Highlands Botanical Gardens
Highlands Botanical Gardens
The “Sto” Teaching Pavillion has a great view of Lindenwood Lake.
Perched nearly 4,000 feet above sea level, the Highlands Botanical Gardens are the highest in the country and offer opportunities to explore many ecosystems in one place. Walking through the 12 acre garden can be relaxing, inspiring, and also powerfully educational. Active research happens there year-round exploring the unique ecology and dazzling biodiversity of the Highlands plateau.
The Backstory:
The Highlands area, with its high elevation, abundant rainfall, and resulting unique ecology has been a hot-spot for botanists and naturalists for centuries. With many residents interested in local ecology and academics coming from afar to study, it’s no wonder that a group of conservationists and civic leaders, led by Clark Foreman, rallied to create the Highlands Museum in 1928. Their vision was always to expand into a research station and center for natural history. In 1930, thanks to energy infused by visiting academics and others, Highlands Museum and Biological Laboratory, Inc. was born. With a generous donation from Clark Williams, in honor of his good friend, Sam Weyman, the group was able to build a state-of-the-art laboratory that same year. The ensuing decades were abuzz with research and conservation activities, which opened the way for more financial support and the expansion of facilities.
In 1941 a new museum was built, which would later become the nature center, and finally the botanical gardens were begun in 1962, thanks to the vision and work of Ralph Sargent and many others. The gardens took longer to create because it was difficult to access appropriate land for planting adjacent to the station, but they were worth the wait. Several ecosystems are contained within the grounds, including wetlands and an old growth acid cove forest, among many others. In 1977 the entire biological station became an affiliate of the University of North Carolina System, bringing even more engagement and support for research, education, and conservation.
The Latest:
The Highlands Botanical Gardens and sisters, Highlands Research Station and Nature Center, offer year-round opportunities to connect with Southern Appalachian ecologies and the people who love and study them. Spring is a wonderful time to glimpse ephemeral flowers along the Woodland Way in the gardens; these short-lived blooms take advantage of the window when weather has warmed but deciduous trees haven’t yet leafed out; they make the forest floor seem magical.
This year the station is launching a “Climate Conversations” lecture series to share research projects and their findings and provide insights about how climate change is likely to impact our region’s flora and fauna. In late May, local artist Cynthia Woodsong will offer her popular class on making paper botanicals: models of native flowers made from paper. In February, the brand new signage was installed, meaning that strolls and self-guided tours will be even easier and more clear. One special feature of these gardens is that both vascular and many non-vascular plants (mosses and others) are labeled. Highlands, where the gardens are located, receives the most rainfall of anywhere in the Eastern US, meaning the moss diversity is especially noteworthy.
Luckily, the entire biological station didn’t sustain much damage from hurricane Helene. Thanks to the care of their facilities manager, along with workers and volunteers, downed trees and minor issues were cleared up quickly.
Plan a Visit:
The Botanical Gardens are open year-round during daylight hours, and access is free. They’re close to the town of Highlands and parking is available at the entrance. Five walking trails meander through the many different gardens, including an ethnobotanical garden, fern garden, homeowners demonstration garden, pollinator garden, rain demonstration garden, moss garden, and more. Weekly tours are offered, free of charge, on Wednesdays at noon starting in early April. The Nature Center hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It’s open on the second Saturday in March, Thursday to Saturday from April 3-May 26, then Monday to Saturday from May 27-August. Offerings at the Nature Center include exhibits, live animals, hands-on activities and summer camps. Accredited and continuing education classes through the Biological Station are open to the public; many include hands-on research at the gardens. Sunset and Sunrise Rock trailhead is right across from the nature center, and offers a breathtaking view on clear days after just a 3/4 mile walk. Other trailheads abound, and the town of Highlands offers restaurants and other cultural activities.
The Details
Address: 265 North Sixth St., Highlands
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
Fees: Free
Website: highlandsbiological.org/botanical-garden