Harris Center News

Harris Center Celebrates 50 Years of Connecting People to Nature

The Harris Center is turning 50, and we’re planning a whole year of celebrations! The festivities will kick off with our 49th Annual Meeting on October 20.

Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory Kicks Off 15th Season

The Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory is now entering its 15th consecutive year of hawk migration data collection and education.

Show Your Support with a Harris Center License Plate

You can now show your love for nearby nature with an official Harris Center license plate!

KSC Interns Explore Conservation with the Harris Center

In late June, we wrapped up our seventh successful season of the Harris Center-Keene State College conservation internship program, a two-month summer internship experience for undergraduates in environmental studies, biology, and related fields.

Harris Center Purchases Granite Lake Headwaters

In June, the Harris Center purchased the 515-acre Granite Lake Headwaters property in Stoddard, ensuring its permanent protection.

Local Grads Receive Environmental Leadership Awards from the Harris Center

Congrats to Ian Aldrich (ConVal High School) and Hannah Jenkins (Conant High School), the recipients of the Harris Center’s 2019 Environmental Leadership Awards for local graduating seniors!

Eastview Land Protected

With support from many Friends of the SuperSanctuary, the Harris Center has just purchased the last remaining unprotected parcel along the popular Eastview Rail Trail in Harrisville.

A Solar-Powered Day at the Races

In early June, 105 middle school students gathered in Peterborough for the 11th Annual Monadnock Region Solar Sprint, a solar-powered model car competition organized by the Harris Center.

Granite Lake Headwaters Protected

Thanks to support from NHDES, Q2C, and many individual donors, the 515-acre Granite Lake Headwaters property in Stoddard will be permanently protected.

Protecting the Eastview Trail

The Harris Center is now working to conserve the last remaining unprotected parcel along the popular Eastview Rail Trail in Harrisville.

Field Report from the 2018 Hawk Watch

2018 was a monumental year for the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory. Here’s what we learned.

Another Chance to Speak Up for Salamanders

Keene is once again considering a proposal to close the North Lincoln Street amphibian crossing site to vehicle traffic on “Big Nights.” You can help make it happen.

A Conservation Milestone at Silver Lake

80% of the Silver Lake watershed in Harrisville and Nelson – including 2.9 miles of shoreline – is now protected.

Reflections on the 2018 Christmas Bird Count

Eric Masterson reflects on the 2018 Christmas Bird Count. This year’s stories: scarcity….and grosbeaks.

Our Natural History Collection: Guidelines for Giving

Have a natural history artifact (skull, bone, nest) you’d like to donate to our teaching collection? Here’s what you need to know.

Working Together to Protect the Granite Lake Headwaters

We are now just $20,000 away from permanently protecting the 515-acre Granite Lake Headwaters property in Stoddard.

Partners Honored at 2018 Annual Meeting

The Harris Center recognized several extraordinary partners at our 48th Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 28.

Field Report from the 2018 Vernal Pool Project

In 2018, our citizen scientists documented 23 new vernal pools in five Monadnock Region towns.

Strengthening & Sharing our Skills as Environmental Educators

The Harris Center’s team of talented teacher-naturalists are strengthening and sharing their skills this fall – locally, regionally, and even nationally.

Teaming Up for Hawks

We’re delighted to announce that the Harris Center and New Hampshire Audubon have entered into a new partnership to provide research and education staffing for the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory.

KSC Interns Explore Conservation Research with the Harris Center

2018 was the sixth year of the Harris Center-Keene State College conservation internship program, a two-month summer internship experience for undergraduates in Environmental Studies.

Protecting the Granite Lake Headwaters

The Harris Center is working to protect the Granite Lake Headwaters property, a 515-acre parcel located in the Stoddard highlands.

Hancock Hikes 5

Announcing the Hancock Hikes 5 Challenge, brought to you by the Harris Center and the Hancock Conservation Commission! Hike five Hancock trails between July 1 and December 31, send us photos from each hike, and you’ll receive a prize.

