Highlands Biological Station

Science on the Rocks: Microplastics in Big Brown Bats
2026-06-10 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | 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
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.

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

The Venomous Snakes of Western North Carolina
2026-07-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Zahner Conservation Lecture 5
Featured Speaker
Carlton Burke, local naturalist and wildlife rehabilitator, Carolina Mountain Naturalists
Date: Thursday, July 16
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Cost: FREE | No registration required
Learn more: https://highlandsbiological.org/foundation/events/zahnerlectures/#snakes
Sponsored by Gayle Watkins & Andy Chmar
Organized by Highlands Biological Foundation

MAPS Bird Banding at HBS | July 17
2026-07-17 05:00 - 13:00 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States

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 | 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
