Highlands Biological Station and Nature Center

A year-round biological field station located on a high plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains of southwestern North Carolina providing learning opportunities for teachers and students.

Preview your trip on the web: Highlands Biological Station and Nature Center

Learn more

• Wildflowers of the Southern Appalachian Mountains Photographs of wildflower plants of the Appalachian Mountains with short text. Look up wildflowers in groups by season, by color, or alphabetically. The author even gives permission to save or print the photos for personal use.
• North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission - Wildlife Species and Habitat Information A North Carolina Wildlife Resources site with detailed information about wildlife resources and management in the state. Information about animals such as the wood duck, white-tailed deer, beaver, wild turkey, quail, sea turtles, and predators such as various owls, osprey, black bear, wild boar and the gray fox is found here.
• Lesson plan: Animals undercover Students will learn about the different animal coverings using the inquiry method. They will learn about how the covering is used for protection and to control body temperatures.
• Lesson plan: Observing connections: Changing landscapes The students will learn about the changing environment through study and observation. They will reflect on these changes in the environment and create their own landscape and habitat. This is the second lesson in “Observing connections,” a series of three in which students are creating art based on their observations.

Related pages

• Roanoke/Cashie River Center: Open Tuesday-Saturday, this is a great place to take students to learn more about the wetlands and the history of the area.
• Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and Eco-Center: One of the best field trip opportunities in northeast North Carolina, Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Center provides educational tours and programs in the conservation of rare and endangered waterfowl.
• Schoolhouse of Wonder: The nature programs offered by the Schoolhouse of Wonder can be held at the Nature Center or in your classroom. With hands-on experience, students learn the importance of taking care of the Earth.

Related topics

• Learn more about Macon County, North Carolina, biology, botanical center, botany, ecology, environmental science, nature centers, science, and wildlife.

Legal

The Highlands Biological Station is a regional field station for research and education on the biota and ecosystems of the Southern Appalachians. The Station provides research facilities, resource programs, summer workshops, grants and scholarships. The Highlands Nature Center also has programs for children and adults.

To arrange for a visit contact Patrick Brannon, Education Specialist at 828-526-2623 or pbrannon@email.wcu.edu

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