Join us Sunday, October 5 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM for an outdoor Cajun-inspired celebration in the heart of Highlands. Set in the cozy Valentine Meadow at the Highlands Biological Station, this festive evening features a feast of Southern coastal flavors served up with community spirit and mountain charm. Highlands on the Half-Shell is one of Highlands Biological Foundation's largest annual fundraisers. Proceeds support our mission to stimulate, promote, and fund biological research and education in the Southern Appalachians. Your ticket directly supports our work and helps protect the incredible biodiversity of our region. This beloved event is made possible by generous volunteers and community members who lend their time, talent, and tastebuds to create something truly special. Purchase tickets: https://highlandsbiological.org/foundation/events/highlands-on-the-half-shell/

Celebrate Fall with a guided walk through the Botanical Garden to discover what leaves are changing & why. All ages welcome FREE | No registration required Meet in the Nature Center Weather dependent Program funded by:

Stop in the Nature Center all day for a different way to make art with Fall leaves! All ages welcome | FREE | Drop-in Program funded by:

Celebrate Fall with a guided walk through the Botanical Garden to discover what leaves are changing & why. All ages welcome FREE | No registration required Meet in the Nature Center Weather dependent Program funded by:

Stop by the Nature Center all day for drop-in activities and learning all about black bears! Then from 2:00–3:30 PM, join us for a special program co-led by Cynthia Strain, Chair of the Highlands B.E.A.R. Task Force. Together we’ll explore the world of black bears through engaging, hands-on activities and interactive learning. Program funded by:

The Nature Center is an ecoExplore Hot Spot! We'll start a Challenge towards earning the advanced-level Ecology mission patch. ecoexplore.net Ages 10-13 and up & accompanying adult(s) FREE | No registration required Meet in the Nature Center | 930 Horse Cove Rd Weather dependent Program funded by:

Do you enjoy drawing or find inspiration in nature? Join us for the Nature Center’s Drawing Club! We’ll start with a drawing prompt and then spend some time out on the garden trails. Supplies will be available, but feel free to bring your own sketchbook and materials.  All ages welcome FREE | No registration required Meet at the Nature Center | 930 Horse Cove Rd Program funded by:

Eyes to the skies! Birders of all skill levels are welcome to join us as we take an easy walk around the garden to find our feathered friends. Binoculars available to borrow. All ages welcome FREE | No registration required Meet at 111 Lower Lake Rd Weather dependent Program funded by:

Join us at the Nature Center for drop-in learning about black bears! All ages welcome | FREE | No registration required! Program funded by:

The Highlands Biological Foundation invites you to The Enchanted Forest! A family-friendly program Tuesday, October 28, 5:00-6:30 pm. Come trick-or-treating along the forest trails of the Highlands Botanical Garden and learn more about some creatures that we associate with Halloween! FREE | No registration necessary Costumes encouraged! Meet in the amphitheater behind Highlands Nature Center (930 Horse Cove Rd). Weather dependent Program funded by: