Biographical Info

The Highlands Biological Station (HBS) is an inter-institutional center of the University of North Carolina and is administered by Western Carolina University. The Highlands Nature Center, Laboratory, and Botanical Garden are part of the Station, which is supported in part by the Highlands Biological Foundation.  The three panels of the HBS logo symbolize the key facets of the Station: The Nature Center is represented by the salamander panel, the Botanical Garden is symbolized by Oconee bells, and the research and educational dimension of the Station and Foundation is represented by the central panel signifying the ecology of the Highlands Plateau.

Our Mission: 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.”