Land Conservation News

Protecting the Nelson Highlands

Help protect the Nelson Highlands — 655 acres of critical open space in the heart of the SuperSancturary and the Lake Nubanusit watershed.

Field Report from the 2025 Vernal Pool Project

In 2025, Harris Center interns, volunteers, and community partners documented 4 new vernal pools and identified 27 new potential vernal pools on conserved land in Amherst and Stoddard.

A Land Well Loved, A Legacy Preserved

Last month, the Harris Center finalized the Lessey conservation easement, permanently protecting 110 acres of field and forest along Brimstone Corner Road, Antrim Road, and Shady Lane in Hancock.

Taking Flight: An Update on the Harris Center’s Kestrel Conservation Project

A closer look at the Harris Center’s effort to boost the American Kestrel population across the Monadnock Region.

The Future of Conservation Is in Good Hands

In the summer of 2025, interns provided essential support for a wide variety of projects, from conservation easement monitoring to bird surveys.

The 20-Minute Nature Fix

Harris Center birding expert Phil Brown shares how a simple visit to the Hiroshi parking area and trailhead can provide a front-row seat to spring’s unfolding beauty.

The Diary of an Easement Monitoring Intern

Easement monitoring intern Kate McKay shares her memorable encounters with nature while exploring the Harris Center’s SuperSanctuary.

Field Report from the 2024 Vernal Pool Project

In 2024, Harris Center interns and community scientists documented 10 new vernal pools on conserved land in Amherst, Fitzwilliam, and Hancock.

A Raptor Conservation Update: Summer 2024

This summer, we monitored Broad-winged Hawk nests, expanded our kestrel nest box program, prepared for the 20th season of hawk migration monitoring at the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory, and more.

Summer Interns Contribute to Research & Stewardship Efforts

In the summer of 2024, student interns provided essential support for a wide variety of projects, from conservation easement monitoring to forest inventory.

Monitoring American Goshawks in the SuperSanctuary & Beyond

A new Harris Center research project is using acoustic monitoring to search for the secretive American Goshawk, a species in decline.

Uncovering the Mysteries of Wood Thrush Migration

An ambitious new study aims to track the Wood Thrush migration throughout North and Central America — including several birds tagged on Harris Center lands.