Highlands Biological Station

School Outreach

The Highlands Biological Station offers 50+ hands-on science programs for public, private, and homeschool groups, tailored for grades K–12 and aligned with North Carolina’s Essential Standards. Programs are engaging, educational, and adaptable—delivered outdoors, in the classroom, at your site, or at the Nature Center.

Each 60-minute class features activities, games, field studies, and real-world science connections. We also offer free tours of the Nature Center & Botanical Garden, with a suggested donation of 50¢ per student for other programs (waived upon request).

Adult groups welcome—inquire about workshops, lectures, and guided garden tours.

Printable Brochure
Virtual Outreach
Wildlife Programs
Short Programs (Storybook Science)
Descriptions of Programs
Highlands Nature Center Outreach Programs

Hands-on science and nature-based learning for all ages. Explore our offerings below, sorted by age group!

Early Learners (Pre-K – Grade 2)

Descriptions of Programs

Playful, sensory, and story-driven activities to inspire curiosity in young naturalists.

  • Nature Center & Botanical Garden Tour
  • Birds & Flight
  • Botany
  • Forest Study
  • Insects
  • Mammals
  • Nature Games
  • Nature Observation
  • Pond Life
  • Predators & Prey
  • Reptiles & Amphibians
  • Storybook Science / Short Lessons

Elementary Explorers (Grades 3 – 5)

Descriptions of Programs

Hands-on learning about ecosystems, life cycles, and natural processes.

  • Nature Center & Botanical Garden Tour
  • Discovery Hikes
  • Birds & Flight
  • Botany
  • Compass & Orienteering
  • Forest Study
  • Group Dynamics
  • Insects
  • Keys & Classification
  • Mammals
  • Nature Observation
  • Pond Life
  • Predators & Prey
  • Reptiles & Amphibians
  • Storybook Science / Short Lessons
  • Streamside Salamander Communities
  • Watersheds
  • Wildlife Habitat

Middle School Investigators (Grades 6 – 8)

Descriptions of Programs

Deeper scientific exploration through fieldwork, data collection, and analysis.

  • Nature Center & Botanical Garden Tour
  • Discovery Hikes
  • Birds & Flight
  • Botany
  • Compass & Orienteering
  • Experimental Design & the Scientific Method
  • Forestry Methods
  • Forest Study
  • Group Dynamics
  • Insects
  • Keys & Classification
  • Mammals
  • Nature Observation
  • Pond Life
  • Population Genetics
  • Predators & Prey
  • Reptiles & Amphibians
  • Short Lessons
  • Streamside Salamander Communities
  • Watersheds
  • Wildlife Habitat
  • NC Wildlife Programs

High School & Beyond (Grades 9 – 12 & Adults)

Descriptions of Programs

Advanced workshops and field-based learning for young scientists and nature enthusiasts.

  • Nature Center & Botanical Garden Tour
  • Discovery Hikes
  • Birds & Flight
  • Compass & Orienteering
  • Experimental Design & the Scientific Method
  • Forestry Methods
  • Group Dynamics
  • Keys & Classification
  • Mammals
  • Pond Life
  • Population Genetics
  • Reptiles & Amphibians
  • Streamside Salamander Communities
  • Watersheds
  • NC Wildlife Programs

Book Your Outreach Program Today

We offer flexible, curriculum-aligned programs for all grade levels—on-site or at your location. Let’s connect and create a meaningful learning experience.

Reach out to Patrick Brannon at (828) 526-4123 or by at email at pbrannon@wcu.edu