Mammal Diversity and Habitat Workshop
Schedule
Wed, 17 Jun, 2026 at 01:00 pm to Thu, 18 Jun, 2026 at 05:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
265 N 6th St, Highlands, NC, United States, North Carolina 28741 | Highlands, NC
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Mammal Diversity and Habitat WorkshopJune 17–18, 2026
Instructor: Patrick Brannon
This two-day workshop introduces participants to the rich diversity of mammals found in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Through lectures, laboratory activities, and field exploration, participants will learn how scientists study mammals and the habitats that support them.
The workshop combines species identification, ecological concepts, and practical field methods used in mammal research. Participants will gain experience identifying mammal groups, recognizing animal signs, and examining skeletal features used by biologists to distinguish species.
Day One: Highlands Biological Station
Wednesday | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The first day focuses on the diversity and identification of mammals in the region.
Participants will:
• Learn about the major mammal groups found in the Southern Appalachians
• Practice identifying species using field characteristics and skull features
• Explore the role of teeth and dentition in mammal identification
• Search for animal signs along the Station’s garden trails
• Set live traps overnight at Highlands Biological Station to survey local rodents and other small mammals
A hands-on lab will introduce participants to mammal skulls and dentition, providing an opportunity to practice species identification using skeletal features.
Day Two: Field Investigation & Habitat Study
Thursday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The second day begins with checking the traps set the previous evening and identifying the small mammal species captured as part of the survey.
Participants will also explore additional identification techniques and ecological questions, including:
• Identifying preserved specimens in a laboratory setting
• Learning about a past research project investigating the effects of littering on small mammal mortality
• Using a dichotomous key to identify shrew skulls
• Examining mammal skeletal remains and other field evidence
Later in the day, participants will travel by HBS van to the Fodderstack Poplar Trail and Rich Gap Road area to examine wildlife habitat.
During this field excursion, participants will:
• Assess forest habitat quality for deer and other wildlife
• Learn habitat assessment techniques such as point-quarter sampling
• Search for small mammal bones that may accumulate in discarded bottles along roadsides
• Observe wildlife habitat features within the surrounding forest ecosystem
The workshop will conclude with a return to Highlands Biological Station in the afternoon.
Physical Requirements
Participants should be in good physical condition for moderate hiking on uneven forest trails.
Please Bring
• Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear
• A water bottle
• A notebook and pencil for field notes
• A sack lunch for Day Two
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Where is it happening?
265 N 6th St, Highlands, NC, United States, North Carolina 28741Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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