A young naturalist explores a field guide to butterflies. (photo © Cathy Carabello)

About Us

Making Tracks in the Monadnock Region Since 1970

The Harris Center — a donor-supported, non-profit organization — is a transformative force in the Monadnock Region, where we promote understanding and respect for the natural world through education of all ages, direct protection and exemplary stewardship of the region’s natural resources, conservation research, and programs that encourage active participation in the great outdoors.


A group of kids gather together in snowy woods.

Kids explore their neighborhood woods on snowshoes during a Harris Center afterschool program.
(photo © Keene Housing Kids Collaborative)

Programs & Education

Every year, more than 3,000 students in 30 Monadnock Region schools embark on learning expeditions with Harris Center teacher-naturalists. From inventorying neighborhood birds to looking for mammal tracks in the snow or investigating vernal pools, we help children develop and deepen their connection with nearby nature.

Outside of schools, our community programs help curious learners of all ages connect with the natural world – from babies in backpacks to retirement communities, and all points in between.

In addition, we offer more than 100 programs and outings for the general public each year, free of charge. Our annual calendar of events is rich and varied, from stargazing to mammal tracking, canoeing to cross-country skiing.


A canoe sits poised for action at the edge of Childs Bog in Harrisville.

Land conservation preserves our air, soil, and water, ensures that wildlife have room to roam, and provides fantastic opportunities for outdoor recreation.
(photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Land Conservation

As a land trust, the Harris Center has directly protected more than 24,000 acres of land in the Monadnock Region for people and wildlife alike. We’ve also played an integral role in stitching together a 36,000-acre SuperSanctuary of connected protected lands in the towns of Antrim, Dublin, Greenfield, Hancock, Harrisville, Nelson, Peterborough, and Stoddard.

The philosophy for the SuperSanctuary is that bigger is better, and the key is not who protects what, but what gets protected.


A wood frog and spring peeper sit on top of a data form.

A volunteer tallies migrating amphibians — who are making her job easy! (photo © Jess Baum)

Conservation Research

We support conservation research on our protected lands – and throughout the Monadnock Region – via undergraduate, graduate, and other professional study, as well as our popular community science initiatives.


A Common Theme

Harris Center naturalist Jaime Hutchinson leads a group of preschoolers on a search for worms. (photo © Ben Conant)

Young naturalists wonder at their discoveries on a Harris Center outing. (photo © Ben Conant)

Our three program areas support and build upon one another: our land protection program preserves open space and models exemplary stewardship; the education program helps people of all ages understand the value of these natural resources and creates future stewards; and our conservation research program offers learning opportunities and informs stewardship of our protected lands.

Whatever the offering, a common theme emerges: respect for the natural world, fostered by skilled Harris Center naturalists, scientists, and educators, and supported by people dedicated to conservation in the Monadnock Region. We do hope you’ll join us.

Contact Us

For more information or general questions about the Harris Center, please call us at (603) 525-3394.