Highlands Biological Station

Visiting College Classes

Highlands Biological Station (HBS) welcomes college and university classes to immerse themselves in the unparalleled biodiversity and ecological richness of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you’re teaching ecology, botany, environmental science, conservation, or field biology, HBS offers a dynamic environment to enhance your students’ hands-on learning experience.

Our 24-acre campus, located in the heart of Highlands, NC, is a living laboratory surrounded by temperate rainforests, high-elevation peaks, and pristine headwater streams—ideal for field-based education.

Facilities and Resources for Visiting Classes

Housing

We offer on-site housing options that can accommodate both students and faculty. Our comfortable cabins and dorm-style accommodations are equipped with kitchen facilities, Wi-Fi, and common areas for group gatherings. Staying on campus allows your class to stay focused, connected, and fully immersed in the experience.

Teaching and Laboratory Spaces

Visiting classes have access to fully equipped teaching labs, lecture spaces, and specimen prep areas. Our labs include microscopes, dissection tools, and other equipment needed for a variety of field-based courses. Outdoor classroom areas are also available, providing a seamless transition between fieldwork and discussion.

Library and Collections

The E. E. Reinke Library houses an extensive collection of books, journals, and field guides focused on Appalachian ecology and natural history. Classes may also request access to HBS’s preserved biological collections for instructional use.

Access to World-Class Field Sites

Located within minutes of multiple protected natural areas, HBS serves as a hub for ecological exploration:

  • Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests
    Home to an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life, these forests are ideal for studying Appalachian ecology, forest dynamics, and aquatic systems.
  • Gorges State Park
    With its steep gorges, rare plant communities, and spectacular waterfalls, this park provides a dramatic backdrop for discussions on geology, hydrology, and biodiversity.
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    As one of the most biodiverse areas in North America, the Smokies are a must-see destination for studying species richness, elevation gradients, and long-term ecological research.
Explore Field Sites
We Can’t Wait to See You in the Mountains!

Bring your students to a place where learning leaps off the page and into the forest. Let the Southern Appalachians become your classroom.