2017 Fall Newsletter

HigHlands Biological Foundation

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

HBS has always been known as a center of salamander research, our region being renowned for the diversity of these amphibians. This year might as well be “The Year of the Salamander,” as reckoned by the remarkable number of diverse salamanderrelated research projects and publications. Faculty and/or students came from Ohio State, Western Carolina, Appalachian State, South Florida, and Washington State to study: ecotoxicology, biomechanics of salamander climbing, salamander population demographics in wildfire-burned areas, salamander energy allocation as a function of temperature, stream salamander ecology, and salamander persistence in regenerating timber cuts. Several of these projects were supported by HBS Grants-in-Aid.

Two former GIA recipients Damien Wilburn (now a postdoc at the University of Washington) and Eric Riddell (now a postdoc at UC-Berkeley) had papers published in PLoS One and Ecological Monographs, respectively, the culminations of their HBSbased salamander research. The icing on the cake this year is the publication of the proceedings of the 2016 Special Highlands Conference on Plethodontid Salamander Biology! Former HBS director Richard (Dick) Bruce published an outstanding history of salamander research at HBS in the September 2017 Herpetological Review (memorably entitled “Lungless in Highlands: A Brief History of Research and Education on Plethodontid Salamanders at Highlands Biological Station”), and the September 2017 issue of Herpetologica is dedicated to no fewer than nine review papers from the conference, plus the cover photo. (Special thanks to conference co-organizer Sarah Woodley of Duquesne University for serving as lead editor on this special issue!)

Yes, HBS certainly shines in salamander research, but that does not take away from other exciting research at HBS this year: students researching fire ants, mice, and sand myrtle; faculty looking at glowworms and fungi in soil; and more. James Lendemer of the NY Botanical Garden and Jessi Allen, one of our GIA awardees and now a postdoc in Switzerland, turned a project conducted with students in their HBS lichens course into a paper in Castanea, and our own Patrick Brannon was lead author on a paper exploring the educational uses of small mammal skeletal remains found in discarded bottles.

The service HBS provides to the scientific community by supporting research, teaching, and training the next generation of scientists is recognized nationally as evidenced by our latest NSF grant for the renovation and expansion of our Aquatics Laboratory. This updated facility, once complete, may just launch a future “Year of the Fish” or “Year of the Stream” in the annals of HBS research. But there will always be salamanders...

-Jim Costa, Executive Director, HBS

CONTENTS

• Letter from the Director

• North Campus Update

• Artist in Nature

• Memorable Events

• Research Grants

• Institute for the Environment

• Internship Program

• Photo Contest

• Nature Center News

• Film Forays

NORTH CAMPUS IMPROVEMENT: PROJECT UPDATE

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the donors who have given to the North Campus Improvement Campaign! We have successfully completed the full design of the project, as well as the construction documents, obtained all the necessary permits, received approval of the plan from the University of North Carolina’s Board of Governors, been approved by the State Construction office and raised sufficient funding to begin construction.

Thanks to a group of dedicated friends and family members, the new teaching pavilion on the banks of Lindenwood Lake will be named in honor of John “Sto” Stowers Jr. All funds raised for this project are reserved and awaiting the next phase: Construction! Currently we are working with the professionals in the Western Carolina University’s Construction Management department to identify a qualified, experienced and affordable construction team to complete our vision and create this excellent addition to the Highlands community.

ARTIST IN

NATURE

This summer, over 20 artists participated in HBS’s “Artist in Nature” program, meeting weekly in the Highlands Botanical Garden for muse. Their time spent in the lush garden inspired many works, including paintings and sculptures. These works were exhibited as “Where Art & Science Meet” at Carolina Gallery of Fine Arts and many were sold to benefit HBS. Many thanks to these artists for their hard work and creativity!

HBS Executive Director, Jim Costa, gave a roundtable talk about his new book, Darwin’s Backyard, at the gallery as part of weekly “Where Art & Science Meet” programming. Thanks to CGFA for hosting such a wonderful exhibit and events!

