Conservation Conversations

Written By: Winter Gary-Highlands Biological Foundation | Issue: July 2023

The Highlands Biological Foundation is offering its 2023 Zahner Conservation Lecture Series, held at Highlands Nature Center on Thursday evenings at 6:00 P.M. through August 10.

This year’s series promises to be enlightening and informative as it covers a wide range of topics including birds and climate change, the diverse sounds of nature, and regional geology. The lectures are free and open to the public, providing an excellent opportunity for individuals to expand their knowledge and engage in important conversations about conservation.

This year holds special meaning as it marks the 100th birthday of the late Dr. Robert Zahner, in whose honor, along with his wife Glenda Zahner, 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.

The Zahner Conservation Lecture Series has been a long-standing tradition in the Highlands community, and the Foundation is proud to continue this legacy by offering a diverse and captivating lineup of speakers.

Buzz Williams

This month, audiences will be treated to “The Geology That Has Shaped the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau” with Bill Jacobs on July 6, and “History of National Forest Management in the Chattooga River Watershed, and the Compelling Case for a New Mission for the Forest Service” on July 13. These will be followed by “Bird Talk: An Exploration of Avian Communication” on July 20; and “Sounds Wild and Broken” on July 27.

Each lecture will be held at the Highlands Nature Center, located at 930 Horse Cove Road, providing a rustic and immersive environment for attendees to learn and engage with the speakers. Admission to the lectures is free, making them accessible to all members of the community. Small receptions will follow, and no registration is required.

The Highlands Biological Foundation invites everyone with an interest in conservation, nature, and the environment to attend the 2023 Zahner Conservation Lecture Series. Whether you are a seasoned environmentalist or simply curious about the world around you, these lectures offer a valuable opportunity to expand your knowledge and contribute to the conservation dialogue.

For more information about the series, including speaker biographies and detailed lecture descriptions, please visit highlandsbiological.org. The Highlands Nature Center is part of the Highlands Biological Station, a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University.