A Day at the Races

In May, middle school students gathered for the 10th Annual Monadnock Region Solar Sprint, a solar-powered model car competition coordinated by the Harris Center.

Growing Solar

Last month, we put the finishing touches on a grid of 30 new solar panels atop the Harris Center’s southeast-facing roofs. This system is expected to generate about half of the energy required to power our building each year.

Reviving a Rail Trail

The Manchester & Keene Railroad line debuted in 1878, but fell into disrepair after the Great Flood of 1936. Now, with the help of many extraordinary partners, a 1.5-mile segment of the old rail line in Hancock and Harrisville, NH has been reopened for non-motorized recreation.

Keene to Close Road to Protect Migrating Amphibians

The Keene City Council recently voted unanimously in favor of closing a local road to vehicle traffic on amphibian migration nights, in large part because of data collected by our Salamander Brigade volunteers.

A Silver (Lake) Opportunity

We’re working with several partners to conserve the largest remaining undeveloped, unprotected property on Silver Lake.

Important Reminders for Salamander Season

Whether you’re a veteran Salamander Crossing Brigade volunteer or a new recruit, here’s how to prepare for helping amphibians cross the road on Big Nights.

A Chance to Speak Up for Salamanders

The City of Keene is considering a proposal to close the North Lincoln Street amphibian crossing site to vehicle traffic on “Big Nights.”

Scenic Gateway Protected in Hancock

The Harris Center has just protected a small, but significant parcel of land on Forest Road (Route 123) in Hancock.

It’s Time for the Christmas Bird Count!

Join us for the 118th year of this celebrated tradition.

Brett Amy Thelen Named Conservation Educator of the Year

Brett Amy Thelen received the Cheshire County Conservation District’s Conservation Educator of the Year Award for 2017.

Educators Honored at 2017 Annual Meeting

The Harris Center recognized several extraordinary partners at our 47th Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 22.

Announcing “Pop-Up” Events

Find out about outstanding, albeit last-minute, opportunities to experience the great outdoors.

Field Report from the 2017 Vernal Pool Project

In 2017, our citizen scientists documented 46 new vernal pools in ten towns.

In the Field with the 2017 Conservation Interns

We just wrapped up our fifth year of the Harris Center-Keene State College conservation internship program, a two-month summer internship experience for undergraduates.

Solar-Powered Fun at the 9th Annual Solar Sprint

The 9th Annual Monadnock Region Solar Sprint, a solar-powered model car competition coordinated by the Harris Center, was a day of fun and learning.

Field Report from the Spring Amphibian Migration

This spring, our Salamander Crossing Brigade volunteers saved 3,675 salamanders, frogs, and toads from the crush of the tire.

Lab Girls Brings STEM to Life

A new Harris Center afterschool club, designed to help middle school girls stay in love with science, is officially underway.

88 Acres Protected in Stoddard

This project ensures the full protection of the Robb Reservoir shoreline and includes a half-mile of river frontage along the North Branch.

Women Who Care Support Lab Girls

Lab Girls, a new Harris Center afterschool program to help middle school girls stay in love with science, has received seed funding from 100+ Women Who Care.

Partners Honored at 2016 Annual Meeting

The Harris Center recognized two outstanding partners at our 46th Annual Meeting on October 16.

Field Report from the 2016 Vernal Pool Project

In 2016, our intrepid citizen scientists documented 50 new vernal pools in ten Monadnock Region towns.

A Kettle of One

Eric Masterson is about to embark on an epic journey, following the migration route of the Broad-winged Hawk from New Hampshire to South America — by bicycle.

Project Nighthawk Confirms Successful Nesting of Endangered Bird

Harris Center citizen scientists recently aided in the discovery of a Common Nighthawk nest in downtown Keene − complete with a healthy fledgling.

In the Field with the 2016 Conservation Interns

In late June, we wrapped up our fourth year of the Harris Center-Keene State College conservation internship program, a seven-week summer internship experience for undergraduates.

8 Years of Solar-Powered Fun

In early June, more than 100 students from six area schools gathered at Adams Park in Peterborough for the 8th Annual Monadnock Region Solar Sprint.

