This lecture series — a tradition that started in the 1930s — serves to educate and inspire the public through a series of talks from well-known regional scientists, conservationists, artists, and writers. 

The lectures are made possible by the Highlands Biological Foundation and from donations from numerous individuals and local organizations. The public is invited to participate in these free lectures, which will be held each Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Highlands Nature Center at 930 Horse Cove Road in Highlands.

The first lecture of the season will focus on the fungi of the Highlands Plateau. The southern Appalachian Mountains are world-renowned for an incredibly rich diversity of fleshy fungi, especially mushrooms. 

In this lecture, participants will be introduced to the natural history of the southern Appalachian Mountains, major forest types, and some of the common and unusual fungi that can be encountered on a walk through the woods in the vicinity of Highlands. Attendees will examine fungi that parasitize other organisms (insects and plants as well as other fungi), fungi that carry out important ecological roles in the forest, and interesting modes of spore dispersal. 

Attendees are encouraged to bring mushrooms for identification before or after the lecture. 

Lectures are free. For a full schedule as well as information on other programs, www.highlandsbiological.org  or 828.526.2221.