THANKS TO YOU

Another year has flown by in a whirlwind of educational programs, fun hikes, summer camps, and research opportunities, and we cannot thank you enough for your support! Our Board of Trustees and members have worked harder than ever to promote our mission to the community and support the valuable research and education we have been able to offer year after year. Thank you from all of us at HBF!

VOLUNTEER

The Highlands Biological Foundation is always looking for volunteers, and we have many opportunities to match your interests. We promise to make your volunteer time not only useful and meaningful, but educational as well! If you are interested in helping at the Nature Center, in the Garden, in the Laboratory, at special events or have another idea of what you would like to do, please contact HBF to volunteer.

We would especially like to thank Cookie Patterson who created signs to promote our programs all summer! We hope you noticed them as you drove past the Nature Center. Cookie made signs for each Zahner Lecture and all of our special events. Many thanks to Cookie!

HBF COMMUNICATIONS

Are you getting our weekly emails? Please let us know if you need to be added to our list! Email Charlotte at charlotte@highlandsbiological.org to be added. Also, follow us on social media for updates on what’s going on at the Station!

@highlandsbiologicalstation

© Cynthia Strain 2016

Diane McPhail painting in the Garden

New signage at the Nature Center

Jim Costa speaking about his newest book

MEMORABLE EVENTS IN 2017

MAY 5 & 6 | WILDFLOWER WHIMSY

Wildflower Whimsy was a huge hit once again! This year we focused our field trips on areas recently affected by wildfire in the southern Appalachians. The party, auction, and hikes were well attended and enjoyed. Thanks to Event Chair, Jennie Stowers, for all of her efforts. Thank you all for supporting this event!

JULY 16 | BRUSHY FACE SOIREE

The Brushy Face Soiree, held at the beautiful home of Tricia and Inman Allen, with a sweeping view of Blue Valley, celebrated the success of the Highlands Biological Foundation over the past 90 years. Many thanks to our Host Committe: Judy & Dick Allison, Elizabeth Bradham, Ruth & Tom Claiborne, Vevie & Lawrence Dimmitt, Martha & Michael Dupuis, Ruth & Berryman Edwards, Melinda & Jim Ethier, Cathy & Bob Fisher, Rachel Friday & Jeff Schenk, Monte & Palmer Gaillard, Amanda & Greg Gregory, Julia & Bill Grumbles, Marianne & Bill Jenkins, Janet & George Johnson, Cookie & Harrison Jones, Carol & Stiles Kellett, Alfred Kennedy & Bill Kenney, Elizabeth & David Martin, Kathy & Jim Milby, Glenn Murer & JT Fields, Stephanie & Bill Reeves, Cheryl & Hugh Sargent, Carol & Rusty Stewart, Martha & Hal Stibbs, Jennie Stowers, Jane & Tom Tracy, and Lyda White.

OCT. 1 | HIGHLANDS ON THE HALF-SHELL

Highlands on the Half-Shell was a wonderful event! Thanks to everyone who attended to support the Biological Station, especially to our hosts: Hillary Cone, Kim & Bill Coward, Mary Todd & Jim Davis, Melanie & Tom Mauldin, Miriam & Vernon Skiles, Martha & Hal Stibbs, Jennie Stowers, Jonnie & Jimmy Swann, Corbin & Robert Tucker, and Kathy & Bestor Ward.

MEMBER-SUPPORTED RESEARCH GRANTS

For over 50 years, the Highlands Biological Foundation has provided grants in support of scientific research, bringing students to the Highlands Biological Station from all over the country and abroad. Through applications vetted by our Board of Scientific Advisors, these “Grants-in-Aid (GIA) of Research” make it possible for researchers to conduct their studies in residence at HBS and have supported thousands of research projects and hundreds of graduate theses and dissertations over the years. Their research has led to a better understanding of the incredible diversity of this region.

