Calendar of Events
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4 events,
LIVESTREAM: A Garden in Every Season Tour
LIVESTREAM: A Garden in Every Season Tour
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.
VIRTUAL Yoga in the Garden
VIRTUAL Yoga in the Garden
Highlands Biological Station has partnered with Yoga Highlands to bring you Yoga in the Garden. Grab your yoga mat, and join Rachel Kinback (CYT 500) of Yoga Highlands on the 1st Monday of the month (May-August) for yoga in the Botanical Garden. The video will be posted on the HBS Facebook page at 5:30 p.m. Come connect with nature and unwind your mind and body from the bustle of Mondays. These yoga sessions are free to the public, but donations are accepted.
CANCELED: Bird Course Begins (1st-12th)
CANCELED: Bird Course Begins (1st-12th)
Biology & Conservation of Birds: June 1 - June 12 Dr. Rob Bierregaard, Drexel University & Academy of Natural Science Bird diversity is extremely high in the southern Appalachian mountain and Blue Ridge Escarpment region, an area that includes a wide range of plant community types over a nearly 4000-foot range in elevation. This basic course in ornithology covers morphology, systematics, ecology, conservation, and behavior of birds. Numerous field trips in the local area will acquaint students with the rich bird fauna of the region. Scholarships Available from the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. Prerequisites: Introductory biology, ecology, or permission of instructor. Click here to apply.
CANCELED: Salamander Bio Course Begins (1st-13th)
CANCELED: Salamander Bio Course Begins (1st-13th)
Biology of Southern Appalachian Salamanders: June 1 - June 13 Dr. Ken Kozak, University of Minnesota & Dr. Joe Pechmann, WCU (download syllabus) The Southern Appalachians are renowned for the diversity of their salamander fauna. This course acquaints students with these salamanders and shows how studies of them have enhanced our understanding of such major evolutionary and ecological topics as the reconstruction of evolutionary histories, species concepts, life history evolution, and community structure. Each topic will include lectures, field and laboratory exercises, and discussions of original research papers. Field trips to significant salamander locations in different southern Appalachian mountain ranges highlight the course. Prerequisites: Introductory biology, ecology or evolution, or permission of instructor. Click here to apply.
3 events,
CANCELED: Savvy Survivors Begins (Ages 7-9)
CANCELED: Savvy Survivors Begins (Ages 7-9)
Discover what crafty creatures are all around us! Catch insects, salamanders, and more to study how they survive and learn all about their life cycles. Registration required.
CANCELED: Crafty Critters Begins (Ages 4-6)
CANCELED: Crafty Critters Begins (Ages 4-6)
Find out the secrets to survival! Discover through games and art how animals hide in plain sight, forage for food, and live in strange worlds in our marvelous mountains. Registration required.
CANCELED: Salamander Meander (public)
CANCELED: Salamander Meander (public)
June 2nd 9 pm-10 pm Nature Center Nights: Salamander Meander Kick off Highlands Nature Center’s summer season searching for salamanders in the Botanical Garden! Discover strange and fascinating facts about our slimy amphibian friends, then join naturalists on a walk through the gardens to find local species. Please bring a flashlight for this adventure! This program is weather-dependent.
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
CANCELED: Savvy Survivors Ends (Ages 7-9)
CANCELED: Savvy Survivors Ends (Ages 7-9)
Discover what crafty creatures are all around us! Catch insects, salamanders, and more to study how they survive and learn all about their life cycles. Registration required.
CANCELED: Crafty Critters Ends (Ages 4-6)
CANCELED: Crafty Critters Ends (Ages 4-6)
Find out the secrets to survival! Discover through games and art how animals hide in plain sight, forage for food, and live in strange worlds in our marvelous mountains. Registration required.
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
3 events,
CANCELED: Habitat Hikers Begins (Ages 7-9)
CANCELED: Habitat Hikers Begins (Ages 7-9)
Spot the animals living all around us! Dig into the dirt, trek through streams, and look through your binoculars to uncover hidden habitats and the creatures that live there. Registration required.
CANCELED: Who’s Hoo? Begins (Ages 4-6)
CANCELED: Who’s Hoo? Begins (Ages 4-6)
Get to know your nature neighbors! Go searching for salamanders in streams, come across caterpillars creeping through the Botanical Garden, and learn about animal life cycles. Registration required.
CANCELED: Starlight Stroll
CANCELED: Starlight Stroll
June 9th 9 pm-10 pm Nature Center Nights: Starlight Stroll Unlock the history and mystery of the cosmos as we study the night sky! Hear stories of the stars from different cultures and learn to identify summer constellations. Please bring a flashlight for this adventure! This program is weather-dependent.
