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Explore More at HBS
Written By: Charlotte Muir - Highlands Biological Station | Issue: 2018/12 - December
The Southern Appalachian Mountains are one of the most biologically diverse regions in the temperate world.
Biodiversity is extremely high in both the variety of different species and the abundance of each species. Nearly 10,000 species are already known to exist here, with more discovered each year—some of which are new to science!
Some organisms, such as salamanders and fungi, reach their highest levels of diversity in the Southern Appalachians. Other diverse groups include trees, mosses, millipedes, spiders, moths, beetles, and snails. Many of these species are endemic to this region, found here and nowhere else in the world.
More than 100 native trees, 1,400 other flowering plants, and 500 moss and fern species are found in the Southern Appalachians. Nearly 60 kinds of trees and shrubs may grow in our diverse cove hardwood forests. Spruce-fir forests occur at elevations above 5000 feet, northern hardwood and pine-oak forests occur at lower elevations, and hemlock forests occupy moist, streamside habitats.
The Highlands Biological Foundation is committed to preserving our unique habitat and educating our community on its importance. In order to support our mission to foster research and education focused on the rich natural heritage of the Southern Appalachians, we continue to develop community programming that focuses on current concerns for the region. 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. The presence of researchers and field biologists at the Highlands Biological Station 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.
The Highlands Biological Station serves the community of Highlands and all who visit. Please stop by to stroll the Botanical Garden, which is open 365 days a year from dawn until dusk. Plan on joining us next summer as well for our Zahner Conservation Lecture series, an educational workshop, or a children’s nature camp.