A CONTINUATION OF STUDIES OF FUNGI AS SYMBIONTS, SAPROPHYTES,ANDPATHOGENSIN REFORESTATIONANDESTABLISHED FOREST ECOSYSTEMS

RICH BAIRD PROFESSOR

MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

This past summer I began a 3-year study on the relationships between forests types and their fungi, specifically on the impact of wildfire intensity on critical symbiotic and pathogenic fungal populations found in Great Smoky Mountains and Nantahala National Forest. I hope to determine how the fires impacted the survival of fungi, changed the balance between soil and root symbionts, and changed the pathogenic fungi populations that could harm surviving trees and natural reforestation, especially interested in the severely burned areas.

I am currently analyzing soil samples from our study plots. Modern molecular methods are allowing us to find hundreds of fungi and bacteria never before identified. Soil samples taken from each test plot over the course of the study will allow us to monitor forest health over time.

From April through October, I collected visible fungi from the study plots to understand how different wildfire severities and forest types affected fungal populations. From these monthly samplings, I identified approximately 10 common fire-induced fungi. I have collected fungi from this area for 15 years and have never before seen these particular fungi. The visible fungi in these plots will be resampled over the 3-year study and will be compared with the molecular data to ensure we are sampling soils properly.

In addition to this work, I will continue to study reforestation efforts of resistant American chestnut and groups of toothed mushroom fungi in the genus Hydnum.

A COMPARISON OF HABITAT SELECTION AND COLD TOLERANCE OF THE INVASIVE FIRE ANT, SOLENOPSIS INVICTA, IN PIEDMONT AND MONTANE REGIONS OF THE CAROLINAS

AMANDA LAFFERTY

M.S. STUDENT WESTERNCAROLINAUNIVERSITY

The fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is an invasive pest that has rapidly spread throughout the country since its first introduction to Mobile, Alabama, in the 1930s. Within the past decade, some fire ant specialists have suggested that the spread of fire ants to higher-elevation areas in the southern Appalachians was unlikely. However, these ants have recently been observed in Macon and Jackson counties above 4000 feet in elevation, including several colonies found in Highlands.

The presence of these invasive ants at relatively high elevations raises the question of the likelihood of their enduring persistence. This summer I explored possible behavioral and physiological adaptatitions of fire ants to high elevation environments. This entailed a comparison of habitat selection, cold tolerance and fat content of fire ants collected along a gradient from the piedmont to the mountains of the Carolinas. I compared adapted techniques that have been developed for other invasive ant species that are now threatening high-elevation environments. I hope to ascertain if there are differences in cold tolerance and fat content of fire ants from warmer, low elevations and ants from cooler, high elevations. If fire ants from high elevation areas like Highlands are more coldtolerant, it may indicate that they are physically adapting to higher elevation environments. This research will yield valuable information concerning a highly aggressive pest that has adverse effects on public health and the environment.

CLINGING AND CLIMBING IN PLETHODONTIDSALAMANDERS

MARY KATE O’DONNELL PH.D. CANDIDATE

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Plethodontid (lungless) salamanders are the largest and most diverse group of salamanders in the world. As amphibian populations continue to decline globally, studying the behavior and ecology of these species is vital to understanding species’ needs and improving conservation efforts. The propensity for salamanders to climb in order to access more habitats, find additional food, or escape predators and unfavorable conditions on the ground is not well known. Climbing salamanders are particularly interesting because despite demonstrated high performance in some species, these animals lack the adaptations common in climbers, such as specialized toe pads and claws.

I study salamander climbing performance to better understand what their abilities are, and how they are able to generate attachment. Some species within the family Plethodontidae have the ability to cling and walk completely inverted; I am working to gather more information on the mechanism by which they attach to the surface. I am also studying the effect of surface roughness and wetness on their clinging and climbing abilities, to understand what surfaces are climbable and what factors affect their ability to climb.

Using HBS facilities, I was able to capture and rapidly test individuals from seven different species of salamanders in four experimental setups to determine how performance varies across species at different angles on a range of surfaces. I was also able to observe these animals climbing in their natural environment, and sample natural surfaces to directly compare laboratory setups to real world performance. My findings will contribute to our understanding of what habitats are used by salamanders and to their conservation.

