Examining microhabitats and distributional gradients of terrestrial salamanders
• Observing differences in species assemblages across the landscape
• Discussing mimicry and hybridization in regional salamander populations
• Hiking moderate trails to observe amphibians in their natural habitats
Participants will visit the Wasilik Poplar Trail to observe salamander diversity and potential hybrid populations while discussing the biogeographical forces that shape amphibian communities.
The day will conclude with a return to Highlands Biological Station by approximately 5:00 PM.

Physical Requirements
Participants should be in good physical condition for moderate hiking on uneven forest trails.

Please Bring
• Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear
• A sack lunch for both days
• A water bottle
• Field notebook and pencil (recommended)

What Bat is That?
2026-06-16 20:00 - 21:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Stretch your wings and tune into the sounds of the many special bats of the Highlands area! Join our Naturalists on a walk through the Botanical Garden to watch them in flight.
All ages welcome
Weather dependent
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://highlandsbiological.org/naturecenternights/#june-16
Free Nature Center programming provided by Highlands Biological Foundation.

The Nature of Drawing: A Naturalist’s Sketchbook
2026-06-17 10:00 - 16:00 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
The Nature of Drawing: A Naturalist’s Sketchbook
June 17, 2026
Instructor: Preston Montague
Discover the art of observation and storytelling through the naturalist’s sketchbook in this creative, hands-on workshop led by artist, educator, and landscape architect Preston Montague.
The naturalist’s sketchbook has long been a powerful tool for scientists, artists, and explorers to document the living world. In this workshop, participants will learn how drawing and note-taking can deepen our understanding of nature while capturing meaningful moments in the landscape.
Through guided exercises and outdoor observation, participants will learn foundational techniques for recording what they see using simple materials such as pen, pencil, and colored pencils. The focus is not on perfect drawings, but on developing careful observation skills and learning how sketches can tell stories about the natural world.
During the workshop, participants will:
• Practice observational drawing techniques
• Learn how to record notes and visual details in a naturalist’s sketchbook
• Explore ways to combine art and storytelling in nature journaling
• Build confidence in sketching plants, landscapes, and natural forms
• Develop a personal approach to documenting nature through art
This workshop is designed for beginners, though participants with intermediate drawing experience are also welcome. Whether you are new to drawing or looking to deepen your practice, the naturalist’s sketchbook offers a rewarding way to slow down and observe the world around you.
Participants will leave with new techniques for nature journaling and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural landscape.

Materials to Bring
Participants should bring the following materials:
• Sketchbook (Strathmore brand, 5.5″ × 8.5″ preferred)
• Colored pencils (Faber-Castell Polychromos 12 or 24 pack preferred)
• #2 pencils (Ticonderoga preferred)
• Pencil sharpener
• Sharpie ultra-fine pens

About the Instructor
Preston Montague is an artist, educator, and landscape architect who developed his love for the natural world in the rural foothills of Virginia. Based in Durham, North Carolina, Preston focuses on projects that inspire curiosity about nature and foster deeper connections between people and their environment.
His latest work, Codex Carolinum, is a collection of didactic botanical illustrations that blend art and storytelling to promote natural science literacy.

Story: Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, Conservation, and the Science Inside the Nest
2026-06-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Zahner Conservation Lecture 2
Featured Speaker
Lauren D. Pharr, Ph.D., Postgraduate Researcher, North Carolina State University
Date: Thursday, June 18
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Cost: FREE | No registration required
Learn more: https://highlandsbiological.org/foundation/events/zahnerlectures/#woodpeckers
Sponsored by Jennie Stowers
Organized by Highlands Biological Foundation

Southern Appalachian Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies: Session 1
2026-06-21 - 2026-07-02 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
4 Credit Hours
June 21–July 2
Instructors: Session 1: Dr. John Morse, Clemson University & Dr. Alexander Orfinger, Dalton State College. Session 2: Dr. John Morse, Clemson University & Dr. Kelly Murray-Stoker, Emory University
Cost: $1,000.00
This immersive, two-week course provides a comprehensive introduction to the natural history, evolution, and taxonomy of the three major aquatic insect orders used in freshwater bioassessment: mayflies (Ephemeroptera), stoneflies (Plecoptera), and caddisflies (Trichoptera). Through a combination of several field excursions to Appalachian mountain streams and focused laboratory identification sessions, students will develop the skills needed to recognize EPT larvae—typically to at least genus—and adults to family level.
Course topics include systematics, morphology, behavioral and physiological adaptations for freshwater life, and the ecological roles of EPT taxa in stream ecosystems. Fieldwork emphasizes diverse collecting techniques across multiple stream orders, while laboratory sessions provide structured practice with diagnostic characters and curated identification resources. Throughout the course, students engage with the principles that make EPT taxa foundational to ecological monitoring, water-quality assessment, and aquatic biodiversity research.
Ideal for students in ecology, entomology, environmental science, or freshwater biology, this course offers the rare opportunity to build taxonomic expertise through intensive hands-on training in one of the most biodiverse regions of the Southern Appalachians.