NHFG Withdraws Bobcat Season Proposal

In the wake of widespread public outcry, NHFG has withdrawn their controversial proposal to reinstitute a bobcat hunting and trapping season in the Granite State.

Update on the NHFG Bobcat Season Proposal

Despite overwhelming public opposition, the NHFG Commission has moved forward with a proposal to re-institute a bobcat hunting and trapping season.

Janet Altobello Receives Conservation Educator of the Year Award

Congratulations to our own Janet Altobello, who has received the Hillsborough County Conservation District’s Conservation Educator of the Year Award for 2016!

580 Acres Protected in Nelson

The Harris Center and Nelson Conservation Commission have just completed the first phase of the Osgood and Hurd Hill land protection project.

8th Graders Wade into Water Quality

Last month, 8th graders from South Meadow and Great Brook Schools worked with the Harris Center to study water quality in Bogle and and No Name Brooks.

Volunteers Lauded at 2015 Annual Meeting

The Harris Center recognized many extraordinary partners at our 45th Annual Meeting on October 18.

Restoring Falls Brook

Work is nearly complete on a stream restoration project at Falls Brook in Swanzey.

Field Report from the 2015 Vernal Pool Project

In 2015, our citizen scientists documented 30 new vernal pools, bringing our project total to 190 documented pools on public and conserved lands in the Monadnock Region.

A Place for Pollinators

A dedicated group of volunteers spent this past year turning the Harris Center’s old swimming pool into a new pollinator garden, and it’s now open for visitors.

In the Field with the 2015 Conservation Interns

Under the guidance of Harris Center staff and KSC faculty, four outstanding undergraduate interns assisted with many facets of the Harris Center’s diverse work.

Harris Center Opposes Bobcat Hunting & Trapping in NH

The NHFG Commission has voted to move forward with opening a bobcat hunting and trapping season in the Granite State. The Harris Center strongly opposes this proposal.

Spotting Spot Patterns

The spots on adult spotted salamanders are like fingerprints on humans: unique to individuals.

Snow Science at Otter Brook Farm

This month, Harris Center teacher-naturalists worked with 8th graders to conduct a “snow math” investigation.

Field Report from the 2014 Vernal Pool Project

In 2014, our citizen scientists and student interns documented 33 new vernal pools in ten towns.

Celebrating the Year of the Salamander, Part IV

Spotted salamanders are one of a kind.

ConVal Educators Lauded at Annual Meeting

The Harris Center recognized two extraordinary educators from the ConVal School District at our Annual Meeting on October 19.

Celebrating the Year of the Salamander, Part III

Salamanders can get you into a good college.

In the Field with the 2014 Conservation Interns

The Harris Center-Keene State College internship program is a win-win.

Findings from the North Lincoln Street Amphibian Crossing Study

The goal of this study was to figure out how many amphibians cross the road at North Lincoln Street each spring, and what percentage of them are helped along by the Crossing Brigades.

Celebrating the Year of the Salamander, Part II

Salamanders can stop you in your tracks.

109 Acres Conserved in Peterborough

The Harris Center has just purchased 109 acres on Brush Brook Road (Route 137), much of which is ranked by the New Hampshire Wildlife Action Plan as highest value wildlife habitat.

Celebrating the Year of the Salamander, Part I

Salamanders are everywhere.

Exciting News About North Lincoln Street!

We’re launching a new conservation research initiative focused on our Salamander Crossing Brigades.

Antrim Students Explore Art and Science with the Harris Center

In November, AES teachers worked with Harris Center naturalist Jenn Sutton to integrate art and outdoor exploration into a 4th grade science curriculum.

Field Report from the 2013 Vernal Pool Project

This spring, our citizen scientists documented 50 new vernal pools in seven towns.

Spooky Studies at the Village Cemetery

In a nature story befitting Halloween, 4th graders at the Jaffrey Grade School have discovered that cemeteries are the perfect place to study the weathering of rocks.

Laura White and AUNE Celebrated at 2013 Annual Meeting

The Harris Center honored two exemplary partners at our Annual Meeting on October 20.

