Highlands Biological Station

The Highlands Biological Station is a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University consisting of academic research, teaching, and residential facilities as well as a natural history museum (Highlands Nature Center) and a 12-acre native plant botanical garden (Highlands Botanical Gardens). The Highlands Biological Station is primarily University-supported, with additional funding provided by grants, program revenue, and the non-profit Highlands Biological Foundation, Inc. Our mission is to foster research and education focused on the rich natural heritage of the Highlands Plateau, while preserving and celebrating the integrity of the “biological crown of the southern Appalachian Mountains.”

HBS realizes its mission of education and research broadly through (1) support of scientific research and graduate training, (2) an annual program of accredited field biology courses for undergraduate and graduate students  (3)hosting visiting academic groups, and (4) a diverse outreach programming for regional K-12 schools and the local community.

Year Founded
1927
Year Joined OBFS
2010
Size of Field Station (hectares)
1-100
FSML Web Address
https://highlandsbiological.org/

Private nonprofit organization?
No
Universities affiliated / Parent Organization
Western Carolina Univeristy
Federal, state, or local governmental partners?
Other: University/College
Member of the Virtual Field
No

Additional Information

Private nonprofit organization?
Names of Universities affilated
0
Federal, state, or local governmental partners?
Other
Name of partner
Tribal partners/users
No
MSI/HBCU users
No
Community College users
No
Member of the Virtual Field
No

Visiting a FS/ML

Open to the Public
Yes
Year round staff
3-5
Seasonal staff
11-20
Overnight housing facilities/# of beds
50+
Distance to emergency services
0-20 minutes
Library
Yes
Hiking trails
Yes
Internship employment
Yes

Environmental Information

Biomes
Temperate Forest
Minimum Elevation
751-1500 meters
Maximum Elevation
1501-3000 meters
Köppen climate classification
C (temperate)
Freshwater habitats
Yes
Urban or rural
Agricultural fields
No

Research

REU host station
Yes
Dry lab space
Yes
Wet Lab space
Yes
Research vessels available
Yes
GIS capacity on site
Yes
Long term data sets
Yes
On site herbarium or voucher species
Formal Data Management Plan
No
Mesocosms, plots, stream diversions, or other sets ups for outdoor manipulative experiments
Yes
Date Joined OBFS
January 10, 2024

News And Updates

2024 Summer Courses at Highlands Biological Station

Ready to explore the incredible diversity of the southern Appalachian mountains? Our 2024 summer courses and workshops at Highlands Biological Station offer a thrilling lineup! Secure Your Spot! Registration is…

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