Time to Explore

Written By: Marissa Nieddu, Highlands Biological Foundation | Issue: April 2025

Say “Hello” to easy exploration!

Our long-awaited Wayfinding project is almost complete. After years of planning (and a few covid-related delays), we’re finally installing a brand-new system of trail signs that will help you navigate the station like a pro.

Signs, Etc., the team behind the magic, has finished manufacturing the signs, and are currently building the stone bases for keymarkers around the Station.

This project is no small feat – it includes seven vehicular directional signs, 42 trail markers, 14 confidence markers for those longer trails, two informational kiosks, and two major entrance signs for the Highlands Nature Center and the HBS facilities. Funding for this project was provided through a North Carolina Science Museum Grant, as well as contributions from the Highlands Biological Foundation and HBS/Western Carolina University.

The signs themselves are pretty impressive—thermally modified hardwoods, brushed aluminum, and local stone bases make them both durable and beautiful. They’ll also correspond with our updated trail map, helping you find your way through the 1.5 miles of trails (even though it might feel like more with some of the out-and-back paths!).

Spring Programming at the Nature Center

Starting April 3, the Highlands Nature Center will be back in action with plenty of activities to get you excited about the season. We’ll be open Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., offering a variety of educational programs, including weekly bird walks to catch the spring migration, and a monthly ecoEXPLORE program. Plus, our new Nature Center Drawing Club might make a comeback in April!

Best of all? Admission to the Nature Center is completely free, and the Highlands Botanical Garden and trails are open from dawn to dusk. So, come on out, enjoy the fresh air, and discover the natural beauty of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau this spring!