Marissa Nieddu, Highlands Biological Foundation

In 2025, the Highlands Nature Center’s outreach program brought hands-on environmental education to hundreds of children across the Plateau—thanks to generous community support and a mission to spark curiosity wherever young learners are.

For over 50 years, the Highlands Biological Foundation has funded vital research on southern Appalachian biodiversity through its Grants-in-Aid program, supporting students and scientists in groundbreaking ecological studies.

Celebrate Halloween with a wild twist as the Highlands Biological Foundation invites families to trick-or-treat through enchanted forest trails, meet spooky wildlife, and cozy up by the bonfire.

Join the Highlands Biological Foundation on Sunday, October 5 for a Cajun-inspired evening of oysters, music, and mountain charm—all in support of local environmental education.

Join the Highlands Biological Foundation on Wednesday, September 10 for the Carpenter Lecture featuring Zoë Schlanger, bestselling author of The Light Eaters, as she explores the remarkable intelligence of plants.

The Zahner Conservation Lecture Series, staged at Highlands Nature Center, explores where the wild things are.

Highlands Biological Foundation’s Twilight in the Garden Soirée, set in the midst of the enchanting garden of Lori and Ed Heys’ Highlands home on July 28, is a celebration of the Plateau’s precious natural heritage. For tickets or more information, visit highlandsbiological.org or call (828) 526-2221.

Highlands’ wildest summer tradition, the Zahner Conservation Lecture Series, spans the season with discoveries large and small.