0 events,
0 events,
3 events,
CANCELED: Bird Course Ends (1st-12th)
CANCELED: Bird Course Ends (1st-12th)
Biology & Conservation of Birds: June 1 - June 12 Dr. Rob Bierregaard, Drexel University & Academy of Natural Science Bird diversity is extremely high in the southern Appalachian mountain and Blue Ridge Escarpment region, an area that includes a wide range of plant community types over a nearly 4000-foot range in elevation. This basic course in ornithology covers morphology, systematics, ecology, conservation, and behavior of birds. Numerous field trips in the local area will acquaint students with the rich bird fauna of the region. Scholarships Available from the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. Prerequisites: Introductory biology, ecology, or permission of instructor. Click here to apply.
CANCELED: Habitat Hikers Ends (Ages 7-9)
CANCELED: Habitat Hikers Ends (Ages 7-9)
Spot the animals living all around us! Dig into the dirt, trek through streams, and look through your binoculars to uncover hidden habitats and the creatures that live there. Registration required.
CANCELED: Who’s Hoo? Ends (Ages 4-6)
CANCELED: Who’s Hoo? Ends (Ages 4-6)
Get to know your nature neighbors! Go searching for salamanders in streams, come across caterpillars creeping through the Botanical Garden, and learn about animal life cycles. Registration required.
1 event,
CANCELED: Salamander Bio Course Ends (1st-13th)
CANCELED: Salamander Bio Course Ends (1st-13th)
Biology of Southern Appalachian Salamanders: June 1 - June 13 Dr. Ken Kozak, University of Minnesota & Dr. Joe Pechmann, WCU (download syllabus) The Southern Appalachians are renowned for the diversity of their salamander fauna. This course acquaints students with these salamanders and shows how studies of them have enhanced our understanding of such major evolutionary and ecological topics as the reconstruction of evolutionary histories, species concepts, life history evolution, and community structure. Each topic will include lectures, field and laboratory exercises, and discussions of original research papers. Field trips to significant salamander locations in different southern Appalachian mountain ranges highlight the course. Prerequisites: Introductory biology, ecology or evolution, or permission of instructor. Click here to apply.
0 events,
2 events,
CANCELED: Mammals Course Begins (15th-26th)
CANCELED: Mammals Course Begins (15th-26th)
Southern Appalachian Mammals: June 15 - 26 Dr. Ed Pivorun, Clemson University & Ms. Rada Petric UNC-Greensboro (download syllabus) This mammals course will emphasize the mammalian fauna of the Southern Appalachians. We will have traditional lectures on mammalian anatomy, evolution, orders, physiology and ecology for about 1 ½ hours every morning. Field work will emphasize live trapping techniques. Mammals tend to be nocturnal. Thus, all traps will be set out in the late afternoon and will be checked early the next morning. These efforts will allow the student to become familiar with as many living local species of mammals as possible. The field work will examine the importance of specific habitats for the distribution and density of specific species. After a short break, we will move into the lecture setting until noon. In the early afternoon, after lunch, we will spend another 1 ½- 2 hours to do some more of the traditional mammalogy labs on anatomy, identification and keying. An interactive DVD/flash drive provided to each student contains high resolution images of the skulls of each species native to the Appalachian forests. This is an excellent study aid that is used in conjunction with the actual skulls and study skins of each species. Prerequisites: Introductory biology, zoology, or permission of the instructor. Click here to apply.
CANCELED: EPT 1 Course Begins (15th-26th)
CANCELED: EPT 1 Course Begins (15th-26th)
Southern Appalachian Mayflies, Stoneflies, & Caddisflies : June 15 - June 26 Dr. John Morse, Clemson University 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 ecological studies, biological monitoring of water quality, and sports fishing. Insects will be collected from diverse mountain stream habitats, and identifications will be performed in the laboratory. Students may opt to take the Society for Freshwater Science’s Taxonomic Certification exam of eastern EPT to genus at the end of the course (http://www.sfstcp.com/). Prerequisites: General biology, ecology, or permission of instructor Click here to apply.
