For nearly a century, the Highlands Nature Center has served as a place of discovery, education, and connection to the natural world. Founded in 1927 as the museum of the Highlands Biological Station, it has welcomed generations of residents and visitors eager to learn about the rich biodiversity of the Southern Appalachians.
Originally housed as an annex to the Hudson Library, the Nature Center later moved into the historic Clark Foreman Museum building, constructed between 1939 and 1941 by the Works Progress Administration. Built with native granite from a local quarry and wormy chestnut salvaged from the Nantahala National Forest, the building reflects the natural heritage it was created to celebrate.
Over the decades, the Highlands Nature Center has remained an important part of the community, evolving to meet the needs of science and education. Its last major renovation was in 2001, when the original chestnut roof beams were reinforced and a covered entrance was added.
The Nature Center begins its next phase of preservation and improvement this month, with renovations continuing through late fall. The work focuses on three priorities designed to strengthen the building while honoring its historic character.
First, aging chestnut support columns along the outer walls, which have begun to deteriorate at their bases, will be replaced with metal beams for long‑term stability.
To preserve the building’s familiar appearance, the original chestnut columns will be salvaged and used to cover the interior‑facing metal supports.
The project will also replace all exterior windows with updated, energy‑efficient models featuring bird‑friendly etched glass. Designed to reduce bird collisions—one of the leading causes of bird mortality in North America – this improvement addresses a problem that kills nearly one billion birds each year.
In addition, portions of the foundation will be excavated and sealed to protect against water intrusion, while modest grading in front of the Nature Center and the rear parking lot will help redirect rainwater away from the building.
Before renovations begin, the Nature Center will remain open for regular summer hours, Monday through Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., through Saturday, August 15. Visitors are encouraged to stop in, explore the exhibits, and enjoy the Nature Center during the height of the season.
After August 15, the building will temporarily close, with plans to reopen in the new year. While construction is underway, the surrounding grounds will remain open, and educational programming will continue through outreach opportunities and fall programs at the Pavilion and on the grounds.
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