Calendar of Events
Lectures
Events
ESI Course: Entomology for Everyone
Harris Center & local field sites 83 King's Highway, HancockJoin Harris Center naturalist and entomologist Jenna Spear for an overview of the fascinating and diverse world of insects. We’ll explore basic insect biology, as well as the natural history and ecological significance of some commonly found species. No experience necessary.
Trouble with Toads: Emerging Disease in the American Toad Population
Join veterinary pathologist Dr. David Needle to learn about a new threat to New England’s American toads — and how researchers used electron microscopy and genetic sequencing to identify it. We’ll also explore why toad health matters and what this discovery might mean for other wildlife.
ESI Course: Entomology for Everyone
Harris Center & local field sites 83 King's Highway, HancockJoin Harris Center naturalist and entomologist Jenna Spear for an overview of the fascinating and diverse world of insects. We’ll explore basic insect biology, as well as the natural history and ecological significance of some commonly found species. No experience necessary.
ESI Course: Entomology for Everyone
Harris Center & local field sites 83 King's Highway, HancockJoin Harris Center naturalist and entomologist Jenna Spear for an overview of the fascinating and diverse world of insects. We’ll explore basic insect biology, as well as the natural history and ecological significance of some commonly found species. No experience necessary.
What We Know About Bird Flu
Join Dr. David Needle, senior veterinary pathologist at the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, to learn more about the emerging concern of avian influenza. Dr. Needle will review the biology behind this virus, how it’s transmitted, its impact on wildlife, and how it’s affecting humans.
Pre-show Talk: Native Gardens
Join the Harris Center for a lively pre-show talk before Native Gardens at the Peterborough Players on August 1. Hear from naturalist Susie Spikol plus Emily Drury and Carly Roland from Princess Pine — a local landscape design company— about the value of native gardens and tips for growing your own. Show ticket required.
In Praise of Goldenrods, in the Garden & Beyond
Goldenrods are a vital part of the food web, with some species ideal for gardens and others better suited to roadsides. Francie Von Mertens has taken a deep dive into the world of goldenrods and will share her discoveries.
Lunch & Learn: Hurricanes of New England with Cyrena Arnold
Join meteorologist and storm chaser Cyrena Arnold to discover the science behind hurricanes, revisit some of our region’s most epic storms, and explore theories on how hurricanes are changing due to a warming climate.
An Introduction to the New Hampshire Veterinary Center for Wildlife
Thousands of wild animals are injured or orphaned in New Hampshire every year, and they need help to be treated and returned to the wild. Join Dr. Michael Dutton and Helen Dutton to learn about their plans for a new NH Veterinary Center for Wildlife, which aims to provide a centralized site for veterinary care for Granite State wildlife.
Here in New England: Unforgettable Stories of People, Places, and Memories that Connect Us All with Mel Allen
Join Yankee magazine editor and writer Mel Allen for an evening of unforgettable tales from his new collection, Here in New England — a tribute to the resilience, character, and community of this place we call home.
Indigenous-led Conservation in Panama
Indigenous Wounaan communities are working to safeguard some of the most intact ecosystems in the Americas. Learn who the Wounaan are, why their lands are under threat, and how they’re taking action to protect both their forests and their way of life.
What We Know About Bird Flu
Join Dr. David Needle, senior veterinary pathologist at the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, to learn more about the emerging concern of avian influenza. Dr. Needle will review the biology behind this virus, how it’s transmitted, its impact on wildlife, and how it’s affecting humans.
Monadnock Region Natural History Conference
Join us for the third Monadnock Region Natural History Conference, a full day of learning for backyard naturalists, landowners, scientists, students, educators, and anyone who cares about nature in our neck of the woods!
Lunch & Learn: Mighty Monarchs
Join Judy Fink and Emily Wrubel for a photo and video journey to Mexico’s monarch butterfly sanctuaries, where millions cluster in the trees each winter. Learn about their incredible migration and what you can do to help protect these vulnerable butterflies.
Utterly Otters
Join naturalist Susie Spikol for a lively talk on the bounding, sliding, swimming river otter! We’ll spend some time getting to know this charismatic local mammal and learning how to recognize its tracks and sign.
