Citizenship Class with Faviola Olvera at The Literacy & Learning Center
2026-03-11 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-03-18 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-03-25 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-04-01 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-04-08 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-04-15 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | The Literacy & Learning Center, 675 S 4th Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Ready to take the next step toward U.S. citizenship? 🇺🇸 The Literacy & Learning Center is here to support your journey with our FREE weekly Citizenship Class!

Led by Faviola Olvera, this program is designed to help you navigate the naturalization exam with total confidence.
What We Cover:

English Test Prep: Practice the speaking, reading, and writing skills needed for the exam.
Reading & Writing Proficiency: Get structured practice for the specific sentences you’ll need to read and write during the official test.
Civics Test: We cover all 100 possible questions on U.S. history and government, including the principles of democracy and the system of government.
Wednesdays 5:30-7 PM

EcoExplore Plant Scavenger Hunt at Highlands Nature Center
2026-03-13 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-14 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-20 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-21 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-27 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-28 10:00 - 15:30 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd, Highlands, NC, 28741
Spring is right around the corner, and we’re already seeing some fresh pops of green! We will kick off the ecoEXPLORE Botany Field Season with a plant scavenger hunt along the Botanical Garden trails and the Boardwalk. Participants will work to complete a plant identification challenge while gaining a deeper understanding of the natural world around them.

ecoEXPLORE is a community science program created by the North Carolina Arboretum, where children of all ages can learn to identify wildlife around them, help scientists track wildlife activity, and earn fun badges and prizes all at once! To learn more, please visit .
March 13-14 & 27-28
FREE | Drop-in from 10 am – 3:30 pm

Tree Texture Investigation at Highlands Nature Center
2026-03-13 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-14 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-20 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-21 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-27 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-28 10:00 - 15:30 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd, Highlands, NC, 28741
Join us at the Nature Center to make your very own Bark Book!
Enjoy a stroll through the forest to create unique texture impressions of different tree bark patterns, and learn some tips and tricks to help you identify your findings. Making your own Bark Book is a great way to explore nature, learn about trees, and create art!
March 13-14 & 27-28
FREE | Drop-in from 10 am – 3:30 pm

Free ESL Classes at The Literacy and Learning Center
2026-03-17 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-03-24 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-03-31 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-07 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-14 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-21 18:00 - 19:00 | The Literacy & Learning Center, 675 S 4th Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Join us for free ESL classes at The Literacy & Learning Center!
Tuesdays
6 – 7 pm
At The Literacy & Learning Center

The Lost (and Found!) Shortia: HBS Oconee Bells 2026 at Highlands Biological Station
2026-03-21 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-22 09:00 - 16:00 | Highlands Biological Station, 265 N 6th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Celebrate one of the Southern Appalachians’ most beloved and enigmatic wildflowers during this special two-day Oconee Bells program led by Dr. Jim Costa and Dr. Cynthia Woodsong. The rare Oconee Bells (Shortia galacifolia) blooms for only a brief window each March, making its appearance a highly anticipated event for naturalists, botanists, and plant enthusiasts alike. Native to the Jocassee Gorges region and recognized as the iconic wildflower of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, this remarkable species carries with it a fascinating story of discovery, mystery, and scientific perseverance.
This year’s program offers a rich, immersive experience that blends natural history, botanical storytelling, artistic interpretation, and field exploration. Participants are welcome to attend one or both days.
Saturday, March 21 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The program begins at Highlands Biological Station with a lively and engaging presentation by Dr. Jim Costa, Executive Director of Highlands Biological Station, professor, historian of science, and lifelong “plant nerd.” Dr. Costa will recount the extraordinary tale of Shortia galacifolia — a story often referred to as the saga of the “lost (and found!) Shortia.” This botanical mystery traces back to 18th-century explorations by French Royal Botanist André Michaux, whose travels through the Southern Appalachians sparked centuries of intrigue within the scientific community. Through a blend of history, science, and storytelling, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for both the plant and the remarkable human curiosity that shaped its legacy.
Following the talk, participants will join Dr. Cynthia Woodsong of Woodsong Botanicals for a hands-on workshop in paper botanical art. Cynthia Woodsong is widely recognized for her extraordinary ability to recreate lifelike botanical specimens using paper. Under her guidance, participants will craft their own potted Oconee Bells, capturing the delicate beauty of this ephemeral bloom. All materials will be provided, and no prior artistic experience is required. This session offers a unique opportunity to engage creatively with botanical form while learning about plant structure and aesthetics.
Sunday, March 22 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
On Sunday, participants will venture into the native landscape of the Oconee Bells with a guided excursion to Devil’s Fork State Park on Lake Jocassee, located approximately one hour from Highlands. Transportation will be provided. The day begins with a leisurely walk along the renowned Oconee Bells Nature Trail, where participants will observe blooming plants in their natural habitat and learn about the ecological conditions that support this rare species.
The experience continues with a scenic three-hour pontoon boat excursion in partnership with Jocassee Lake Tours. This unique perspective allows participants to access remote and lesser-known areas of Lake Jocassee, where Oconee Bells often thrive along pristine shorelines and sheltered coves. Along the way, participants will enjoy breathtaking views of hidden waterfalls, rugged landscapes, and early-season flora. The trip also offers opportunities to learn about the natural and cultural history of Lake Jocassee while keeping watch for wildlife.
Together, these two days provide an exceptional opportunity to connect botanical science, regional history, artistic expression, and direct field observation. Whether you are a dedicated plant enthusiast, a casual nature lover, or simply curious about one of the region’s most storied wildflowers, this program offers a memorable and enriching experience centered on one of spring’s most fleeting wonders.
Participants may register for one or both days. Space is limited.

Tech Time at Hudson Library
2026-03-25 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-08 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Hudson Library, 554 Main St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Have you ever received the gift of a new digital device, like an iPad, smartphone or laptop, but had no idea how to use it? Hudson Library has the perfect solution-
Tech Time sessions offer one-on-one help on any personal digital device. Tech Time is a chance for residents of all ages to bring their devices and ask any questions. Learn how to set up an email account, mute your cell phone, back up and store files, and more.
Tech Times are free. No library card is required and no appointment is necessary. Services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Financial Literacy Class at The Literacy & Learning Center
2026-04-20 17:30 - 18:30 | The Literacy & Learning Center, 675 S 4th Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
First topic: The 5 Times in Life You Need Financial Advice
The class will be taught in English, with a Spanish translator available.
Free dinner provided. Children welcome. RSVP is not required, but appreciated.It is hoped this will be an ongoing class; future settings will be determined based on interest.