3 events,
CANCELED: Eco Trekkers: Highs and Lows Begins (Ages 10+)
CANCELED: Eco Trekkers: Highs and Lows Begins (Ages 10+)
Explore the wonders of the Blue Ridge on all-day hikes! Adventure to overlooks in the area, take a dip in a mountain stream, and see how the world changes as we go from high on mountaintops to low in the valleys. Please Note: This camp includes an optional campout Thursday night on the Highlands Biological Station property. Campers will cook dinner and breakfast over a fire, play games, and learn basic outdoor skills. This camp also includes an optional zipline trip through the Highlands Aerial Park Friday afternoon. Registration required.
CANCELED: Fishes Workshop
CANCELED: Fishes Workshop
Fishes of the Tuckasegee with Jason Meador June 16th, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM Western North Carolina has the richest aquatic diversity in the state. Come see fish unique to this area, understand why they are found here and why they are vulnerable to extirpation. Learning objectives: Electrofishing Lower Caney Fork to assess stream quality using fish as bio-indicators. Students will learn electrofishing methods for wadeable mountain streams and fish identification. Snorkel the Tuckasegee River. Students can observe fish (and other aquatic organisms) in their natural environment. Develop a better understanding of the importance of aquatic habitat and sources of habitat loss. Observe interactions among aquatic organisms. We will begin with a presentation to cover an introduction of the area, safety, endemic species, and methods (30 minutes), 45 minute drive to E Laporte Park, electrofishing (1 hour), break for lunch, and then snorkel (1.5 hours). Price of workshop includes wetsuit and snorkeling gear. Jason Meador is Mainspring’s Conservation Trust’s Aquatic Programs Manager. He is responsible for engaging youth and adults in the community in the work of Mainspring. He coordinates stream restoration activities and the Biomonitoring Program. Jason received his B.S. in Marine Sciences from North Carolina State University (2004). He later completed his M.S. in Forestry and Natural Resources (2008) with a concentration in fish/wildlife populations, specifically working with freshwater mussels. Click here to apply.
CANCELED: Going Batty
CANCELED: Going Batty
June 16th, 8:30 PM- 9:30 PM Nature Center Nights: Going Batty Discover the nocturnal mammals who take to the skies! Learn about the fascinating world of bats, then join naturalists in the Botanical Garden to seek them out. Please bring a flashlight for this adventure! This program is weather-dependent.
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
CANCELED: Eco Trekkers: Highs and Lows Ends (Ages 10+)
CANCELED: Eco Trekkers: Highs and Lows Ends (Ages 10+)
Explore the wonders of the Blue Ridge on all-day hikes! Adventure to overlooks in the area, take a dip in a mountain stream, and see how the world changes as we go from high on mountaintops to low in the valleys. Please Note: This camp includes an optional campout Thursday night on the Highlands Biological Station property. Campers will cook dinner and breakfast over a fire, play games, and learn basic outdoor skills. This camp also includes an optional zipline trip through the Highlands Aerial Park Friday afternoon. Registration required.
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
3 events,
CANCELED: Animal Actors Begins (Ages 7-9)
CANCELED: Animal Actors Begins (Ages 7-9)
Step into an animal’s paws for the week! Create camouflaged creatures, study skulls, and get a bird’s eye view on life. Registration required.
CANCELED: Tiny Homes: Nature Edition Begins (Ages 4-6)
CANCELED: Tiny Homes: Nature Edition Begins (Ages 4-6)
Jump into where the wild things live! Explore the many kinds of homes in our forests, from the tops of trees to deep underground, and find out what animals live in each place. Registration required.
CANCELED: A Buggy Evening
CANCELED: A Buggy Evening
June 23rd, 9 PM- 10 PM Nature Center Nights: A Buggy Evening Experience the world of our smallest nocturnal creatures—insects! Learn to identify unique and beautiful insects then join naturalists to sample for fireflies, moths, and more in the Botanical Garden. Please bring a flashlight for this adventure! This program is weather-dependent.
0 events,
0 events,
4 events,
CANCELED: Mammals Course Ends (15th-26th)
CANCELED: Mammals Course Ends (15th-26th)
Southern Appalachian Mammals: June 15 - 26 Dr. Ed Pivorun, Clemson University & Ms. Rada Petric UNC-Greensboro (download syllabus) This mammals course will emphasize the mammalian fauna of the Southern Appalachians. We will have traditional lectures on mammalian anatomy, evolution, orders, physiology and ecology for about 1 ½ hours every morning. Field work will emphasize live trapping techniques. Mammals tend to be nocturnal. Thus, all traps will be set out in the late afternoon and will be checked early the next morning. These efforts will allow the student to become familiar with as many living local species of mammals as possible. The field work will examine the importance of specific habitats for the distribution and density of specific species. After a short break, we will move into the lecture setting until noon. In the early afternoon, after lunch, we will spend another 1 ½- 2 hours to do some more of the traditional mammalogy labs on anatomy, identification and keying. An interactive DVD/flash drive provided to each student contains high resolution images of the skulls of each species native to the Appalachian forests. This is an excellent study aid that is used in conjunction with the actual skulls and study skins of each species. Prerequisites: Introductory biology, zoology, or permission of the instructor. Click here to apply.
