Programs
Get the Latest on Foundation Events & Programs
FREE Nature Education
Explore upcoming programs organized and supported by the Highlands Biological Foundation. All of our programs are free and designed for a variety of ages and interests, from family-friendly activities and programs for kids and teens to offerings geared toward adults. Some programs require registration, while others are open to all. Check each program listing for details and registration information.
Upcoming HBF Programs
Click HERE to view full Station + Foundation Calendar.
Spooky Species BioBlitz
Date: Friday, October 2
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Sto Pavilion, 111 Lower Lake Rd
Leaders: Alex Waite + Maddie Wikstrom
FREE | All Ages
Join us in search for curious, creepy, and weird species on the Highlands Plateau! Kids can join a spooky scavenger hunt, while teens and adults contribute observations to iNaturalist and local community science.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Crafting Wild Creatures
Date: Friday, October 9
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Cook Pavilion, 888 Horse Cove Rd
Leader: Maddie Wikstrom
FREE | All Ages
Do you have a favorite animal that lives here on the Highlands Plateau? Stop by the Cook Pavilion and join us for some craft time. We will have materials and inspiration to share!
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Amazing Moths
Date: Saturday, October 10
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Cook Pavilion, 888 Horse Cove Rd
Leader: Maddie Wikstrom
FREE | All Ages | Registration Required
Are you tired of chasing butterflies? Luckily, moths will come to you! Stop by the Cook Pavilion to learn about what makes moths amazing and how you can attract them to your own backyard!
Science & S’mores: What Do Insects Have to Do With Climate?
Date: Wednesday, October 14
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Valentine Meadow + Cook Pavilion, 888 Horse Cove Rd
Leader: Alex Waite
FREE | Adults and teens
Introducing Science & S’mores, a new HBF discussion series that brings people together around the fire to explore interesting scientific topics, research, and discoveries.
Paper: Insect Herbivory Releases More Nutrients in Warmer and Drier Forests
For our first gathering, we’ll dig into how insects shape forest ecosystems and how climate influences their role in nutrient cycling. We’ll discuss findings from a global study of 50 old-growth forests, including research that involved Highlands Biological Station.
Download and read the paper before the program, then come ready to dig into the science over s’mores! S’more materials will be provided, and a covered space will be available in case of rain.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Leaves of Change
Date: Fridays, October 16 & 23
Time: 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Location: Meet at 111 Lower Lake Rd
Leaders: Alex Waite + Maddie Wikstrom
FREE | All Ages
Have you ever wondered why leaves change color in the fall? Join us on the Kelsey Trail for a naturalist walk to learn more about the phenetics fall and nature’s seasonal processes.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Pressing Matters
Date: Saturday, October 24
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Cook Pavilion, 888 Horse Cove Rd
Leader: Alex Waite
FREE | All Ages | Registration Required
Curious about herbariums or preserving flowers from your garden? Join us for an introduction to pressing and preparing plants for collections and art. Plant presses provided; bring flowers and shears if you have them!
Enchanted Forest
Date: Tuesday, October 27
Time: 5 – 6:30 PM
Location: Meet at Valentine Meadow + Cook Pavilion, 888 Horse Cove Rd
Leaders: Maddie Wikstrom
FREE | All Ages
Come trick-or-treating along the forest trails of the Highlands Botanical Garden and learn more about some creatures that we associate with Halloween. All ages welcome and costumes are encouraged!
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Creepy Critter Crawl
Date: Saturday, October 30
Time: 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Location: Meet at 111 Lower Lake Rd
Leader: Alex Waite + Maddie Wikstrom
FREE | All Ages
Join us for a weird walk through the botanical gardens to learn about the obscure, creepy, crawly, and strange creatures that can be found on the Highlands Plateau.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Program Leaders
Maddie Wikstrom
Education Specialist
Manages Nature Center + Volunteers
Maddie Wikstrom joined the Highlands Biological Foundation team in 2025 as an Education Specialist, developing and leading programs that connect people with the natural world of the Southern Appalachians. Originally from Minnesota, she holds a B.S. in Parks and Recreation Management and an M.S. in Experiential and Outdoor Education from Western Carolina University. Her background includes outdoor education, wilderness therapy, environmental stewardship, backcountry guiding, and field-based education. Maddie is a Wilderness First Responder, Environmental Educator of North Carolina, and Leave No Trace Trainer. She has lived and worked in Western North Carolina since 2016 and enjoys exploring the region's diverse landscapes.
Contact: maddie@highlandsbiological.org
Alex Waite
Education Specialist
Manages Nature Camps + Outreach Programming
Alex Waite joined the Highlands Biological Foundation team in 2026 as an Education Specialist, leading Nature Camps and outreach programs. Originally from the Cleveland, Ohio area, Alex first discovered the Highlands region while working seasonally with the Foundation in 2024. He holds a B.S. in Environmental and Field Biology and is a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation. Alex is passionate about connecting people with the natural world, with a particular interest in insects and their important role in our ecosystems.
Contact: alex@highlandsbiological.org
Other FREE Nature Programs from HBF:
Registration
Some Foundation programs require registration through UltraCamp. See the instructions below for help with registering.
How to set up an UltraCamp account:
Click here to log-in and get started!
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STEP 1
Create Your Account
STEP 2
View the "My Account" Page
STEP 3
Add Account Members
Add yourself (adult/parent/legal guardian) as the primary account member, then add other family members to the account.
*NOTE: You do not need to fill out pick-up authorizations or alternate contacts if you are only registering for our general programming. Those sections are specifically for summer camps. During regular programs, children must be accompanied by an adult.
How to register in UltraCamp:
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After you have created your account:
STEP 1
Click "Reservations"
STEP 2
Click "Explore Sessions" to view upcoming programs
Note: Registration for Nature Center Nights programs open 2 weeks prior to the event.
PLEASE NOTE: These free events have limited space. If you’re no longer able to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to someone else. Thank you for helping us make these programs available to as many people as possible.
Please email marissa@highlandsbiological.org with any changes.
Funded by
Highlands Biological Foundation
These programs are FREE and made possible by the Highlands Biological Foundation.
