Tuesdays, June 3rd – August 12th
Join the Highlands Nature Center on Tuesday nights between June 3 and August 12 to explore the wonders of the Botanical Garden after-hours. Join Naturalists to search for slimy salamanders, use bat detectors to listen out for bats, and even meet a few birds of prey!
Please note that these programs are weather-dependent.
FREE | All ages welcome | Registration is required
To register, please see the registration link(s) below each program. Registration for each program will open 2 weeks prior to the program’s start date.
2025 Programs
Salamander Meander
*HBF Members Only*
Dates: Tuesday, May 27th
Time: 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: FREE
Kick off Highlands Nature Center’s summer season with a nighttime search for our secretive salamander friends!
Owls: Masters of the Night
Dates: Tuesday, June 3rd
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: FREE
These mysterious birds of prey are seldom seen due to their elusive and nocturnal lifestyle. Meet some live owls and learn about their fascinating lives and unique adaptations.
This program features Carlton Burke of Carolina Mountain Naturalists.
Salamander Meander
Dates: Tuesday, June 10th
Time: 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: FREE
Join our Naturalists on a nighttime search for our secretive salamander friends.
What Bat is That?
Dates: Tuesday, June 17th
Time: Sunset
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: FREE
Stretch your wings and tune into the sounds of the many special bats of the Highlands area! Join our Naturalists on a walk through the Botanical Garden to watch them in flight.
Glowing Wonders
Dates: Tuesday, June 24th
Time: 8:30 – 9:30 PM
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: FREE
Experience bugs + insects in a whole new light – moonlight! Learn about the unique and beautiful world of nocturnal insects and then search for fireflies, moths, and more in the Botanical Garden.
Amazing Moths
Dates: Tuesday, July 1st
Time: 8:30 – 9:30 PM
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: FREE
To celebrate International Moth Week we’ll put up some moth lights to meet and learn more about the amazing moths who live here.
Hunters in the Sky
Dates: Tuesday, July 8th
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: FREE
Birds of Prey are fascinating, but are sometimes misperceived due to their predatory instincts. Meet some live raptors and learn about their day to day struggle to survive in our constantly changing world.
This program features Carlton Burke of Carolina Mountain Naturalists.
Salamander Meander
Dates: Tuesday, July 15th
Time: 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: FREE
Join our Naturalists on a nighttime search for our secretive salamander friends.
What Bat is That?
Dates: Tuesday, July 22nd
Time: Sunset
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: FREE
Stretch your wings and tune into the sounds of the many special bats of the Highlands area! Join our Naturalists on a walk through the Botanical Garden to watch them in flight.
Salamander Meander
Dates: Tuesday, July 29th
Time: 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: FREE
Join our Naturalists on a nighttime search for our secretive salamander friends.
What Bat is That?
Dates: Tuesday, August 5th
Time: Sunset
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: FREE
Stretch your wings and tune into the sounds of the many special bats of the Highlands area! Join our Naturalists on a walk through the Botanical Garden to watch them in flight.
Salamander Meander
Dates: Tuesday, August 12th
Time: 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: FREE
Join our Naturalists on a nighttime search for our secretive salamander friends.
Funded by
Highlands Biological Foundation
These programs are FREE and made possible by the Highlands Biological Foundation.
