The Highlands Nature Center will be open Sunday, Sept. 6th, 12 pm - 4 pm for Labor Day Weekend.

There is always something changing in the Highlands Botanical Garden! Take a guided tour to see what’s new in our demonstration gardens and among the hundreds of species that call our campus home. Tours are on the 1st Monday of every month from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Tours are weather dependent. This tour will be live streamed on the HBS Facebook page (@highlandsbiologicalstation). The Highlands Biological Station is a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University. For more information, call (828) 526-2623.

Mushrooms of the Carolinas with Alan & Arleen Bessette, and Mike Hopping September 14th – 19th This course will focus on the varied mycological diversity of North & South Carolina. Macro and micro-morphological features will be emphasized to aid students in identifying specimens to Family, Genus & Species. Activities will consist of lectures on topics such as: Key Identification Features, Major Groups of Fungi, Ecology, Edibility and Toxicity; field work (forays); and laboratory identification/study during which students will improve their skills in the use of field keys and microscopy, as well as photographic techniques as a means of documentation. Participants will also gather and record a field collection showcasing the rich diversity of fleshy fungi found in the Carolinas. Designed for the beginner who wants a solid introduction to mycology and fleshy mushrooms of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, as well as for those participants looking for the opportunity to pursue their personal mycological interests, this seminar allows for individual guidance in a relaxed group setting with fellow mycophiles. Click here to apply.

More info. to come!

Mushrooms of the Carolinas with Alan & Arleen Bessette, and Mike Hopping September 14th – 19th This course will focus on the varied mycological diversity of North & South Carolina. Macro and micro-morphological features will be emphasized to aid students in identifying specimens to Family, Genus & Species. Activities will consist of lectures on topics such as: Key Identification Features, Major Groups of Fungi, Ecology, Edibility and Toxicity; field work (forays); and laboratory identification/study during which students will improve their skills in the use of field keys and microscopy, as well as photographic techniques as a means of documentation. Participants will also gather and record a field collection showcasing the rich diversity of fleshy fungi found in the Carolinas. Designed for the beginner who wants a solid introduction to mycology and fleshy mushrooms of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, as well as for those participants looking for the opportunity to pursue their personal mycological interests, this seminar allows for individual guidance in a relaxed group setting with fellow mycophiles. Click here to apply.

Join us for a Cajun celebration on Sunday, October 4th, at “Highlands on the Half-Shell” to support the Highlands Biological Foundation. Feast on steamed oysters, gumbo, and jambalaya under a canopy of flame-colored leaves. Tickets required.

There is always something changing in the Highlands Botanical Garden! Take a guided tour to see what’s new in our demonstration gardens and among the hundreds of species that call our campus home. Tours are on the 1st Monday of every month from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Tours are weather dependent. This tour will be live streamed on the HBS Facebook page (@highlandsbiologicalstation). The Highlands Biological Station is a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University. For more information, call (828) 526-2623.

More info. to come!

More info. to come!