Field Notes from 2025: A Naturalist’s Postgrad Journey

“This year, I graduated college—and my postgrad path looked nothing like what I had imagined. I expected long days behind a desk, staring at a computer much like I had through the last four years. Instead, during my time as a Research Assistant at Highlands Biological Station, I stayed outdoors as much as possible, experiencing everything this region has to offer—from the highest peaks in the Southern Appalachians to the forgotten caves and mines beneath our feet.

After hiking more than 100 miles on the Appalachian Trail, making countless visits to the region’s spruce–fir mountaintops, and spending many hours crouched—often awkwardly—in mines searching for bats, I can honestly say I explored as much as my legs could manage. As an avid birdwatcher, I added many new lifers both on the Highlands Plateau and beyond, including the Smokies and the Big Bald Banding Station. I watched the local mother black bear raise another litter of spirited, sometimes mischievous, cubs. And here in the salamander capital of the world, I finally spotted my first Green Salamanders—something I’ve been peeking into rock crevices for years hoping to find.

As my time here comes to a close, I’m leaving as a stronger naturalist, carrying memories that will stay with me forever. I am grateful for every quiet morning on the trail, every creature that trusted me enough to let me find it, every muddy field day, and every mentor who shaped this season of my life. As I prepare for what comes next, a piece of me will always remain in these mountains.”

– Hannah Shepard, Highlands Biological Station Research Assistant