Dr. Kelly Oten | Photo by Dr. Kelly Oten
Each summer, locals and visitors alike gather at the Highlands Nature Center for one of the community’s most beloved traditions – the Zahner Conservation Lecture Series. Hosted by the Highlands Biological Foundation, these weekly talks offer a chance to hear from some of the region’s leading scientists, conservationists, artists, and writers, all while celebrating our shared passion for the natural world.
The tradition of summer lectures at the Nature Center actually dates back to the 1930s, and today’s series honors the legacy of Dr. Robert Zahner and his wife Glenda, two champions of land conservation here on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Thanks to the generosity of donors and local organizations, these lectures remain free and open to everyone. No registration is needed—just come with a curious mind!
Dr. Rada Petric | Photo by UNC Endeavors
This year’s lineup is as exciting as ever. We’ll kick things off on June 12 with Bonnie Claxton (Chickasaw), who will talk about the vital role Indigenous voices play in conservation. From there, we’ll dive into topics like coexisting with black bears, building healthy landscapes in the face of development, and the surprising ways hurricanes have shaped our Appalachian mountains. You’ll even learn about the hidden healing powers of local mushrooms, how bats are affected by human disturbance, and when to worry (or not!) about tree pests.
Lecturers include experts like Tanya Poole from NC Wildlife Resources Commission, Sonya Carpenter of Co-habitate Inc., mycologist Christopher Parker, and forest entomologist Dr. Kelly Oten. We’ll also hear from celebrated nature writer Georgann Eubanks and Megan Sutton of The Nature Conservancy, rounding out a summer full of insight, discovery, and inspiration.
Lectures are held Thursday evenings at 6:00 P.M. from June 12 through August 14 (with no lecture on July 3) at the Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Road.
Space is limited at the Nature Center, so for full program details, including parking information, please visit highlandsbiological.org/zahner.
Come spend a Thursday evening with us this summer – you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the incredible natural world we call home.
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