Lunch & Learn: Vulture Conservation in Europe
Join the Hawk Migration Association for an inspiring Zoom presentation with José Tavares and Alice Gama of the Vulture Conservation Foundation, highlighting Europe’s successful Bearded Vulture reintroduction efforts and ongoing vulture conservation.
The Science of Saw-whet Owls
Join lead owl bander Hillary Siener and Harris Center science director Brett Amy Thelen for an overview of the Harris Center's saw-whet migration monitoring project.
Paddling Through Time: The Long History of Canoes in New England
Join archaeologist Dr. Robert Goodby to explore what newly carbon-dated dugout canoes reveal about the vital role canoe travel played in connecting Native American communities across New England.
Raphael Pumpelly as Indiana Jones: Geology, Monadnock, and the Hidden History Beneath Our Feet
Join writer and filmmaker Matthew Myer Boulton for an overview of Raphael Pumpelly's illustrious, sometimes swashbuckling career, including world travels, geological and archaeological adventures, conservationist passions, and controversial opinions.
Lunch & Learn: The True Life and Times of New Hampshire’s Fisher
Join fisher fan Susie Spikol to learn about the fascinating natural history of this notorious member of the weasel family.
ESI Course: Intro to Spring Wildflowers
Harris Center & local field sites 83 King's Highway, HancockThis four-session workshop with wildflower enthusiast Wendy Ward combines classroom instruction and field trips to build your skills in identifying spring ephemeral wildflowers and deepen your appreciation for the science, and joy, of botanizing.
Cousins in Conversation about Conservation and Place
Join cousins Susie Spikol and Deborah Lee Luskin — both educators and authors who found their way from city streets to the forests of northern New England — for a lively conversation about their different paths to a shared love of language, storytelling, and the Northern woods.
ESI Course: Intro to Spring Wildflowers
Harris Center & local field sites 83 King's Highway, HancockThis four-session workshop with wildflower enthusiast Wendy Ward combines classroom instruction and field trips to build your skills in identifying spring ephemeral wildflowers and deepen your appreciation for the science, and joy, of botanizing.
Book Launch: MicroExploring the SuperSanctuary by Phil Brown and Ignacio Oreamuno
Celebrate the launch of MicroExploring the SuperSanctuary with Phil Brown and Ignacio Oreamuno, and discover how a simple shift in perspective can help you find adventure, awe, and connection in the wild places close to home.
ESI Course: Intro to Spring Wildflowers
Harris Center & local field sites 83 King's Highway, HancockThis four-session workshop with wildflower enthusiast Wendy Ward combines classroom instruction and field trips to build your skills in identifying spring ephemeral wildflowers and deepen your appreciation for the science, and joy, of botanizing.
The Rat Poison Problem: How Rodenticides Are Harming Wildlife, Pets, and People
Join environmental writer and advocate Laura Kiesel to learn how rising rat populations and widespread rodenticide use are impacting wildlife, pets, and human health — and explore practical, safer solutions New Hampshire communities can use to address rodent problems without harmful poisons.
Making Your Turtle Sightings Count
Spot a turtle in the wild? Your encounter could help conservation efforts. Join NH Fish and Game turtle biologist Josh Megysey and Harris Center ecologist Nate Marchessault to learn how to turn your turtle sightings into valuable data.
ESI Course: Intro to Spring Wildflowers
Harris Center & local field sites 83 King's Highway, HancockThis four-session workshop with wildflower enthusiast Wendy Ward combines classroom instruction and field trips to build your skills in identifying spring ephemeral wildflowers and deepen your appreciation for the science, and joy, of botanizing.
Lunch & Learn: The True Life & Times of New Hampshire’s Fisher
Join fisher fan Susie Spikol to learn about the fascinating natural history of this notorious member of the weasel family.
Exploring Stream Restoration at Great Brook
Join Michael Nerrie to learn how Strategic Wood Addition is helping restore two miles of Great Brook in Walpole — improving habitat for native fish, enhancing stream health, and reducing flood impacts — and hike to the site for a firsthand look at this innovative restoration project.