Salamander Meander
2026-06-23 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/#june-23
Free Nature Center programming provided by Highlands Biological Foundation.

HBF 2026 Annual Member Meeting
2026-06-24 15:00 - 16:00 | HBS North Campus, 111 Lower Lake Road, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Highlands Biological Foundation Members
Wednesday, June 24 | 3:00 PM
John ‘Sto’ Stowers Teaching Pavilion
111 Lower Lake Rd
HBF members are invited to attend the Annual Membership Meeting of the Highlands Biological Foundation on Wednesday, June 25th at 3:00 PM. The meeting will take place in person at the John ‘Sto’ Stowers Teaching Pavilion at the Highlands Biological Station (111 Lower Lake Road).
As the date approaches, you’ll find the meeting agenda and materials available HERE.
During the meeting, HBF members will vote to elect new trustees. To get to know this year’s nominees, please follow the link below. We’re excited to reflect on the Foundation’s accomplishments over the past year and share what’s ahead!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to HBF Executive Director, Jamie Creola, at jamie@highlandsbiological.org.

Science on the Rocks: Batpack AT
2026-06-24 16:00 - 17:00 | Weyman Building, 265 N 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Science on the Rocks: Batpack AT📅 Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | 4:00 PM📍 Weyman, Highlands Biological Station
Join HBS Research Assistant Nicci Barrett for a relaxed conversation about bat research and fieldwork at Highlands Biological Station.
This Science on the Rocks gathering will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the tools, questions, and discoveries connected to studying bats in the Southern Appalachians, including the work behind Batpack AT.
Come curious, bring your questions, and settle in for an informal evening of science and conversation at HBS.
Presenter: Nicci Barrett, Research AssistantTopic: Batpack ATLocation: Weyman, Highlands Biological Station

The Blue Wall: What we know--and don't know--about southern Appalachia's enigmatic weather-making landform
2026-06-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Zahner Conservation Lecture 3
Featured Speaker
Philip S. Prince, Ph.D., Project Geologist, Appalachian Landslide Consultants, PLLC, Virginia Tech Department of Geosciences
Date: Thursday, June 25
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Cost: FREE | No registration required
Learn more: https://highlandsbiological.org/foundation/events/zahnerlectures/#blue-wall
Sponsored by Suzanne & Don Duggan, Ruthie & Franko Oliver, Margaret Waters, Adele & Nick Scielzo, and Florence & Tom Holmes
Organized by Highlands Biological Foundation

MAPS Bird Banding at HBS | June 26
2026-06-26 05:00 - 13:00 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States

Owls: Masters of the Night
2026-06-30 18:30 - 19:30 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
These mysterious birds of prey are seldom seen due to their elusive and nocturnal lifestyle. Meet some live owls and learn about their fascinating lives and unique adaptations.
This program features Carlton Burke of Carolina Mountain Naturalists.
All ages welcome
Weather dependent
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://highlandsbiological.org/naturecenternights/#june-30
Free Nature Center programming provided by Highlands Biological Foundation.

Science on the Rocks: What Trees Can Tell Us
2026-07-01 16:00 - 17:00 | Weyman Building, 265 N 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Science on the Rocks: What Trees Can Tell Us📅 Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 4:00 PM📍 Weyman, Highlands Biological StationFree and open to the public
What can trees tell us about the past? Join Liam Stiefel, University Program Associate at Highlands Biological Station, for an informal Science on the Rocks conversation focused on dendrochronology — the science of using tree rings to better understand history, climate, forest growth, and environmental change.
This relaxed gathering is a great opportunity to learn how trees serve as living records of the landscapes around us.
Come curious, bring your questions, and settle in for an evening of science and conversation at HBS.
Presenter: Liam Stiefel, University Program AssociateTopic: DendrochronologyLocation: Weyman, Highlands Biological Station

Biology of Southern Appalachian Mammals
2026-07-06 - 2026-07-17 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
4 Credit Hours
July 6–17, 2026
Instructor: Dr. Catherine Haase, Associate Professor, Department of Biology; Principal Investigator, Center of Excellence for Field Biology, Austin Peay State University
Explore the remarkable diversity of mammals that call the Southern Appalachian Mountains home. This intensive field course blends lecture, laboratory, and hands-on field experiences to immerse students in the biology, ecology, and conservation of regional mammalian species.
Students will study the defining characteristics, taxonomy, and adaptations of major mammalian Orders and Families—paying particular attention to those species most representative of the Southern Appalachians. In the lab, participants will work with museum specimens such as skulls and skins to develop identification and diagnostic skills while learning key terminology in anatomy and morphology.
Field components of the course will introduce essential wildlife research techniques, including live-trapping with Sherman traps, mark-recapture studies, and radio telemetry for tracking movement and population ecology. Students will collect, analyze, and interpret field data that reflect professional research practices in mammalogy and conservation biology.
Lecture topics will cover mammalian physiology, metabolism and thermoregulation, reproductive strategies, environmental adaptations, feeding ecology, spatial behavior, and the conservation challenges facing Appalachian mammal populations. Assessments include a lab practical, a lecture exam, and an oral presentation focusing on a unique adaptation that enables a mammalian species to thrive in this biodiverse region.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Identify local mammal species and understand their ecological and physiological adaptations
Apply analytical and field techniques to evaluate habitat use and population dynamics
Gain practical experience that builds a foundation for careers in wildlife biology, ecology, and conservation science
This course offers a comprehensive and immersive introduction to mammalogy and field ecology within one of North America’s most biologically rich mountain regions.

