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.

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.

May 29th 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.