HOW NOISE AFFECTS NOCTURNAL DEER MICE

RADMILA PETRIC

PH.D. STUDENT

UNC-GREENSBORO

Anthropogenic (man-made) noise is a pervasive global pollutant that negatively affects vocal communication in various species.  Animals rely on vocal signals to mediate daily activities such as prey detection, predator avoidance, mate attraction, navigation, and territory defense. Vocal communication is an essential component of animal behavior,  yet we know relatively little about the impact of audible and ultrasonic (high frequency sounds that are above human hearing) noise on vocal signals of free-living nocturnal animals.

Rodents play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem  by directly and indirectly influencing the abundance and distribution of other species, from plants to carnivores.  In order to better understand the effects of broadband anthropogenic noise on vocal communication, this research focused on free-living, nocturnal, and vocal rodents, the deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) and woodland jumping mice (Napaeozapus insignis).  Specifically, the goal of this project was to examine the effects of noise on foraging, exploration, and vocal communication.

HBS served as my base of operation for collecting and managing data. I live-trapped mice, put radiotransmitters on individuals, recorded their vocalizations and measured their activity. During the night when mice were active, I experimentally broadcasted antropogenic noise or familiar sounds in the territory of individual mice. In order to record vocalizations, monitor movements, and activity, I deployed three remote sensing systems; microphone array, radiotelemetry and thermal imaging video.

Rodents play a crucial role is maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

The behavior and ecology of these species becomes more vital to understanding species’ needs and improving conservation efforts.

BEHAVIOR MITIGATES THE EFFECTS OF INCREASED TEMPERATURE IN A PLETHODONTID SALAMANDER

SARAH WANAMAKER PH.D. STUDENT

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

How animals respond to changes in climate is an important question for biologists. Global warming may affect many parts of an ecosystem, but the effects of global warming on animal physiology are poorly studied. My research explores the consequences of climate change by measuring several characteristics related to survival and reproduction in amphibians. Amphibians are ectothermic (cold-blooded) and particularly susceptible to global warming because many aspects of their biology (such as metabolism, muscle function, and behavior) are dependent on environmental temperature. Furthermore, amphibians are declining worldwide, and these declines may be aggravated by climate change.

At HBS, I studied the ocoee salamander (Desmognathus ocoee) to answer the following questions:

1) how does climate affect energy allocation in salamanders, and

2) how does the thermal environment of a mother affect the health of her offspring?

By placing D. ocoee in two different climate regimes (16° C and 25° C, based on summer temperature ranges in their natural habitat), I can take measurements to see how temperature influences these salamanders. I expected to find that salamanders in warmer temperatures would have higher metabolic rates, and would need to spend more energy on basic cell function; hence they would have relatively less energy to spend on fat storage or creating large, healthy offspring. Rather than finding detrimental effects of increased temperatures on the salamanders, such as weight loss or producing fewer eggs, I found that the salamanders are able to behaviorally adapt by eating more and foraging more aggressively. This could be really good news for amphibians in the face of climate change…as long as they can continue to find a lot of food!

The next step in my research at HBS is to look within the eggs, and see if there are any differences in yolk composition that might affect offspring health.

INSTITUTE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

HBS is hosting 12 students enrolled in the UNCChapel Hill Institute for the Environment (IE). Dr. Jim Costa and Dr. Sarah Workman, who serve as the Field Coordinators for the Highlands Field Site, act as educators and mentors for the program. IE students particiapte in a full semester of academic and field work focused on conservation science.

Students are on campus from late August through mid-December. The emphasis on fieldwork and experiential learning takes advantage of our diverse ecosystems, from the spruce-fir forests to the river basins of western North Carolina.  This year, focus is on the “Health of the Headwaters” initiative. Students examine issues related to water quality using the Blue Ridge Escarpment headwater streams and groundwater systems as their laboratory.

IE students must also complete an internship or an independent study. This mentored research internship provides students real world experiences and a chance to understand how their experiences apply to projects undertaken by partner organizations, such as the Kanuga Conferences Inc. bog restoration or at the Green Energy Park in Dillsboro.

Students are also studying rattlesnakes with the Orianne Society, investigating old growth forest habitats with the Chattooga Conservancy, studying the effects of last year’s forest fires with Western Carolina University faculty, and conducting a herpetological survey with the North American Land Trust.