Southern Appalachian Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies: Session 2
2026-07-06 - 2026-07-17 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
4 Credit Hours
July 6-17, 2026
Instructors: Session 1: Dr. John Morse, Clemson University & Dr. Alexander Orfinger, Dalton State College. Session 2: Dr. John Morse, Clemson University & Dr. Kelly Murray-Stoker, Emory University
This immersive, two-week course provides a comprehensive introduction to the natural history, evolution, and taxonomy of the three major aquatic insect orders used in freshwater bioassessment: mayflies (Ephemeroptera), stoneflies (Plecoptera), and caddisflies (Trichoptera). Through a combination of several field excursions to Appalachian mountain streams and focused laboratory identification sessions, students will develop the skills needed to recognize EPT larvae—typically to at least genus—and adults to family level.
Course topics include systematics, morphology, behavioral and physiological adaptations for freshwater life, and the ecological roles of EPT taxa in stream ecosystems. Fieldwork emphasizes diverse collecting techniques across multiple stream orders, while laboratory sessions provide structured practice with diagnostic characters and curated identification resources. Throughout the course, students engage with the principles that make EPT taxa foundational to ecological monitoring, water-quality assessment, and aquatic biodiversity research.
Ideal for students in ecology, entomology, environmental science, or freshwater biology, this course offers the rare opportunity to build taxonomic expertise through intensive hands-on training in one of the most biodiverse regions of the Southern Appalachians.

Salamander Meander
2026-07-07 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-7
Free Nature Center programming provided by Highlands Biological Foundation.

Science on the Rocks: Woodland Salamanders
2026-07-08 16:00 - 17:00 | Weyman Building, 265 N 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Science on the Rocks: Woodland Salamanders📅 Wednesday, July 8, 2026 | 4:00 PM📍 Weyman, Highlands Biological StationFree and open to the public
Join Grant-in-Aid researchers David Adams and Evangeline Bradley for an informal Science on the Rocks conversation focused on woodland salamanders.
David’s work integrates physiology with long-term mark-recapture data to better understand salamander population demography, while Evie’s research tests pace-of-life syndrome predictions in woodland salamanders.
Together, their projects offer a deeper look at how physiology, behavior, and long-term monitoring can help scientists understand the lives of these important Southern Appalachian amphibians.
Come curious, bring your questions, and settle in for a relaxed evening of science and conversation at HBS.
Presenters: David Adams & Evangeline Bradley, Grant-in-Aid ResearchersTopic: Woodland salamander physiology, life history, and population healthLocation: Weyman, Highlands Biological Station

MAPS Bird Banding at HBS | July 9
2026-07-09 05:00 - 13:00 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States

Southern Appalachian Freshwater Resilience and Recovery Post-Hurricane Helene
2026-07-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Zahner Conservation Lecture 4
Featured Speaker
Julie DeMeester, Ph.D., Director of Freshwater and Coastal Programs, The Nature Conservancy, North Carolina Chapter
Date: Thursday, July 9
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Cost: FREE | No registration required
Learn more: https://highlandsbiological.org/foundation/events/zahnerlectures/#freshwater
Sponsored by Martha & Michael Dupuis, Monte & Palmer Gaillard, and Melanie & Tom Mauldin
Organized by Highlands Biological Foundation

What Bat is That?
2026-07-14 20:00 - 21:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Stretch your wings and tune into the sounds of the many special bats of the Highlands area! Join our Naturalists on a walk through the Botanical Garden to watch them in flight.
All ages welcome
Weather dependent
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://highlandsbiological.org/naturecenternights/#july-14
Free Nature Center programming provided by Highlands Biological Foundation.

Science on the Rocks: Bats, Geology, and Conservation
2026-07-15 16:00 - 17:00 | Weyman Building, 265 N 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Science on the Rocks: Bats, Geology, and Conservation📅 Wednesday, July 15, 2026 | 4:00 PM📍 Weyman, Highlands Biological StationFree and open to the public
Join Grant-in-Aid researcher Cam McClellan for an informal Science on the Rocks conversation exploring the connections between bats, geology, and conservation in North Carolina.
Cam’s research considers how geological context can shape the way we understand bat ecology and conservation needs, encouraging us to look not only at the species themselves, but also at the physical landscapes that support them.
Come curious, bring your questions, and settle in for a relaxed evening of science and conversation at HBS.
Presenter: Cam McClellan, Grant-in-Aid ResearcherTopic: Bats, geology, and conservation context in North CarolinaLocation: Weyman, Highlands Biological Station
