Calendar of Events
Hikes
Hiking the Mason Rail Trail
Join avid hiker and amateur historian Miki Clements and trail builder extraordinaire Curt Spacht for a 1.75-mile roundtrip hike on a newly developed loop off the Mason Rail Trail, through the woodland behind the quarry.
Easygoing Hike on Monadnock’s Old Toll Road to Little Mountain
Join Phil Brown and Ben Haubrich for a leisurely hike on the Old Toll Road to “Little Mountain” for some stellar views of the southern Monadnock Region.
Easygoing Hike at the Shattuck Golf Course
Join Harris Center naturalist Nikko Gagnon and longtime trip leader Ben Haubrich for a leisurely, 3-mile meander along the paths of The Shattuck. We’ll explore both edges and open landscapes, searching for animal tracks and signs as we go.
Hiking Cathedral of the Pines & Emerson Pond
Join skilled hike leaders Brian Bishoff and Denny Wheeler for an exploration of two beautiful properties in Rindge. We’ll cover about 3 miles roundtrip and gain 150 feet of elevation as we hike along well-kept trails featuring lovely views of Emerson Pond.
Easygoing Hike at Loverens Mill Cedar Swamp
Join Harris Center naturalist Phil Brown and longtime trip leader Ben Haubrich for a 2-mile hike along gently rolling terrain at The Nature Conservancy’s Loverens Mill Cedar Swamp Preserve, where we’ll search for signs of winter wildlife on our way to a view of the cedars.
Exploring the Hiroshi Loop Trail
Join Harris Center teacher-naturalists Nikko Gagnon and Kara Reynolds to hike the 1.9-mile Hiroshi Loop Trail, which winds gently through field and forest and along Nubanusit Brook to gorgeous views of Dinsmore Pond.
Trees & Tracks at Cathedral of the Pines
Join Jeremy Wilson and Susie Spikol for an afternoon of exploring the trails at Cathedral of the Pines, where we’ll learn about the connections between forest ecology and wildlife. Michelle Lowe, Executive Director of Cathedral of the Pines, will also share the human history of this remarkable site.
LGBTQ+ Hike on Beech Hill
Join Hunter Kirschner (he, they), Dee Denehy (she, her), and Richard Doherty (he, him) for an excursion along Beech Hill’s beautiful trail system. We’ll hike or snowshoe about 2 miles of trail, gaining 500 feet of elevation on our way to the spectacular Eagle Rock viewpoint.
Winter Ecology Snowshoe for Veterans
Join Harris Center naturalists Susie Spikol and Nikko Gagnon for a morning exploration of the Hiroshi Property in Peterborough, New Hampshire. We'll snowshoe or hike along the trails of this spectacular property, exploring the survival techniques of winter active animals like beavers, otters, and owls.
Easygoing Hike at Rand Brook Forest
Join outdoor enthusiasts Ben Haubrich and Audrey Dunn for an easygoing ramble along Rand Brook Forest’s woods roads and trails. Along the way, we’ll search for signs of wildlife and enjoy a view of the Lyndeborough Mountains.
Trees & Tracks at Beech Hill
Join Jeremy Wilson and Susie Spikol to explore the highlands of Dublin from the beautiful Beech Hill trail network. Along the way, we’ll discuss the natural history of trees in winter and search for tracks, scat, and other evidence of our wild neighbors.
Royalston Falls Hike
Join longtime hike leaders Brian Bishoff and Denny Wheeler for a 2.5-mile roundtrip hike along gorgeous Falls Brook, which features numerous cascades, glacial potholes, and 45-foot Royalston Falls.
Sargent Camp Hike
Join Matthew Allen and Phil Brown for a relaxed hike at the Sargent Camp, where we’ll follow the Peninsula Loop Trail around beautiful Halfmoon Pond and the Nubanusit Trail through forest and meadow.
Easygoing Hike to High Five Reservation
Join Phil Brown and Ben Haubrich for an easygoing climb to the summit of Wilson Hill in the Forest Society’s High Five Reservation, which offers excellent panoramic views to the north and west.
