Highlands Biological Station

Nature Center Wrap-Up (Drop-In)
2025-12-19 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-20 10:00 - 15:30 (America/Halifax) | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Join us at the Nature Center to get into the holiday spirit and create personalized gift wrap and handmade cards! Enjoy this fun and festive activity together as a family, or as a chance to wrap up the holiday magic. We will have plenty of supplies to go around for everyone to get creative. We look forward to seeing you!
December 5th | 12th & 13th | 19th & 20th
FREE | Drop-In, from 10 am – 3:30 pm
Program provided by:

Winter Break Closure
2025-12-24 - 2026-01-02 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
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!

Who’s Out There? (Drop-in Station)
2026-01-16 10:00 - 15:30 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Join us at the Nature Center to learn about the winter wildlife found across the Highlands Plateau. Our Education Specialists will be ready to welcome folks back with engaging conversations, interesting facts about our local flora and fauna, and a self-guided “specimen search” through our botanical gardens.
January 16th & 17th | 30th & 31st
FREE | Drop-In, from 10 am – 3:30 pm
Program provided by:

The Skin You're In (Drop-In Station)
2026-01-16 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-01-17 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-01-30 10:00 - 15:30 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Do you think you can identify an animal by its fur? Drop in for a few minutes, or stay and pair the ‘Who’s Out There?’ activities with this hands-on opportunity to see and feel a variety of animal skins!
January 16th & 17th | 30th & 31st
FREE | Drop-In, from 10 am – 3:30 pm
Program provided by:

Who's Out There? (Drop-In Station)
2026-01-17 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-01-30 10:00 - 15:30 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States

CANCELED Who's Out There? (Drop-In Station)
2026-01-31 10:00 - 15:30 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
⚠️ ❄️ The Nature center will be closed January 31st due to winter storm warnings. Stay safe everyone!
Join us at the Nature Center to learn about the winter wildlife found across the Highlands Plateau. Our Education Specialists will be ready to welcome folks back with engaging conversations, interesting facts about our local flora and fauna, and a self-guided “specimen search” through our botanical gardens.
January 16th & 17th | 30th & 31st
FREE | Drop-In, from 10 am – 3:30 pm
Program provided by:

CANCELED The Skin You're In (Drop-In Station)
2026-01-31 10:00 - 15:30 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
⚠️ ❄️ The Nature center will be closed January 31st due to winter storm warnings. Stay safe everyone!
Do you think you can identify an animal by its fur? Drop in for a few minutes, or stay and pair the ‘Who’s Out There?’ activities with this hands-on opportunity to see and feel a variety of animal skins!
January 16th & 17th | 30th & 31st
FREE | Drop-In, from 10 am – 3:30 pm
Program provided by:

Bee-My-Valentine (Drop-In Station)
2026-02-13 10:00 - 15:30 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Join us at the Nature Center to celebrate your love for the outdoors! We will be crafting nature-themed Valentines to share and spend some time getting to know others within our community. Supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring materials you would like to share.
February 13th & 14th
FREE | Drop-In, from 10 am – 3:30 pm
Program provided by:

Bee-My-Valentine (Drop-In Station)
2026-02-14 10:00 - 15:30 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Join us at the Nature Center to celebrate your love for the outdoors! We will be crafting nature-themed Valentines to share and spend some time getting to know others within our community. Supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring materials you would like to share.
February 13th & 14th
FREE | Drop-in from 10 am – 3:30 pm
Program provided by:

Nature Center ROCKS! (Drop-In Station)
2026-02-27 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-02-28 10:00 - 15:30 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Have you ever heard of The Kindness Rocks Project? This weekend at the Nature Center, we will gather to create a garden of kindness through art and community. Supplies will be provided.
“Take one when you need one, share one with a friend who needs some inspiration, or leave one for another. One message at the just right moment can change your whole day, outlook, or life.”
February 27th & 28th
FREE | Drop-in from 10 am – 3:30 pm
Program provided by:

