Dr. Luiz Silveira (WCU) Did you know… That fireflies are beetles?  That our planet is home to over 2,200 firefly species? That all firefly species make light as larvae (immature stage), but many don't do it in the adult stage? That many fireflies can be identified by their species-specific flash pattern?  That over a dozen firefly species can be found on the Highlands Plateau?  Come join Western Carolina University entomologist Dr. Luiz Da Silveira for our first “Fireflies 101” workshop, where participants will learn about the natural history of fireflies, ways of observing and telling them apart, and what we can do to make our gardens more “glowing.” The workshop will conclude with a night walk around the Highlands Biological Station grounds and Botanical Garden, where we will learn to identify the fireflies we encounter and decipher their light-flash conversations. Dr. Luiz Da Silveira is an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at Western Carolina University. He received his Ph.D. in Ecology at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Afterwards he worked one year as a post-doc at the University of Georgia. Luiz specializes on the taxonomy of South American fireflies and on global biogeography of the Lampyridae. Cost: $150 Click here to register.

Bill Jacobs, Author of Whence These Special Places? The Geology of Cashiers, Highlands & Panthertown Valley  This workshop has grown out of Bill Jacobs’ book, Whence These Special Places? The Geology of Cashiers, Highlands & Panthertown Valley.  As reflected in both the book and his talks, Bill is particularly fascinated with how geologic processes, some dating back more than 500 million years, have produced today’s mountains and waterfalls.  He will discuss such questions as: – How did the rocks in our mountains form and get to where they now are, and how has that history determined the appearance of today’s landscape? – What created the high-elevation area we call the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau? – Little Sliding Rock and Glen Falls are both much-loved cascades on the Plateau, but one is so smooth you can slide on it and the other is a series of jagged precipices – why the difference? – What in the world is Shining Rock, and is there anything else like it in the world? – Why is Rock Mountain gently rounded while nearby Chimneytop has a chimney?  What gives Whiteside Mountain its unique character, with precipitous cliffs standing high above a more gently rounded base? The workshop format will provide time for a richer discussion than is possible in shorter talks, as well as for questions and examination of rock samples and geologic maps.  To close out the classroom activities, Bill will provide a “virtual field trip” to numerous nearby sites, such as Sunset Rock, Glen Falls, Little Sliding Rock, Whiteside Mountain and Devil’s Courthouse, and the Cullasaja waterfalls, to help participants better appreciate the geology on display during their future visits to these special places. After lunch (on your own) Bill will lead an optional excursion to High Falls, below Lake Glenville Dam.  At this extraordinary site, participants can examine up close how different rock groups have been complexly mixed together, and how their different characteristics are reflected in both the exposed rocks and the overall shape of the falls.  (Note – this excursion requires over 600’ of elevation gain on uneven surfaces, as well as rock-hopping around the base of the falls.  It should be undertaken only by experienced, confident hikers). As in the book, Bill will use language and concepts easily understood by non-scientists, with numerous photographs and illustrations.   He will also provide several handouts, and will be delighted to respond to questions, whether about the book or the geology. Signed copies of Whence These Special Places? will be available for purchase through Highlands Biological Station’s Nature Center.  Additional information about both the book and its author may be found at www.GreatRockPress.com.  Cost: $60 for morning session (9am – 12pm); $100 for morning session and hike to High Falls (strenuous) in afternoon (1pm – 6pm). Click here to register.

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 that will help our creative side flow. Click here for the syllabus. Prerequisites: Basic drawing skills Cost: $50/session Click here to register.