Hiking the Wales Preserve
Join Stephen DiCicco and Kyle Vietze for a 1.2-mile loop hike on one of The Nature Conservancy's most beautiful local trails.
Jack’s Pond Hike for Veterans
Nestled at the base of Mount Skatutakee’s north side, Jack's Pond is one of Hancock's hidden gems. Join Harris Center naturalist Susie Spikol for a 1.75-mile roundtrip hike to the pond, where we'll hear about Jack's life, and search for signs of wildlife as we go.
Easygoing Hike on Beech Hill
Join Susie Spikol and Ben Haubrich for an easygoing amble up Dublin’s Beech Hill. Our 2-mile roundtrip route will take us along the Zig Zag Trail to a big meadow and great view of Mount Monadnock, then back down via the access trail.
Following in the Footsteps of John Kulish: Willard and Robb Mountains
Join Stan Smith and Vic Starzynski for a strenuous, 6-mile roundtrip hike to the summits of Robb and Willard Mountains, including one mile of bushwhacking and more than 600 feet of elevation gain.
Vernal Pool Hike at the Horatio Colony Nature Preserve
Join Harris Center ecologist Brett Amy Thelen for a moderately strenuous, 1.2-mile roundtrip hike to a hilltop vernal pool, where we'll explore the exquisite, ephemeral world of spring-breeding amphibians.
Hiking the Wapack Trail to Binney Pond and Pratt Mountain
Join longtime hike leaders Brian Bishoff and Denny Wheeler for a strenuous, 3.7-mile roundtrip hike with outstanding views along the Wapack Trail in New Ipswich. This out-and-back hike will take us along an abandoned road and well-maintained trail through conservation land, past the lovely Binney Pond to Pratt Mountain.
Spring Beauties of Partridge Woods
Join avid hikers Kathy Schillemat and Rick Church to hike the Town of Nelson’s Partridge Woods, where we’ll search for ephemeral wildflowers and other signs of spring along the Ridge Trail.
LGBTQ+ Accessible Spring Hike at Distant Hill Gardens
Join Richard Doherty (he, him) and Hunter Kirschner (he, they) for an LGBTQ+ community hike at the Distant Hill Nature Trail, built according to U.S. Forest Service accessibility standards.
Easygoing Hike at Shattuck Pond
Join Ben Haubrich and Miki Clements-Collier for a leisurely hike along the Francestown Forest Trail to the pristine Shattuck Pond. This 1.5-mile roundtrip hike includes some ups and downs and has a total elevation gain of about 150 feet.
Hiking Casalis State Forest
Join longtime hike leaders Brian Bishoff and Denny Wheeler for a springtime hike on woods roads and trails through Casalis State Forest in Peterborough, where we’ll visit two ponds, lovely woods, and a recently logged area.
Full Moon Meander for Veterans
Join Jen Whitney of the Vet Center and Harris Center naturalist Susie Spikol for a moonlit wander up to the pristine shoreline of Juggernaut Pond. We'll listen for owls and frogs as we meander under the Flower Moon. This hike is for veterans only.
Hiking Kidder Mountain
Join naturalist Gail Coffey and the Friends of the Wapack for a short hike along the Wapack Trail to the summit of Kidder Mountain, with nice views to the east and south.
Mushroom Meander for Veterans at Robin Hood Park
Join Harris Center naturalist John Benjamin and mushroom maven George Caughey for an afternoon meander through Robin Hood Park in search of polypores, puffballs, and other fascinating fungi. This hike is for veterans only.
Easygoing Hike to Thacher Memorial Forest and Juggernaut Pond
Join Susie Spikol and Jeremy Wilson on this gentle, 2-mile+ loop hike, where we'll take our time to savor the sights and sounds of the summer woods, explore both natural and cultural history, and visit some giant white pines.
Birding the Heald Tract
Join avid birders Gail and Gerry Coffey for a 2-mile hike through a variety of habitats that are home to many breeding birds at the Forest Society’s Heald Tract in Wilton.
Hike to Mount Wantastiquet and Indian Pond
Join Brian Bishoff and Betsy Marshall for a hike through the Forest Society’s Madame Sherri Forest to Mount Wantastiquet, with excellent views of the Connecticut River Valley.
