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:

In accordance with Western Carolina University’s holiday schedule and protocol, the Highlands Biological Station will be closed to the public from Wednesday, December 24, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026. Please note that while our Botanical Gardens will remain open daily from dawn to dusk, all public facilities, offices, and indoor spaces will be closed during this time. We encourage you to plan your visit accordingly. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Station in the new year!