COVID-19 UPDATE: The Harris Center is canceling or postponing all in-person programs and events through May 4. The Harris Center building will also be closed to visitors until May 4. Our trails and grounds remain open.
Calendar of Events
April 2020
Environmental Studies Institute: Forest Dynamics
Join Harris Center Director and forest ecologist Jeremy Wilson for an online course exploring the dramatic and complex changes our forests experience over time.
Learn more »Environmental Studies Institute: 50 Years Since Earth Day
April 22 marks the 50th Anniversary of the first Earth Day. How is our planet is doing since that landmark 1970 protest? Join a series of experts to explore a different ecosystem each week, including what’s changed in the last five decades, as well as thoughts on the future.
Learn more »Online Book Group for Middle Schoolers: “Hatchet”
This online book club is for middle school students interested in wilderness, survival and adventure!
Learn more »“Ask a Naturalist” Virtual Happy Hour
We've had to postpone our popular Nature on Tap series for the spring, but we're excited to bring you a different kind of naturalist happy hour -- via Zoom!
Learn more »Conserving Grassland Birds in New England
Join renowned ornithologist Jon Atwood to learn about regional conservation initiatives focused on grassland birds, including the Bobolink Project and the status of Eastern Meadowlarks.
Learn more »Online Book Group: “Ecology of a Cracker Childhood”
Join naturalist and avid reader Susie Spikol for an online discussion of Janisse Ray’s award-winning memoir, "Ecology of a Cracker Childhood."
Learn more »Art in Wood: A Discussion and Demonstration
Join marquetry artist Craig Altobello and forest ecologist Jeremy Wilson for an evening at the intersection of art and ecology.
Learn more »Chainsaw Safety Workshop
Join Geoff Jones, forester and certified chainsaw safety instructor, for a chainsaw safety workshop with a focus on trail work.
Learn more »Tree Identification Walk
Join Mike Gagnon of the UNH Cooperative Extension for an early spring tree identification walk. We’ll focus on branching, buds, and bark while the leaves are off the trees.
Learn more »Vernal Pool Hike at the Horatio Colony Preserve
Join Brett Amy Thelen for a moderately strenuous, 1.2-mile roundtrip climb to a hilltop vernal pool at the Horatio Colony Nature Preserve, where we’ll explore the fascinating world of spring-breeding amphibians.
Learn more »Environmental Studies Institute: Forest Dynamics
Join Harris Center Director and forest ecologist Jeremy Wilson for an online course exploring the dramatic and complex changes our forests experience over time.
Learn more »Nature on Tap: A Rapture for Raptors
Celebrate Earth Day with stories of birds of prey in the Monadnock Region, gleaned from raptor biologist Chris Martin’s 30 years of work with NH Audubon.
Learn more »Babies in Backpacks and Toddlers in Tow
Join naturalist Susie Spikol for a gentle ramble around the Harris Center’s grounds, specially geared towards babies, toddlers, and their caregivers.
Learn more »Online Book Group for Middle Schoolers: “Hatchet”
This online book club is for middle school students interested in wilderness, survival and adventure!
Learn more »Emerald Ash Borer and What It Means to You
Join UNH Cooperative Extension forestry field specialists Mike Gagnon and Dode Gladders to learn more about the current status of Emerald Ash Borer in New Hampshire.
Learn more »Online Book Group: “Ecology of a Cracker Childhood”
Join naturalist and avid reader Susie Spikol for an online discussion of Janisse Ray’s award-winning memoir, "Ecology of a Cracker Childhood."
Learn more »Wildflower Talk and Walk
Join botanist and author Ted Elliman for a morning focused on spring wildflowers. We'll being indoors with an illustrated lecture, then head outside to search for these gems in the Harris Center woods.
Learn more »Opossums and Their Marsupial Ways
Join teacher-naturalist Susie Spikol for a talk on North America’s only marsupial. Discover how the oddball opossum survives and thrives, and leave with a new understanding of this oft-misunderstood mammal!
Learn more »Vernal Pools 101
Dig into the exquisite, ephemeral world of vernal pool ecology in this illustrated lecture by Brett Amy Thelen.
Learn more »North of the Notches: The Great North Woods of New Hampshire
Join Phil Brown for scenes and stories of the wildlife and wild places in the spectacular Great North Woods – and to learn how to join a trip he's leading there in June.
Learn more »Online Book Group for Middle Schoolers: “Hatchet”
This online book club is for middle school students interested in wilderness, survival and adventure!
Learn more »May 2020
Easygoing Hike at Pisgah State Park
Join Rich Taylor and Iva Wood for a moderately strenuous, 3-mile roundtrip hike through New Hampshire’s largest state park.
Learn more »Elmwood Junction Birding Brunch
Join Meade Cadot and Francie Von Mertens for a birding brunch hosted by Don and Lillian Stokes. We’ll scout for returning migrants, then visit with the Stokes for brunch nearby.
Learn more »Following in the Footsteps of John Kulish Along the North Branch
Join Stan Smith and Vic Starzynski for a moderately strenuous hike along the North Branch River, following one of John Kulish's favorite hunting routes.
Learn more »Environmental Studies Institute: Emerson and Thoreau
Join us to explore Emerson's classic essay “Nature” and Thoreau's essay “Walking." Short, sweet, and full of big ideas, these essays provide a lively introduction to two quintessentially American thinkers.
Learn more »Heald Tract Hike
Join Denny Wheeler and Brian Bishoff for a 4.5-mile roundtrip hike along a great trail system that runs through the Forest Society's 1,500-acre Heald Tract.
Learn more »Ashuelot River Water Quality Monitoring Volunteer Training
Join the Ashuelot River Local Advisory Committee (ARLAC) for their 20th season of water quality monitoring! Participants in this training will gain hands-on experience in sampling techniques and in the use of monitoring equipment.
Learn more »Environmental Studies Institute: Emerson and Thoreau
Join us to explore Emerson's classic essay “Nature” and Thoreau's essay “Walking." Short, sweet, and full of big ideas, these essays provide a lively introduction to two quintessentially American thinkers.
Learn more »Babies in Backpacks and Toddlers in Tow
Join naturalist Susie Spikol for this gentle spring ramble, specially geared towards babies, toddlers, and their caregivers.
Learn more »Rainbow Hike at Goodhue Hill
Join Dee Denehy, Jenn Sutton, and Liz Lawler (and baby Wren) for an LGBTQ+-friendly hike through the Mill Pond and Goodhue Hill areas of the dePierrefeu-Willard Pond Wildlife Sanctuary.
Learn more »
