Village Nature Series

The Village Green and Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust co-host a series of lectures each summer. Visitors and residents learn about wildlife, habitats, conservation, and local cultural heritage from expert speakers in their fields! The Village Nature Series will begin at 5:30 pm on a select Tuesday or Wednesday during the months of April through September at The Village Green Commons located at 160 Frank Allen Road in Cashiers.

Continuing in 2026 is our Youth Nature Series held on a select Tuesday during the months of June, August, October, and December from 4-5PM at The Village Green! Youth of all ages are invited to participate in these educational and interactive programs! Past programs have included live animal presentations, Cherokee stories and games, educational wildlife walks through the Village Green park, and sustainable wreath making!

All of the Nature Series Programs, adult and youth, are FREE, family-friendly, held RAIN OR SHINE, and no reservations are required.

Thank you to Cedar Creek Club for sponsoring the Village Nature Series!

2026 Village Nature Series Dates: (Held 5:30-6:30PM)

  • April 21st: The History and Biology of Coyotes in North Carolina by Justin McVey
  • May 19th: Embracing the Dark: Light Pollution, Health and the Environment by Stephan Martin
  • June 16: Illuminating the Fabulous World of Fireflies by Sara Rivera
  • July 22: Wildlife of the Southeast-The Creation of a Regional Field Guide and What I Learned Along the Way by Sam Giovanetti
  • August 18: Indigenous Stewardship- Weaving Together Culture, Climate and Land by Brett Treadway
  • September 15: Appalachian Wonders and Phenomenal Ecological Connections by Luke Cannon 

2026 Youth Nature Series Dates: (Held 4-5PM)

  • May 26: Map & Compass Nature Treasure Hunt by Kayla Watson
  • June 9th: Bugs in Our Backyard! by Sara Rivera 
  • July 6th: Building a Wild Bee Hotel by Jessica Blackburn 
  • August 11th: Craft & Print a Tote-ally Sustainable Tote Bag by Lynsi Warva
  • September 22: Animal Tracks and Skulls by Topher Stephens
  • October 13th: Magnifying the Magic World of Mosses by Skye Cahoon