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90 Years of Commitment at Highlands Biological Station
Written By: Charlotte Muir - Highlands Biological Station | Issue: 2017/11 - November
The Highlands Biological Foundation has been committed to fostering research and education focused on the rich natural heritage of the Southern Appalachians since 1927. Our mission is expressed in the three facets of the station – the Nature Center, Botanical Garden, and Research Laboratory.
For over 75 years the Nature Center has been the interpretive bridge between the research conducted through the Biological Laboratory and our community. Using programs such as the Zahner Conservation Lecture Series and summer camps, we help our community become more connected with the beautiful and exceptional ecology of the Southern Appalachians.
The Highlands Botanical Garden was established in 1962 as a refuge and demonstration garden for the diverse flora of the southern Appalachians and its unique communities. Nearly 500 species of mosses, ferns, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees flourish in natural forest, wetlands and old-growth plant communities connected by a series of trails and boardwalks.
The Highlands Botanical Garden is open year-round, dawn to dusk, free of charge. Come enjoy the wildflowers along our woodland trails, lake, and creek, have a picnic lunch, or take one of our tours or workshops.
Research, teaching, and training have always been central to the Highlands Biological Station, which annually hosts hundreds of students, faculty, and researchers for immersive study in one of North America’s richest ecosystems. Having researchers working here is vital to understanding the effects of climate change and human influence on various ecosystems. Our Botanical Garden serves as an outdoor laboratory for researchers and students from around the world but is also an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the diversity of the Plateau in a garden setting.
Please help us advance the station’s mission of protecting and preserving the ecological diversity and natural history of the Highlands Plateau by supporting the Highlands Biological Foundation today. For more information on programs or research at HBS, visit highlandsbiological.org/.
