Community Science News

Why We’re Changing from “Citizen Science” to “Community Science”

The Harris Center is switching from “citizen science” to the more inclusive term “community science.” Here’s why.

Salamander Crossing Brigade Updates for 2021

We’re making some changes to our Salamander Crossing Brigade program for 2021. Here’s what you need to know.

Highlights of the 2020 Christmas Bird Count

The 2020 Christmas Bird Count saw record-high counts for many species, including Bald Eagles and White-winged Crossbills.

Field Report from the 2020 Vernal Pool Project

In 2020, our socially-distant citizen scientists documented 8 new vernal pools in four Monadnock Region towns.

An Update on our Broad-winged Hawk Tracking Project

The Harris Center is working Hawk Mountain to tag Broad-winged Hawks with satellite transmitters, as part of ongoing efforts to better understand the ecology and migratory behavior of this iconic species.

Four New Projects Supported by 50th Anniversary Fund

The Harris Center is launching a new 50th Anniversary Fund, which will seed innovative education and conservation research projects for years to come, as well as provide for stewardship of the land and trails in our care. Four initial projects have already received funding.

Salamander Season in the Age of COVID-19

Our Salamander Crossing Brigade program will be running a little differently in 2020. Here’s what you need to know.

Keene to Close Second Road to Protect Migrating Amphibians

Following two successful seasons of amphibian detours at North Lincoln Street, the City of Keene will be working with the Harris Center on limited closures of the Jordan Road amphibian crossing site, as well.

Spotting Spot Patterns

The spots on spotted salamanders are like fingerprints on humans: unique to individuals. Here’s how to contribute to our database of salamander spot patterns.

Field Report from the 2019 Vernal Pool Project

In 2019, our interns and citizen scientists documented 23 new vernal pools in four Monadnock Region towns.

Another Chance to Speak Up for Salamanders

Keene is once again considering a proposal to close the North Lincoln Street amphibian crossing site to vehicle traffic on “Big Nights.” You can help make it happen.

Reflections on the 2018 Christmas Bird Count

Eric Masterson reflects on the 2018 Christmas Bird Count. This year’s stories: scarcity….and grosbeaks.

Field Report from the 2018 Vernal Pool Project

In 2018, our citizen scientists documented 23 new vernal pools in five Monadnock Region towns.

Keene to Close Road to Protect Migrating Amphibians

The Keene City Council recently voted unanimously in favor of closing a local road to vehicle traffic on amphibian migration nights, in large part because of data collected by our Salamander Brigade volunteers.

Important Reminders for Salamander Season

Whether you’re a veteran Salamander Crossing Brigade volunteer or a new recruit, here’s how to prepare for helping amphibians cross the road on Big Nights.

A Chance to Speak Up for Salamanders

The City of Keene is considering a proposal to close the North Lincoln Street amphibian crossing site to vehicle traffic on “Big Nights.”

It’s Time for the Christmas Bird Count!

Join us for the 118th year of this celebrated tradition.

Brett Amy Thelen Named Conservation Educator of the Year

Brett Amy Thelen received the Cheshire County Conservation District’s Conservation Educator of the Year Award for 2017.

Field Report from the 2017 Vernal Pool Project

In 2017, our citizen scientists documented 46 new vernal pools in ten towns.

Field Report from the Spring Amphibian Migration

This spring, our Salamander Crossing Brigade volunteers saved 3,675 salamanders, frogs, and toads from the crush of the tire.

Field Report from the 2016 Vernal Pool Project

In 2016, our intrepid citizen scientists documented 50 new vernal pools in ten Monadnock Region towns.

Project Nighthawk Confirms Successful Nesting of Endangered Bird

Harris Center citizen scientists recently aided in the discovery of a Common Nighthawk nest in downtown Keene − complete with a healthy fledgling.

Restoring Falls Brook

Work is nearly complete on a stream restoration project at Falls Brook in Swanzey.

Field Report from the 2015 Vernal Pool Project

In 2015, our citizen scientists documented 30 new vernal pools, bringing our project total to 190 documented pools on public and conserved lands in the Monadnock Region.

Field Report from the 2014 Vernal Pool Project

In 2014, our citizen scientists and student interns documented 33 new vernal pools in ten towns.

Celebrating the Year of the Salamander, Part IV

Spotted salamanders are one of a kind.

Celebrating the Year of the Salamander, Part III

Salamanders can get you into a good college.

Findings from the North Lincoln Street Amphibian Crossing Study

The goal of this study was to figure out how many amphibians cross the road at North Lincoln Street each spring, and what percentage of them are helped along by the Crossing Brigades.