All special events take place at the Highlands Nature Center & Botanical Garden, 930 Horse Cove Road. Advanced registration (828-526-2623) is required for some events due to limited space.

Special Events
June 2 “Summer Kickoff Event: Salamanders”
All Ages 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Free
Start off the summer with our salamander celebration! Refreshments will be provided, followed by a presentation on salamander biology.

June 2 “Salamander Meander”
Ages 7 - Adult 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm $5 Per Person
After the lecture, join herpetologists on a night search to observe some of the area’s magnificent salamanders in the wild. Bring a flashlight! Advanced registration is required due to limited space.

June 14 “Owl Pellets”
Ages 5 and up 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm $1 Per Person
Dissect owl pellets and discover the bones of mice, rats, and other prey items!

June 16 “Owl Prowl”
Highlands Nature Center • 828-526-2623
All Ages 8:00 pm - ? Free
In collaboration with the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. Come to the amphitheater for a presentation by the Carolina Raptor Center featuring live owls, then stay for a night hike to find owls in the wild. Bring your flashlight.

June 23 “Know Your Frogs”
Ages 7 and up 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm $5 Per Person
Come for a presentation about regional frog species. Learn to identify species of frogs visually and by their calls. People are invited to stay after the presentation to search for frogs and to participate in a scientific survey of calling frogs at the Station. Advanced registration is required. Bring a flashlight!

June 30 “Appalachian Storytelling”
All Ages 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Free

July 14 “Snakes of the Highlands Region”
All Ages 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Free
Come for an educational program featuring live snakes! Herpetologist and Nature Center Director Patrick Brannon will present a talk on local snake species. Learn snake identification, natural histories, and common misconceptions about them.

July 21 “Nature by Night”
Ages 6 and up  9:00 pm - 10:30 pm  $2 Per Person
Learn about adaptations of nocturnal animals through a variety of fun games, activities, and observations along the garden trails. Bring a flashlight! Advanced registration requested.

Daily Summer Programs
May 30 - August 20

Mondays “Botanical Garden Tour”
Ages 8 – 11 10:30 am - 11:30 am   Free
Join us on a guided walk along the Garden trails to learn more about the beautiful native flowers and plants of the Southern Appalachian mountains.

Tuesdays “Family Nature Activity”
Ages 4 and up 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm $1 Per Person
Activities vary weekly but may include critter searches, discovery walks, nature studies and games, or crafts.

Wednesdays “Storybook Science Program”
All Ages 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Free
Come for a nature lesson based around a children’s storybook, and see and touch an interesting item from the Nature Center!

Thursdays “Think About Thursdays”
Ages and Times Vary
Sponsored by the Highlands Biological Foundation. A variety of programs including the Zahner Conservation Lecture Series, guided interpretive hikes, workshops, and family special events.

Fridays “Animal Feeding Time”
All Ages 11:00 am - 11:30 am Free
Come and observe what each of the Nature Center’s animals eat and learn how they feed!

Saturdays “Featured Creature”
All Ages 11:30 am - Noon Free
Come and learn more about one of the Nature Center’s live animals up close!