Highlands Biological Station

Drawing Leaves in the Studio and Field (Part 2 of 3)
2022-07-07 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax) | 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.

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, 2023-06-12 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!

Nature Center Holiday Hours
2023-05-29 12:00 - 16:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Highlands Nature Center is Open for Memorial Day Weekend!
Extended Holiday Hours: Sunday, May 28, 12 – 4 PM
FREE admission

NCN: Salamander Meander
2023-05-30 21:00 - 22:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Limited spaces | Registration required
Tuesday, May 30 | 9 – 10 PM | Register HERE
FREE admission, donation appreciated

Search 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.
This program is open to the public.

NCN: Salamander Meander
2023-05-31 21:00 - 22:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Limited spaces | Registration required
Wednesday, May 31 | 9 – 10 PM | Register HERE
FREE admission, donation appreciated

Search 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.
This program is open to the public.

Southern Appalachian Mammals
2023-06-05 - 2023-06-16 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Instructors: Dr. Rada Petric (UNC-Chapel Hill) and Dr. Ed Pivorun (Clemson University)
This course will emphasize the mammalian fauna of the Southern Appalachians. We will have traditional lectures on mammalian anatomy, evolution, orders, physiology and ecology for about 1 ½ hours every morning. Field work will emphasize live trapping techniques. Mammals tend to be nocturnal. Thus, all traps will be set out in the late afternoon and will be checked early the next morning. These efforts will allow the student to become familiar with as many living local species of mammals as possible. The field work will examine the importance of specific habitats for the distribution and density of specific species. After a short break, we will move into the lecture setting until noon. In the early afternoon, after lunch, we will spend another 1 ½- 2 hours to do some more of the traditional mammalogy labs on anatomy, identification and keying. An interactive DVD/flash drive provided to each student contains high resolution images of the skulls of each species native to the Appalachian forests. This is an excellent study aid that is used in conjunction with the actual skulls and study skins of each species.
Pre-requisites: Introductory biology, zoology, or permission of the instructor.

Owl Prowl
2023-06-06 19:00 - 19:45 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
June 6th (Register HERE)
Time: 7pm – 7:45pm
FREE, all ages welcome
Registration required
Who-oo goes there? Join Balsam Mountain Trust for a special meeting with their live owl ambassadors and learn more about these amazing nocturnal raptors. Please bring a flashlight for this adventure! This program is weather-dependent.

Going Batty
2023-06-07 21:00 - 22:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
June 7th (Register HERE)
Time: 9pm-10pm
FREE, all ages welcome
Discover the nocturnal mammals who take to the skies! Learn about the fascinating world of bats, then join naturalists in the Botanical Garden to seek them out. Please bring a flashlight for this adventure! This program is weather-dependent.

Biology and Conservation of Birds
2023-06-12 - 2023-06-23 | NC
Instructor: Dr. Rob Bierregaard (Drexel University & Academy of Natural Sciences)
Bird diversity is extremely high in the southern Appalachian mountain and Blue Ridge Escarpment region, an area that includes a wide range of plant community types over a nearly 4000-foot range in elevation. This basic course in ornithology covers morphology, systematics, ecology, conservation, and behavior of birds. Daily field trips in the local area will acquaint students with the rich bird fauna of the region.
Pre-requisites: Introductory biology, ecology, or permission of instructor.
For more information, visit https://highlandsbiological.org/summer-2023-academic-courses/

A Buggy Evening
2023-06-13 21:00 - 22:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
June 13th (Register HERE)
9 – 10 PM
FREE, all ages welcome
Registration required
Experience the world of our smallest nocturnal creatures—insects! Learn to identify unique and beautiful insects then join naturalists to look for fireflies and nocturnal creepy crawlies in the Botanical Garden. Please bring a flashlight for this adventure! This program is weather-dependent.

A Buggy Evening
2023-06-14 21:00 - 22:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
June 14th (Register HERE)
9 – 10 PM
FREE, all ages welcome
Registration required
Experience the world of our smallest nocturnal creatures—insects! Learn to identify unique and beautiful insects then join naturalists to look for fireflies and nocturnal creepy crawlies in the Botanical Garden. Please bring a flashlight for this adventure! This program is weather-dependent.
