Calendar of Events
February Vacation Camp
Harris Center for Conservation Education 83 Kings Hwy, Hancock, NH, United StatesJoin Harris Center teacher-naturalists for three active days in the great outdoors! Bring your curiosity and sense of wonder as we explore our favorite trails, giant boulders, and secret dens.
Sunset and Full Moon Ramble for Families
Join Harris Center naturalist Janet Altobello to enjoy the light of the Sun setting and the Moon rising from the open, rolling fields of Peterborough’s Lower Cranberry Meadow Pond and Wheeler Trails.
Shattuck Winter Wander
Join Harris Center naturalists Jaime Hutchinson and Karen Rent for an afternoon wander along the wild edges of The Shattuck Golf Course in search of winter birds, animal tracks, and more.
Environmental Studies Institute: Coffee with the Birds — Mindful Meanderings through Micro-Exploring
Hancock, Peterborough and Surrounding Towns NH, United StatesJoin Phil Brown and Ignacio Oreamuno for a series of winter wanderings in tucked-away places close to the Harris Center. Through “micro-exploring” – the practice of focusing attention and intention on a smaller geographic area – and with the help of a little caffeine, your eyes will open to new experiences right in front of you.
Owl Prowl at Beech Hill
Join Harris Center naturalists and owl lovers Phil Brown and Susie Spikol as we hoot it up in search of owls in the wild woods of Dublin. Adventure awaits on silent wings...
Winter Tree Identification Walk
Join Mike Gagnon and Matt Tarr of UNH Cooperative Extension for a relaxed winter tree ID walk. We'll focus on branching, buds, and bark while the leaves are off the trees, and discuss how each species functions as habitat for wildlife.
Spring Warm-Up Hike
Come along with Harris Center naturalists as we listen to streams swelling, find buds sprouting, and use our senses to search for the first signs of spring.
Environmental Studies Institute: The Natural History of American Woodcock and Ruffed Grouse in New Hampshire
Zoom , United StatesJoin wildlife biologist Mark Ellingwood for a two-week course on American Woodcock and Ruffed Grouse ecology in New Hampshire, including how to identify their sign and sounds in our local woodlands.
Babies in Backpacks and Toddlers in Tow in Hancock
Join Harris Center naturalist Susie Spikol and parent educators from The Grapevine for a gentle ramble in search of early spring’s wild things. A perfect hike for little legs – and a great chance to chat about parenting questions as we walk!
Salamander Crossing Brigade Workshop
Every year, the Harris Center trains community scientists to serve on Salamander Crossing Brigades at amphibian road crossings throughout the Monadnock Region. Attend this online training to join their ranks – or simply to learn more about the spring amphibian migration.
Kids Count for Wildlife: Squirrel Survey
Calling all wildlife lovers ages 9 through 18! Try your hand at field research and develop your naturalist skills by joining Harris Center naturalist Susie Spikol for an afternoon of squirrel searching as part of Project Squirrel.
39th Annual Connecticut River Waterfowl Safari
Join Phil Brown, Eric Masterson, and others for a morning of waterfowl watching in the fields and waterways of the Connecticut River Valley.
Babies in Backpacks and Toddlers in Tow at Distant Hill Gardens
Come search for birds, look for animal tracks, and spend time with other families interested in being outside. A perfect ramble for little legs!
Environmental Studies Institute: The Natural History of American Woodcock and Ruffed Grouse in New Hampshire
Zoom , United StatesJoin wildlife biologist Mark Ellingwood for a two-week course on American Woodcock and Ruffed Grouse ecology in New Hampshire, including how to identify their sign and sounds in our local woodlands.
The Wisdom of Owls
Join the Harris Center’s Bird Conservation Director, Phil Brown, and naturalist and story spinner Susie Spikol for a fascinating look at the natural history and folklore of New Hampshire’s owls.
Mushroom Meander with the Morel Quandary Club
Meet fungi fanatic John Benjamin for an early spring wander in search of mushrooms, slime molds, and lichens. Come discover which mushrooms are out and about as winter turns to spring!
Environmental Studies Institute: Field Ecology of Breeding Raptors
Harris Center for Conservation Education 83 Kings Hwy, Hancock, NH, United StatesSpring is breeding season for hawks, eagles, and falcons in the Monadnock Region. Step into their world during this five-part field course with Harris Center Bird Conservation Director Phil Brown.
Owl Prowl for Families
Hoot it up with Harris Center naturalists Jaime Hutchinson and Susie Spikol on a magical twilight search for New Hampshire's most common owl species! Perfect for families with elementary-aged children and up.
Vernal Pool Exploration at the Tippin’ Rock Trail
Join vernal pool enthusiasts Brett Amy Thelen and Cheri Domina for a hike to a hilltop vernal pool, where we’ll search for spotted salamander eggs and other springtime wonders.
Book Group: “Diet for a Small Planet”
Zoom , United StatesJoin us for a two-part discussion as we dive into the 50th Anniversary Edition of this extraordinary book by Frances Moore Lappé, which outlines how our daily food choices have the power to transform our lives and the environment.
Environmental Studies Institute: Field Ecology of Breeding Raptors
Harris Center for Conservation Education 83 Kings Hwy, Hancock, NH, United StatesSpring is breeding season for hawks, eagles, and falcons in the Monadnock Region. Step into their world during this five-part field course with Harris Center Bird Conservation Director Phil Brown.
The Secret Lives of Our Backyard Raptors: Monitoring and Managing for Beneficial Predators
Join Harris Center Bird Conservation Director Phil Brown for an evening devoted to raptors — specifically, the forest-dwelling Broad-winged Hawk and the field-loving American Kestrel.
Invasive Upland Plant Species of New Hampshire
Join Douglas Cygan, Invasive Species Coordinator for the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, for a deep dive into the upland invasive plants of New Hampshire.
Vernal Pool Hike at the Horatio Colony Nature 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.
Wild with Worms
Worms are a sure sign of spring! Join Harris Center naturalist Jaime Hutchinson to get an up-close look at wiggling worms and learn about their importance in soil ecosystems.
Book Group: “Diet for a Small Planet”
Zoom , United StatesJoin us for a two-part discussion as we dive into the 50th Anniversary Edition of this extraordinary book by Frances Moore Lappé, which outlines how our daily food choices have the power to transform our lives and the environment.
Butterflies of New Hampshire
Have you ever wondered which butterflies are flitting through your garden? Join retired wildlife biologist and butterfly fan Mark Ellingwood for an introduction to these captivating and charismatic insects.
Following in the Footsteps of John Kulish: King’s Highway to Rye Pond
Join Stan Smith and Vic Starzynski for a moderately strenuous, 3-mile roundtrip hike along the old King’s Highway from Lake Nubanusit to Rye Pond.
Search for Signs of Spring at Beech Hill
Join the Harris Center’s newest naturalist, Nikko Gagnon, for a morning of scavenger hunts and sensory games as we mosey up the trails around Beech Hill. Perfect for families with elementary-aged kids.
LGBTQ+ Community Hike at Madame Sherri Forest
Join Dee Denehy (she, her), Richard Doherty (he, him), and Hunter Kirschner (he, him) for a moderately strenuous, 2-mile loop hike featuring exceptional views of Chesterfield and Indian Pond.
