Highlands Biological Station
Research &
Teaching Lab
Nature
Center
Botanical
Gardens
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Highlands Biological Station
The mission of the Highlands Biological Station, a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University, is to foster research, education, and conservation focused on the rich natural heritage of the southern Blue Ridge, a global biodiversity hotspot.
A sneak peak into the magic!
Highlands, NC is an incredibly special place. The Highlands Biological Station, located just minutes from downtown, seeks to better understand the incredible biodiversity of our region while also sharing the Plateau’s natural wonders with our community and visitors. From visiting researchers, to academic courses and workshops, to free, educational programs for all ages, there’s so many wonderful things going on at the Station.
Plecoptera Symposium
Join us in scenic Highlands—one of the highest-elevation towns in the Appalachians—for a vibrant gathering of stonefly researchers and enthusiasts. This meeting will be a chance to share research, spark new collaborations, reconnect with colleagues, and, of course, collect some sweet stoneflies!
Highlands on the Half-Shell
Environmental Data
Near-real time environmental streaming data is now available! Click below for more information.