CANCELED: EPT 1 Course Ends (15th-26th)
CANCELED: EPT 1 Course Ends (15th-26th)
Southern Appalachian Mayflies, Stoneflies, & Caddisflies : June 15 - June 26 Dr. John Morse, Clemson University 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 ecological studies, biological monitoring of water quality, and sports fishing. Insects will be collected from diverse mountain stream habitats, and identifications will be performed in the laboratory. Students may opt to take the Society for Freshwater Science’s Taxonomic Certification exam of eastern EPT to genus at the end of the course (http://www.sfstcp.com/). Prerequisites: General biology, ecology, or permission of instructor Click here to apply.
CANCELED: Animal Actors Ends (Ages 7-9)
CANCELED: Animal Actors Ends (Ages 7-9)
Step into an animal’s paws for the week! Create camouflaged creatures, study skulls, and get a bird’s eye view on life. Registration required.
CANCELED: Tiny Homes: Nature Edition Ends (Ages 4-6)
CANCELED: Tiny Homes: Nature Edition Ends (Ages 4-6)
Jump into where the wild things live! Explore the many kinds of homes in our forests, from the tops of trees to deep underground, and find out what animals live in each place. Registration required.
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
CANCELED: EPT 2 Course Begins (June 29th- July 10th)
CANCELED: EPT 2 Course Begins (June 29th- July 10th)
Southern Appalachian Mayflies, Stoneflies, & Caddisflies : June 29 - July 10 Dr. John Morse, Clemson University 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 ecological studies, biological monitoring of water quality, and sports fishing. Insects will be collected from diverse mountain stream habitats, and identifications will be performed in the laboratory. Students may opt to take the Society for Freshwater Science’s Taxonomic Certification exam of eastern EPT to genus at the end of the course (http://www.sfstcp.com/). Prerequisites: General biology, ecology, or permission of instructor Click here to apply.
CANCELED: Lichens Course Begins (June 29th – July 3rd)
CANCELED: Lichens Course Begins (June 29th – July 3rd)
Biology & Conservation of Lichens June 29 - July 3 Dr. Jessica Allen, Atlanta Botanical Garden & Dr. James Lendemer, New York Botanical Garden (download syllabus) Lichens grow all over the world, from the arctic to the tropics, where they are important in a multitude of ways including serving as shelter for small invertebrates, and food for animals from snails to caribou. In this course you will have a chance to learn about lichens in one of their centers of diversity, the southern Appalachians. We will take field trips to a variety of habitats to explore the species and ecological diversity of lichens. Lab work will cover lichen chemistry, morphology, and identification. At the end of the course you will have a new perspective on the diversity, evolution and ecology of lichens. * We will go on field trips to explore a variety of lichen communities characteristic of the southern Appalachians. Field trips will take place in natural areas up to 1.5 hours drive from HBS. Up to a total of 5 miles of hiking per day can be expected on days we go in the field. For all-day field trips you will need to pack a lunch. Prerequisites: General biology, ecology, basic understanding of evolution, and prior experience with basic skills of microscopy is strongly recommended. Click here to apply.
3 events,
CANCELED: Savvy Survivors Begins (Ages 7-9)
CANCELED: Savvy Survivors Begins (Ages 7-9)
Discover what crafty creatures are all around us! Catch insects, salamanders, and more to study how they survive and learn all about their life cycles. Registration required.
CANCELED: Crafty Critters Begins (Ages 4-6)
CANCELED: Crafty Critters Begins (Ages 4-6)
Find out the secrets to survival! Discover through games and art how animals hide in plain sight, forage for food, and live in strange worlds in our marvelous mountains. Registration required.
CANCELED: Salamander Meander
CANCELED: Salamander Meander
June 30th 9 pm-10 pm Nature Center Nights: Salamander Meander Kick off Highlands Nature Center’s summer season searching for salamanders in the Botanical Garden! Discover strange and fascinating facts about our slimy amphibian friends, then join naturalists on a walk through the gardens to find local species. Please bring a flashlight for this adventure! This program is weather-dependent.
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