Session Two, Week Two: Highlands, NC
10/18/2012 Fall is upon us and things are changing rapidly in the forest! We spent the day looking for interesting fall changes in the botanical gardens and learning about reptiles and amphibians. We went searching for salamanders in a stream in the botanical gardens. Chilly weather can make it more difficult to find amphibians, but we were successful finding a variety of salamanders including Black-bellied Salamanders, Ocoee Salamanders, and Two-lined Salamanders. Salamanders tend to be very photographic so we practiced [...]
Session Two, Week One: Highlands, NC
Backyard Naturalists in Highlands, NC is back for a second session! We have a wonderful mix of new students and returning students. The returning students, who participated in the first session, are taking their skills to the next level while helping to mentor and teach the new students. We spent the day exploring the gardens and practicing multiple ways to express ourselves through nature journaling. There are so many small details that can be observed in the natural world! [...]
Our First Graduating Class!
The inaugural Backyard Naturalists class came to a close on May 16, 2012. The 8-week pilot program, which was held at Highlands Biological Station in Highlands, North Carolina was a great success. It was a learning experience for everyone who was involved and thanks to a wonderful group of children and hardworking staff we are now able to refine our curriculum and approach in order to improve upon our offering for the next group of students later this year. We [...]
Calling all kids: Use your talents to help wildlife!
Wildscreen has launched this creative communications competition to raise awareness amongst young people in particular about the animals and plants affected by climate change. Entrants are asked to choose a climate change mascot, whether it be the polar bear, koala or emperor penguin, and let their creativity run wild! They can paint, draw, sing, knit or even rap, embracing their creativity to come up with an innovative and exciting way of engaging others with climate change, with the very best [...]
Cameras Have Arrived for Pilot Program!
It is a happy day at the Highlands Biological Foundation. The cameras that the children will be using for the first 8-week Backyard Naturalist program have now arrived. Aren’t they beautiful?
Pilot Program: March 19th!
We’re pleased to announce that our pilot program will kick-off March 19 in Highlands, North Carolina as an eight-week after-school program for 24 local middle school children. The curriculum will introduce children to a new way of looking at the natural world in their own backyard and expand their knowledge of local biodiversity. Each lesson will have four components: a short lecture on nature, an outdoor discovery component, journaling, and an art project. Topics are wide-ranging, from bird morphology to [...]