Close Encounters with Nature

Intern Kate McKay (photo © Lucy McKay)
My summer with the Harris Center as a conservation easement monitoring intern was the perfect fit for me as an avid naturalist.
Having already fallen in love with the rich biodiversity of the Monadnock Region from earlier summers spent in the area, I was thrilled to return again and continue my explorations of New Hampshire’s woods and wetlands. Come along with me as I walk these protected lands and share some of the experiences and photographs that made my time so memorable.
A Day in June
At a large, mostly wooded easement, I stumble upon a small beaver meadow. A dragonfly zips back and forth over the grassy clearing, its brilliant blue eyes catching my attention. I realize it’s a species I’ve never seen before in my five years as a dragonfly enthusiast. To my delight, it lands on a nearby twig, where I can admire its beautiful colors up close. Known as the Spatterdock Darner, this uncommon and spectacular species prefers wetlands containing yellow pond lilies.
A Spatterdock Darner dragonfly (photo © Kate McKay)

A Martha's Pennant dragonfly (photo © Kate McKay)

Late July
Walking along the edge of a small, lively brook bordered by hemlocks, I pause to admire the sunlight sparkling on the surface of the water. I notice a dragonfly drifting slowly downstream, fluttering feebly. I extend a stick, offering it rescue. She climbs aboard, and I draw her in to safety. I’m excited to discover that it’s a Martha’s Pennant, a small skimmer dragonfly considered a rare species in New Hampshire. She cleans her face and dries her wings in the wind, while regaining her strength and rewarding me with photo opportunities. Eventually, she takes off gracefully and alights on a nearby hemlock branch. Delighted that she has fully recovered, I continue along the brook to finish my easement monitoring.
Early August
On my final easement visit of the summer, I’m exploring a peaceful forest in Nelson. It’s a glorious summer day, the breeze blowing gently and sunshine filtering through the trees. I feel wistful on this last day and also incredibly fortunate to have spent time in these beautiful woods. The sudden chattering of a bird breaks the silence. I scan a rocky outcrop and am startled as a Barred Owl soars directly above me, its wings stretched wide as it glides through the forest. Two scolding vireos follow closely behind as the owl crosses the trail and disappears into the woods. The forest is silent once more save for the trill of an insect, and I am left standing in awe.
A cardinal flower (photo © Kate McKay)

Eastern Phoebe fledglings (photo © Kate McKay)

Every easement outing offered these intimate encounters with nature, from watching young Eastern Phoebes snuggled together on a branch to observing stream banks covered in dazzling red cardinal flowers. By the end of each day, my camera was filled with dozens of photos capturing the many plants and animals I saw. Though I often worked alone in the field, I always enjoyed the time spent with welcoming landowners, walking easement boundaries together, exchanging knowledge about wildlife and the land. I also cherished the opportunity to meet some of the incredible people who work at the Harris Center.
I wish the world had many more Harris Centers to protect land and teach nature appreciation. The remarkable diversity I experienced flourished on a foundation of 26,000 acres of land protected by the Harris Center, including the many easements I had the privilege of monitoring. Natural wonders are everywhere, even in your own backyard, and I encourage you to go outside and look for yourself!
Kate McKay is in her senior year at Cornell University, where she is studying environmental biology and applied ecology.
A bullfrog (photo © Kate McKay)

A baby Black-Billed Cuckoo in the nest (photo © Kate McKay)

Harris Center Internships
Are you interested in applying for an easement monitoring internship at the Harris Center? Summer openings are typically posted on our website in winter. You can also read more about working as an easement monitoring intern in this article by Katie Koster. For more information on the Harris Center’s land protection program and internships, please contact Eric Masterson at (603) 525-3394 or by email.