Crossing Bailey Brook

In September, the Nelson Trails Committee put the finishing touches on a new footbridge across Bailey Brook.

7 Reasons Amphibians are Awesome

Two of our most prominent citizen science programs center around amphibians and their habitat. Why this focus on frogs, toads, and salamanders?

Reel In and Recycle at Robb Reservoir

The Harris Center recently installed a fishing line recycling bin at Robb Reservoir.

Science in the Supersanctuary with KSC

Four KSC students collected ecological data on Harris Center lands this summer as part of a new partnership with the KSC Environmental Studies Department.

Science and Stewardship at Otter Brook Farm

In early June, 8th graders from Great Brook and South Meadow Schools came together for a morning of service learning.

Junior Solar Sprint a Solar-Powered Success!

Last week, over 100 students from six area schools gathered in Peterborough for the 6th Annual Monadnock Regional Junior Solar Sprint.

Announcing the Meade Cadot Land Conservation Fund

The Meade Cadot Land Conservation Fund will honor Meade by permanently enhancing the Harris Center’s ability to protect and steward land.

Three Cheers for the Educators of the Year!

Emily Wrubel and Stacy Egan, 8th grade science teachers in the ConVal school district, have been named the 2013 New Hampshire Environmental Educators of the Year.

Celebrating Meade Cadot

Friends, family members, former students, and colleagues gathered to celebrate Meade Cadot as he retires from his role as Land Director and Senior Naturalist for the Harris Center.

Keene Teachers Celebrated at 2012 Annual Meeting

Andrea Dube and Gail Woolridge were honored for their collaboration on a Birds Across the Seasons curriculum for 3rd graders.

Field Report from the 2012 Vernal Pool Project

This was the Vernal Pool Project’s inaugural year in Peterborough, where 20 enthusiastic citizen scientists visited 50 potential vernal pools.

A Packed House for Bear Expert Ben Kilham

Bear expert Ben Kilham spoke to a rapt audience of 160+ Harris Center members at our annual members-only event.

Successful Nighthawk Nest Confirmed at KSC

This is the first confirmation of a nighthawk nest in Keene since at least 2007.

Harris Center in the News

The Harris Center was featured in regional, state and even national media this summer.

Salamander Brigade Essay Wins Writing Award

Longtime Salamander Crossing Brigade volunteer Emily Wilson won an award for her essay, “Goldenrod Spots.”

Brett Amy Thelen Receives Environmental Excellence Award

Brett Amy Thelen has received Antioch University New England’s 2012 Alumni Environmental Excellence Award.

Stream Restoration Plans in the Works

We’re working with a team of partners to restore stream connectivity in the Ashuelot watershed.

Citizen Science: What Makes a Good Project?

Conservation research that’s local, personal, accessible, and collaborative.

Researching Bobcats in the Granite State

Researchers from UNH and NHFG are teaming up on a statewide bobcat study, and they want your help.

A Big Year for Small Owls

Owl bander Chris Volonte is back on the saw-whet beat again, and she reports that 2010 may be shaping up to be a big year.

AVEO joins the Harris Center for Conservation Education

AVEO and the Harris Center have entered a partnership to strengthen our shared work in the Monadnock Region.

Results from Fall Songbird Banding

This fall, Antioch University New England partnered with AVEO staff and volunteers for a third year of fall migration songbird banding in Keene.

Findings from Invasive Plant Surveys at Pisgah State Park

In 2008 and 2009, our citizen scientists documented 29 occurrences of 5 different invasive plant species in Pisgah State Park.

Monitoring the Fall Bird Migration

We’ll once again be monitoring migratory birds as they make their way through the Ashuelot Valley this fall.

Nighthawk Breeding Success in Keene

This is the only documented successful breeding by nighthawks in the entire state this year.

A Tribe of Tiny Owls is On the Move

We’re thrilled to partner on the first-ever Northern Saw-whet Owl banding project in southwest New Hampshire.

Award-winning AVEO

AVEO is the proud recipient of the 2008 Maria Pirie Environmental Program Award.