Protecting Our Hemlocks: Public Workshop at Highlands Biological Station
2026-03-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Join us on March 11 for a special outdoor workshop focused on the conservation and treatment of eastern hemlocks. Led by licensed professionals, this hands-on program will introduce participants to hemlock health assessment, treatment decision-making, and application methods used to combat hemlock woolly adelgid.
The morning session features a live, demonstrative lecture, followed by guided treatment activities in the afternoon. This workshop is open to the public and designed for land stewards, natural resource professionals, and anyone interested in forest conservation.
Workshop flyer
Space is limited. Advance registration is required.

ecoEXPLORE Plant Scavenger Hunt (Drop-In Station)
2026-03-13 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-14 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-27 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-28 10:00 - 15:30 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Spring is right around the corner, and we’re already seeing some fresh pops of green! We will kick off the ecoEXPLORE Botany Field Season with a plant scavenger hunt along the Botanical Garden trails and the Boardwalk. Participants will work to complete a plant identification challenge while gaining a deeper understanding of the natural world around them.
ecoEXPLORE is a community science program created by the North Carolina Arboretum, where children of all ages can learn to identify wildlife around them, help scientists track wildlife activity, and earn fun badges and prizes all at once! To learn more, please visit https://www.ecoexplore.net/.
March 13-14 & 27-28
FREE | Drop-in from 10 am – 3:30 pm
Program provided by:

Tree Texture Investigation (Drop-In Station)
2026-03-13 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-14 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-27 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-28 10:00 - 15:30 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Join us at the Nature Center to make your very own Bark Book! Enjoy a stroll through the forest to create unique texture impressions of different tree bark patterns, and learn some tips and tricks to help you identify your findings. Making your own Bark Book is a great way to explore nature, learn about trees, and create art!
March 13-14 & 27-28
FREE | Drop-in from 10 am – 3:30 pm
Program provided by:

The Lost (and Found!) Shortia: HBS Oconee Bells 2026!
2026-03-21 10:00 - 2026-03-22 16:00 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Celebrate one of the Southern Appalachians’ most beloved and enigmatic wildflowers during this special two-day Oconee Bells program led by Dr. Jim Costa and Dr. Cynthia Woodsong. The rare Oconee Bells (Shortia galacifolia) blooms for only a brief window each March, making its appearance a highly anticipated event for naturalists, botanists, and plant enthusiasts alike. Native to the Jocassee Gorges region and recognized as the iconic wildflower of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, this remarkable species carries with it a fascinating story of discovery, mystery, and scientific perseverance.
This year’s program offers a rich, immersive experience that blends natural history, botanical storytelling, artistic interpretation, and field exploration. Participants are welcome to attend one or both days.
Saturday, March 21 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The program begins at Highlands Biological Station with a lively and engaging presentation by Dr. Jim Costa, Executive Director of Highlands Biological Station, professor, historian of science, and lifelong “plant nerd.” Dr. Costa will recount the extraordinary tale of Shortia galacifolia — a story often referred to as the saga of the “lost (and found!) Shortia.” This botanical mystery traces back to 18th-century explorations by French Royal Botanist André Michaux, whose travels through the Southern Appalachians sparked centuries of intrigue within the scientific community. Through a blend of history, science, and storytelling, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for both the plant and the remarkable human curiosity that shaped its legacy.
Following the talk, participants will join Dr. Cynthia Woodsong of Woodsong Botanicals for a hands-on workshop in paper botanical art. Cynthia Woodsong is widely recognized for her extraordinary ability to recreate lifelike botanical specimens using paper. Under her guidance, participants will craft their own potted Oconee Bells, capturing the delicate beauty of this ephemeral bloom. All materials will be provided, and no prior artistic experience is required. This session offers a unique opportunity to engage creatively with botanical form while learning about plant structure and aesthetics.
Sunday, March 22 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
On Sunday, participants will venture into the native landscape of the Oconee Bells with a guided excursion to Devil’s Fork State Park on Lake Jocassee, located approximately one hour from Highlands. Transportation will be provided. The day begins with a leisurely walk along the renowned Oconee Bells Nature Trail, where participants will observe blooming plants in their natural habitat and learn about the ecological conditions that support this rare species.
The experience continues with a scenic three-hour pontoon boat excursion in partnership with Jocassee Lake Tours. This unique perspective allows participants to access remote and lesser-known areas of Lake Jocassee, where Oconee Bells often thrive along pristine shorelines and sheltered coves. Along the way, participants will enjoy breathtaking views of hidden waterfalls, rugged landscapes, and early-season flora. The trip also offers opportunities to learn about the natural and cultural history of Lake Jocassee while keeping watch for wildlife.
Together, these two days provide an exceptional opportunity to connect botanical science, regional history, artistic expression, and direct field observation. Whether you are a dedicated plant enthusiast, a casual nature lover, or simply curious about one of the region’s most storied wildflowers, this program offers a memorable and enriching experience centered on one of spring’s most fleeting wonders.
Participants may register for one or both days. Space is limited.

