Celebrating 55 Years of the Harris Center

The Harris Center Hosts its 2025 Annual Meeting

More than a hundred supporters, volunteers, and friends gathered in the Thelma Babbitt Room on October 19 for the Harris Center’s 55th Annual Meeting — an afternoon of recognition, stories, and inspiration celebrating more than half a century of conservation and community in the Monadnock Region.

Executive Director Jeremy Wilson opened the meeting by reflecting on the organization’s growth and enduring influence. “Over those fifty-five years, the Harris Center has truly had a remarkable, transformational impact on the Monadnock Region.”

Jeremy also highlighted a year of strong community engagement and conservation research: more than 200 community education programs, 400 volunteers assisting 11,650 amphibians across local roads, 1,000 acres of new conservation land in Hancock and Antrim, plus ongoing kestrel, saw-whet owl, and Broad-winged Hawk research. Harris Center teacher-naturalists worked with over 3,000 students in more than 35 schools on lessons in hawk migration, nature journaling, and outdoor exploration, while accessible programs expanded with Birding for All outings, nature walks with the Keene Vet Center, and partnerships with life-care communities.

Teaching Beyond the Classroom

One of the day’s most memorable moments came when Tina Ramsey from Chesterfield School accepted the Educator of the Year Award. Introduced by Harris Center teacher-naturalist John Benjamin, Ramsey was honored for her creative, place-based science curriculum and her deep belief in the value of outdoor learning.

Tina spoke passionately about the value of outdoor education, challenging the growing pressure on teachers to focus narrowly on reading and math. “Science is not just content; it is a great deal more than a discrete set of facts about how our world works,” she explained. “Science is a set of skills and processes that allow people to draw justifiable and reliable conclusions. We cannot afford to raise a generation who does not understand how science works.”

“Giving children the opportunity to experience the natural world motivates and inspires their curiosity and drive to learn…,” she added. “If we want to build better learners, mathematicians, and readers, getting students outside to experience science in real ways builds those skills!”

Honoring Volunteers & Partners

The Harris Center also recognized the volunteers and partners whose efforts keep our programs thriving year-round. Phil Brown, Bird Conservation Director, presented Volunteer Extraordinaire Awards to Chuck Carlson and Tom Momeyer for their stunning bird photography and contributions to raptor research. “These two have devoted energy, talent, and time to a cause greater than themselves — shedding light on some of the most intimate moments of a rarely observed scene of a bird’s life,” Brown said. “Their photographs and data have not only advanced raptor research, but also brought beauty and inspiration to all of us who follow their work.”

Stan Smith and Vic Starzynski, who have co-led the Harris Center’s beloved In the Footsteps of John Kulish hikes for more than a decade, were also awarded Volunteer Extraordinaire Awards. Introducing them, Land Program Manager Eric Masterson noted, “They embody the spirit of curiosity, humility, and generosity that John himself represented.” Accepting his award, Stan noted that “recognition is unexpected when you’re doing something you love.”

The Laurie Bryan Partnership Award was presented to Sally Manikian of The Conservation Fund for her leadership in land protection projects across New Hampshire. Introducing her, Land Protection Specialist James Newsom said, “Whether it’s working with landowners, agencies, or communities, Sally finds a way to make big, complex conservation deals happen — and she does it with grace and humor.”

“The Conservation Fund’s organizing principle to achieve everything we do is through partnership,” she noted in her remarks. “To receive an award recognizing that partnership — it’s the biggest compliment I can receive.”

Board Transitions & Staff Milestones

The meeting also marked the end of Michael George’s tenure as Board Chair and the welcoming of Tara Kessler into the role. Two staff members were recognized for milestone anniversaries: James Newsom, celebrating ten years in land protection, and Miles Stahmann, marking five years managing finance and operations. Jeremy commended both for their expertise and commitment, praising Miles for his “warmth, know-how, and unflappable demeanor” and James for his “legal acumen and love for the outdoors.” New Volunteer Coordinator Mary Verrilli, who recently moved from Portland, Oregon, was also welcomed to the team.

Wildlife artist Rosemary Conroy shared her personal story of transformation — from a corporate career to a life devoted to art and conservation in New Hampshire. (photo © Ben Conant)

Finding Kinship in the Wild

The afternoon concluded with an inspiring keynote by artist and former Harris Center board member Rosemary Conroy, whose vibrant wildlife portraits capture the spirit of the organization’s mission. Introduced by Community Programs Director Susie Spikol, Conroy shared her personal story of transformation — from a corporate career in New York City to a life devoted to art and conservation in New Hampshire.

Artist Rosemary Conroy and Executive Director Jeremy Wilson
(photo © Ben Conant)

“I grew up in Brooklyn, New York,” she began. “I was the grandchild of immigrants — people who worked so hard to succeed in this New World. And to honor them, I thought I had to work hard and get ahead, which I understood meant making as much money as possible.”

Her life changed when a birder in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park handed her a pair of binoculars and pointed out a rose-breasted grosbeak. “An ember that had been hidden inside me, sputtering from lack of oxygen, suddenly burst into flame,” she said. “That bird saved my life.” That spark eventually led her to Antioch University, to a job at the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, and to a career celebrating wild beings through art.

“Honoring and celebrating our primal connection to the natural world is, I believe, what actually makes us human,” she said. “And also, I would argue, is what makes us humane.”

Her message — that a single encounter with nature can ignite a lifelong sense of purpose — drew sustained applause from the audience. “By simply showing me that rose-breasted grosbeak that day in Prospect Park,” she reflected, “someone lit a spark in me that led me to a whole new life. So I believe the work we do here — connecting people with the natural world — has the potential to save all of us too.”

Thank You & Learn More

We are grateful to our supporters and volunteers who make this work possible each year. We invite you to make a gift today to help sustain this important work.

If you’d like to see the Harris Center’s 2025 annual meeting, you can find the video on our YouTube channel.