Highlands Biological Foundation

Highlands Nature Center In 2022, the Highlands Biological Foundation (HBF) made a resonant impact via the Highlands Nature Center. Two dedicated full-time Education Specialists curated an array of year-round educational programs for Highlands residents and visitors. These initiatives were rooted in experiential, place-based learning, focusing on the incredible biodiversity of the southern Appalachian region. HBF staff welcomed over 15,000 visitors to the Nature Center to engage with exhibits, interact with animal ambassadors, and partake in complimentary daily programs. Additional learning experiences included special events, enriching summer day camps, the annual Zahner Conservation Lecture Series, and other family-centered programs. HBF Education Specialists extended their influence through outreach efforts, crafting impactful programming for organizations

southern Appalachian region. HBF also hired three summer Naturalists to help support educational programming and nature camps throughout the 2022 summer season. Research In 2022, the Highlands Biological Foundation awarded $21,250 in research grants to individuals conducting regional research while in residence at the Highlands Biological Station. Additionally, HBF provided funding for four summer Research Assistants to assist Highlands Biological Station and UNC-Chapel Hill staff with ongoing research projects studying birds, microplastics, bats, small mammals, and more. HBF awarded $4,950 in funding to Blue Ridge Bird Observatory (formerly Southern Appalachian Raptor Research) to continue the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) research program at the Station for the third consecutive year. Finally, HBF awarded $6,000 in funding to UNC-Chapel Hill to pilot a new citizen science project called Batpack which aims to monitor bat populations along southern portions of the Appalachian Trail.

within Macon and Jackson counties including the Literacy and Learning Center, the Gordon Center, the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau, and more, as well as enhancing regional events. This harmonious blend of immersive education and community engagement underscores HBF's dedication to nurturing a profound connection with the natural world. Education In 2022, the Highlands Biological Foundation awarded $100,000 to UNC-Chapel Hill's Institute for the Environment program at the Highlands Biological Station (HBS) for the second consecutive year. This program hosts a cohort of approximately 15 students at HBS each fall as they take a full slate of courses and get hands-on experience conducting research independently and as a group while learning about human impacts in the