Programs & Outings

The Harris Center offers more than 100 programs and outings each year. Volunteer leaders guide hikes, bicycle treks and paddling adventures throughout the Monadnock Region. Programs and workshops are held at the Harris Center. These presentations are widely varied and explore topics such as tracking, bird and hawk identification, land use discussions, sustainable energy, bears and drawing from nature. There is no charge for most programs. Check the calendar of events for a listing of upcoming programs and outings.

Environmental Studies Institute

The Harris Center's Environmental Studies Institute (ESI) are a variety of courses that provide opportunities for adults to learn about the Monadnock Region’s natural history, connect to the outdoors, and engage in meaningful discussion about the environment. Take a class ... and bring a friend!

Winter 2010 ESI Offerings

Both courses are full

A Field Study of Winter
February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11
1 p.m. at the Harris Center and in the field
Cost: $35 members/$45 non-members
Leaders, Meade Cadot, Rick Van de Poll, Francie von Mertens

Come discover the natural history of winter in this overview of life in the cold. Using the Stokes Guide to Winter as a guide, come learn with natural history experts Meade Cadot, Francie von Mertens, and Rick Van de Poll, how mammals, plants and birds survive the icy grip of winter. Discover the many different strategies of survival. This course will have ample field time. Snowshoes maybe necessary for field work. Let us know if you would like to borrow a Harris Center pair.

Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
10-11:30 a.m. at the Hancock Town Library
Cost: $25 members/ $35 non-members
Leaders: Mary DesRosiers and Susie Spikol

Join us for three mornings discussing the pivotal work of Annie Dillard's Pulitzer Prize winning book, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek as well as other selected readings. We will take a slow read of Pilgrim while looking at Dillard's writing style, overarching themes, as well as time to explore Dillard's own biography and the historical context of her work. Revisit this book and discover its impact on your everyday thinking. Register by Jan. 25.

To sign up for either session, please contact Sara LeFebvre at the Harris Center, 603-525-3394.