Highlands Cashiers Land Trust

Timber Rattlesnakes are often misunderstood, yet they play vital ecological roles and are a protected species in North Carolina.

More than 250 endemic species thrive on the Highlands‑Cashiers Plateau, underscoring its remarkable biodiversity and the vital conservation work of the Highlands‑Cashiers Land Trust.

Join the Village Nature Series on Wednesday, July 22, as wildlife tracker Sam Giovanetti shares the surprising stories and hidden signs that reveal the Southeast’s wildest secrets.

Long before pharmacies, the Cherokee and early settlers turned to the mountains for healing–and many of their remedies endure today.

Astronomer Stephan Martin joins the Village Nature Series on May 19 to explain why protecting dark skies matters for ecosystems and for us.

Spring’s fleeting wildflowers are emerging across our forests, offering a brief, brilliant reminder of the rich biodiversity the Highlands‑Cashiers Land Trust works to protect.

Revered in Native traditions and resilient in modern times, coyotes continue to thrive across the continent — including Highlands and Cashiers.

HCLT’s annual book picks offer fresh inspiration for exploring the region’s landscapes and stories in 2026.

In 1909, Highlands rallied to protect the summit of Satulah Mountain—one of the region’s earliest acts of grassroots conservation. More than a century later, that legacy still echoes with every step to the top.