Harris Center News

Strategic Plan 2022-2025

A recent HCCE Board and Staff planning effort identified top organizational priorities, specific areas for growth, and one ongoing challenge.

Final Report from the 2023 Hawk Watch

2023 was another successful year at the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory. Here are the highlights.

A Fungi Foray at Chesterfield School

In winter 2024, 5th-grade students at Chesterfield School have participated in an in-depth study of fungi diversity in our local environment, guided by Harris Center teacher-naturalist John Benjamin and classroom teacher Laura White.

Salamander Crossing Brigade Updates for 2024

We’ve made a few updates to our Salamander Crossing Brigade program for 2024! Here’s what you need to know.

Field Report from the 2023 Saw-whet Owl Banding Project

In the fall of 2023, the Harris Center launched its second season of saw-whet owl banding on SuperSanctuary lands, as part of an international research effort to better understand this charismatic species.

Updates Aim to Improve Website Accessibility

The Harris Center recently added two new features to our website — additional language options and an accessibility menu — with the aim of improving the overall accessibility of our site.

Harris Center Kestrels Win the Superbowl of Birding

The Harris Center “Kestrels” placed first in the birding competition, and raised funds for kestrel conservation efforts.

Field Report from the 2023 Vernal Pool Project

In 2023, our community scientists and interns documented 5 new vernal pools in four Monadnock Region towns.

46 Acres Protected on Middle Road

Thanks to a generous landowner — and Harris Center supporters — 46 acres of exceptional wildlife habitat along the Peterborough-Hancock town line have been protected.

Exemplary Educator, Volunteers & Partners Honored at 2023 Annual Meeting

The Harris Center recognized several exemplary partners and volunteers at our 53rd Annual Meeting on October 22.

Benches Aim to Improve Accessibility at the Harris Center

In the summer of 2023, the Harris Center installed additional benches on our trails and grounds, with the aim of helping people of all ages and abilities enjoy the great outdoors.

Summer Camp Adventures

This summer, we savored every bit of sunshine with over 200 adventurous campers, spending time on the trails and in the fields, paddling local ponds, climbing boulders, and scaling mountains.

A Raptor Conservation Update

This breeding season, Harris Center staff, interns, and volunteers banded 17 American Kestrel chicks and monitored six Broad-winged Hawk nests and territories. Next up — tallying the migrating raptors soaring over Pack Monadnock!