Dr. Jim Costa (WCU/HBS) and Dr. Travis Knowles (Francis Marion University) An introductory exploration of the ecology and biogeography of temperate-zone and tropical biodiversity hotspots, from the southern Appalachians to Andean Ecuador. Based at two mountain biological field stations (Highlands Biological Station in Highlands, NC and Wildsumaco Biological Station, Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, Ecuador), we will […]

Instructor: Dr. John Morse (Clemson University Emeritus) Please note that both sessions of this course are identical - you only need to sign up for 1 session. Natural history and taxonomy of mayflies (Ephemeroptera), stoneflies (Plecoptera), and caddisflies (Trichoptera), including systematics, ecology, and behavior of larvae and adults, with emphasis on those aspects important in […]

Margie Bauer (Natural science illustrator and artist) This 3-part course is to improve your drawing skills when drawing leaves. While each session may be taken by itself, the skills from the previous class(es) will be used in subsequent classes. Before students apply the botanical drawing skills in each session, students will be lead through a meditation process […]

Instructors: Laura Boggess (Mars Hill University) and Gary Kaufmann (USDA Forest Service) This course may not be taken for graduate credit. The Southern Appalachians are an area of high bryophyte diversity, and this course will introduce students to common and some rare mosses, liverworts, and hornworts of the region. The class will survey bryophyte diversity […]

Instructor: Ed Schwartzman (Joe Pye Ecological Consulting) Please note that this course may not be taken for graduate credit. The Southern Appalachians are an area of high bryophyte diversity, and this course will introduce students to common and some rare mosses, liverworts, and hornworts of the region. The class will survey bryophyte diversity by visiting […]

Instructor: Dr. John Morse (Clemson University Emeritus) Please note that both sessions of this course are identical - you only need to sign up for 1 session. Natural history and taxonomy of mayflies (Ephemeroptera), stoneflies (Plecoptera), and caddisflies (Trichoptera), including systematics, ecology, and behavior of larvae and adults, with emphasis on those aspects important in […]

Dr. Jessi Allen (EWU) and Dr. James Lendemer (NYBG) This course will focus on lichen identification, both in the lab and in the field, including basic morphology and chemical tests, keying, and sight identification of common genera. We will also discuss the ecological and evolutionary importance of lichens. Prerequisites: None Cost: $300 course fee with on-site […]

Instructors: Dr. Sarah Stellwagen (UNC - Charlotte) and Dr. Kefyn Catley (Western Carolina University Emeritus) Spiders are one of the most diverse groups of animals, and the many different ecosystems within and surrounding the southern Appalachians provide an ideal setting for collecting and learning about these unique organisms. This course will present a comprehensive introduction […]

Dr. Alan Bessette and Arleen Bessette (Authors of multiple mushroom field guides) ** This workshop is currently full and has an extensive waitlist. If additional spots open up we will let the public know via social media and on our website. This workshop will focus on the mycological diversity of North & South Carolina, and […]

Instructor: Dr. Paul McKenzie (USFWS, Emeritus) This class will include a detailed description of the grass flower, inflorescence type, habitat and ecological associations, Tribal affinities, distribution, and habit differences. The class will be taught in four parts: 1) power point presentation and classroom instruction, 2) examination of important features with hand lens and dissecting scope, […]