The Highlands Biological Foundation has unveiled a recent gift from sisters Amy and Cookie Patterson.
Earlier this year, the Patterson’s donated their property at 2465 Cashiers Road in Highlands to HBF, ensuring the local nonprofit organization has a dedicated space to further its mission of stimulating, promoting, and funding biological research and education in the southern Appalachians.
The property, formerly home to Highlands-Cashiers Animal Clinic, served families from 1986 to 2022 when the Patterson’s retired. The gift ensures the property will continue to serve the community in its new capacity as HBF’s administrative headquarters, providing space for staff offices, meetings, workshops, and more.
The gift is coincident with Amy completing a term on HBF’s Board of Trustees in June, and their sister, Karen, rejoining the Board. The Pattersons, who grew up next to the Highlands Biological Station (a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University), have a long history of supporting HBF through board service, volunteering, and advocacy for its mission.
“We are deeply grateful to Amy, Cookie, and Karen for their generosity and dedication,” said HBF Board President John Mitchener. “Their hard work and vision have provided us with a beautiful space that will enhance our ability to serve the community.”
Last year, the Patterson’s spent several months remodeling the building, reflecting their commitment to environmental stewardship. They transformed the space using eco-conscious materials including non-VOC paint, sustainable cork flooring, and repurposed windows, fixtures, and furniture from the original clinic. The result is a modern and inviting facility that aligns with HBF’s values and environmental focus.
While the administrative office has moved to this new location, HBF continues its vital work at the Highlands Biological Station, including providing staff and educational programming at the Highlands Nature Center, a practice begun in 1930.
“We remain proud partners of the Station,” said HBF Executive Director Jamie Creola. “Our mission to support research and education in the southern Appalachians remains as strong as ever, and we look forward to the opportunities this new facility will provide in advancing this work.”
HBF has recently begun addressing a few safety updates on the property, including the removal of hazardous trees, and is in the early stages of developing a strategic and architectural master plan for its long-term use. While the property is still a work in progress, the Foundation is proud to celebrate the legacy of the Patterson family by continuing to inspire curiosity and stewardship of the natural world in Highlands and beyond.
“We hope the community will pardon our dust as we settle into this wonderful new space,” said Creola. “We’re excited to share this next chapter with everyone and look forward to welcoming visitors in the near future.”