A Journey of Discovery

Written By: Winter Gary | Issue: June 2023

This summer, embark on a journey of discovery and environmental awareness with the Highlands Biological Foundation’s 2023 Zahner Conservation Lecture Series.

Each Thursday evening between June 15 and August 10, the foundation will welcome an expert speaker, ranging from a well-known regional scientist to a local conservationist or writer, to share their expertise and insight with our community. The programs will begin at 6:00 P.M. at the Highlands Nature Center (930 Horse Cove Road).

This year’s series promises to be enlightening and informative as it covers a wide range of topics, including birds and climate change, microplastic pollution, the diverse sounds of nature, and regional geology.

2023 holds a special significance as it marks the 100th birthday of the late Dr. Robert Zahner, for whom, along with his wife Glenda, the lecture series is named. The series recognizes and celebrates the Zahners for their contributions to land conservation efforts on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. The foundation will host a commemorative reception in honor of Dr. Zahner following the July 13 lecture featuring Buzz Williams of the Chattooga Conservancy.

Overall, the 2023 Zahner Conservation Lecture series offers a valuable experience for anyone interested in learning more about the natural world and conservation efforts. The talks are free and open to the public. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn from some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the field.

See the Foundation’s full lecture lineup listed here, and learn more about the upcoming series at highlandsbiological.org.

2023 Zahner Conservation Lectures

June 15: Birds, Big Data, and Citizen Science: Understanding the Impacts of Global Change with Allen Hurlbert, Ph.D.; Professor of Biology; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

June 22: Native Plants for the Vegetable Garden with Adam Bigelow, Plant Nerd and Guide; Bigelow’s Botanical Excursions

June 29: Microplastic Pollution in Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems with Austin D. Gray, Ph.D.; Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences; Virginia Tech

July 6: The Geology That Has Shaped the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau with Bill Jacobs; Geology Enthusiast and Author of Whence These Special Places – The Geology of Cashiers, Highlands and Panthertown Valley

July 13: History of National Forest Management in the Chattooga River Watershed and the Compelling Case for a New Mission for the Forest Service with Buzz Williams; Emeritus Executive Director; Chattooga Conservancy

July 20: Bird Talk: An Exploration of Avian Communication Barbara Ballentine, Ph.D.; Associate Professor; Western Carolina University

July 27: Sounds Wild and Broken David George Haskell, Ph.D.; Author and William R. Kenan Jr. Professor; University of the South

August 3: Archaeoastronomy in Southwestern North Carolina Jane M. Eastman, Ph.D.; Associate Professor; Anthropology and Sociology Department; Western Carolina University & Brett Riggs, Ph.D.; Sequoyah Distinguished Professor of Cherokee Studies at Western Carolina University

August 10: South Carolina’s Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area Tim Lee; Interpretive Ranger/Naturalist; Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area