Zahner lecture series returns to Highlands
Dr. Matt Bertone will discuss the weird world of anthropods.
Dr. Matt Bertone photo
The Highlands Biological Foundation announced the return of its annual Zahner Conservation Lecture Series, a beloved summer tradition dating back to the 1930s. Named in honor of Dr. Robert Zahner and his wife Glenda for their lasting impact on land conservation in the Highlands Plateau, the series offers the public an opportunity to engage with leading voices in science, conservation and the arts.
The 2026 series will begin on Thursday, June 11, with an engaging presentation by Dr. Matt Bertone, entomologist and director of the NC State Plant Disease and Insect Clinic at North Carolina State University, titled “Weird and Underappreciated Arthropods of North Carolina.” Everyone knows butterflies, dragonflies, and praying mantises, among other popular arthropods. But what about thrips, bark lice, or eriophyid mites? In this fascinating lecture, Dr. Bertone, a self-described “strange critter enthusiast,” will introduce audiences to some of North Carolina’s weirdest and least talked about arthropods through captivating stories and striking photography.
This free event will begin at 6 p.m. on June 11 at the Highlands Nature Center.
The lectures will be held every Thursday evening at 6 p.m. from June 11 through Aug. 6, excluding July 2. To see HBF’s full Zahner lecture lineup, please visit highlandsbiological.org/zahner.