BioBlitz Boogy!
2026-04-02 10:00 - 2026-04-04 15:30 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Become a wildlife explorer and discover what’s living right in our backyard! Join us at the Highlands Nature Center to participate in an ecoEXPLORE BioBlitz. As a nationwide Citizen Science event, the purpose of a BioBlitz is to find and identify as many different species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. Participation is simple– spend some time outside on our beautiful walking trails, snap some photos of any nature you notice, and upload them into the iNaturalist app. Your photo contributions will help numerous researchers and scientists study the unique biodiversity of our special place in the Southern Appalachians!
FREE
Thursday – Saturday in April
Drop-in from 10 am – 3:30 pm
Program provided by:

BioBlitz Boogy!
2026-04-09 10:00 - 2026-04-11 15:30, 2026-04-16 10:00 - 2026-04-18 15:30, 2026-04-23 10:00 - 2026-04-25 15:30 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd., Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Become a wildlife explorer and discover what’s living right in our backyard! Join us at the Highlands Nature Center to participate in an ecoEXPLORE BioBlitz. As a nationwide Citizen Science event, the purpose of a BioBlitz is to find and identify as many different species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. Participation is simple– spend some time outside on our beautiful walking trails, snap some photos of any nature you notice, and upload them into the iNaturalist app. Your photo contributions will help numerous researchers and scientists study the unique biodiversity of our special place in the Southern Appalachians!
FREE
Thursdays – Saturdays in April
Drop-in from 10 am – 3:30 pm
Program provided by:

Mindful Birding
2026-05-01 09:00 - 15:30 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 North 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Mindful Birding
Friday, May 1, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Instructor: Topher Stephens
Mindful Birding is a practice of heightening our awareness and opening our senses—and our hearts—to the beauty of the natural world. Unlike traditional bird walks where identifying and listing species is the primary goal, this workshop invites participants to slow down and experience birds in a more attentive and reflective way.
Throughout the day, we will move slowly through the landscape, allowing ourselves the rare opportunity to observe individual birds with patience and curiosity. While we will certainly help participants spot birds and notice some of their distinctive characteristics, our focus will be on presence, observation, and connection rather than checklists.
Using birds as our guides, participants will explore ways to deepen their relationship with the living landscape while also becoming more aware of their own internal experiences of awe, joy, and wonder in nature. Through quiet observation, guided reflection, and gentle discussion, this workshop creates space to engage with birds—and the environment around us—in a more mindful and meaningful way.
Mindful Birding is designed to be welcoming and accessible to everyone. No experience with birding or mindfulness practices is necessary. In fact, we will all be cultivating a “beginner’s mind,” approaching the natural world with openness, curiosity, and fresh attention.
This workshop offers a unique opportunity to slow down, tune in, and rediscover the simple yet profound experience of being present in nature.

Please Bring
• Binoculars if you have them (loaner pairs will be available if needed)
• A lightweight Crazy Creek–style camp chair or small foam pad for sitting
• Weather-appropriate layers and comfortable outdoor footwear