IE Students collecting data in the Pigeon River

SUMMER INTERN PROGRAM

HBF PHOTO CONTEST

The first HBF photo contest was held this summer at the Nature Center with entries from youth and adult participants in four categories: Winged Creatures, Waterways, Small Wonders and Mountains and Valleys. Each category was on display for a week with all photos exhibited for the final awards ceremony. Our overall winners were Charles Johnson (Adult) and Leah Craig (Youth).

Each summer, HBS hosts interns at the Nature Center or the Botanical Garden. This year we had 5 interns from 5 different universities including Harvard, UNC-Chapel Hill, and USC. We could not accomplish all we do each summer without them!

This summer, I was awarded an internship to be an Assistant Naturalist at the Nature Center. My daily duties included assisting and leading day camps, caring for the animals in the Nature Center, and helping manage the day-to-day operations. I was encouraged to work on additional projects to enhance the Nature Center and I constructed a new large box turtle enclosure, updated signage on the live animal exhibits, and assisted in an updated design of the “See Like a Bee” exhibit. Over the summer, I had the opportunity to develop my interpersonal and educational skills, complete my first carpentry project, and gain experience working for an environmental non-profit with the amazing staff of Highlands Biological Foundation. My experiences at HBS have helped shape my passion for environmental education and pursuing my goal of a career in environmental policy.

Morgan Gallahue is a junior at Georgia Southern University majoring in Biology with a focus on Environmental Science.

Charles Johnson, Overall Adult Winner

Leah Craig, Overall Youth Winner Patty Repine , Waterways Winner

Jeremy Cohen, Winged Creatures Winner

Mike Hunter, Small Wonders Winner

2017 Summer Interns: Laura Booth, Larissa Wood, Morgan Gallahue, and Kayla Ross Not pictured: Andrea Brown

Laura Booth in the garden

NATURE CENTER NEWS

Highlands Nature Center was busy this summer with daily programming, evening events, and several big weekend celebrations, including the solar eclipse. With new Education Specialist Eliese Ronke at the helm, two creative interns, and a handful of dedicated volunteers, the Nature Center was able to provide a wide range of educational and interpretive opportunities for local residents, visitors, and campers.

The Nature Center’s summer nature camps offered numerous opportunities to campers. Younger campers explored the many habitats in and around the Nature Center in Nature Play, Aquatic Adventures and several other new camps, while older campers in Eco-Trekkers hiked some of the area’s most beautiful trails, learning Leave-No-Trace principles and swimming at the base of local waterfalls.

The Nature Center has seen a number of updates to exhibits and live animal displays. A new box turtle enclosure allowed for a new male turtle to join the ranks and has been a highlight for visitors. Other changes for our animals have opened space for next summer’s “Featured Creature,” a new animal to be brought in regularly by the students and researchers at HBS for temporary display. The Nature Center’s Kid’s Exploration Zone has also seen improvements and the addition of a forest food web activity. The new geology exhibit has been popular, as well, displaying many native rocks and minerals with hands-on activities on mineral identification and the rock cycle.

As we approach the winter, more new exhibits are in progress, including the Highlands Waterways exhibit highlighting watersheds and wetlands of the plateau and a digital interactive display on North Carolina’s geologic history. Highlands Nature Center is in an exciting time of change - come by and visit your old favorites and check out the new additions for yourself!

- Eliese Ronke, Nature Center Education Specialist

Your membership supports:

• The Highlands Botanical Garden

• Community outreach and education

• Research in the southern Appalachians

• Nature Center programming

THANKSTOOURMEMBERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT!

Campers exploring

Film Forays

at the Nature Center

All Ages | 6:30pm | Cost: Free

Bundle up and head to the Nature Center for a winter film series with movies and documentries to be enjoyed by the whole family! Bring a mug for hot cocoa or tea, or buy a mug from the gift shop.

January 11

January 25

February 8

February 22

March 8

March 22

New turtle box for Shelldon and Shelly Food web activity

Nature Center critters

Shelldon, our new turtle