Environmental Studies Institute

A group walks through the snowy forest, framed in the foreground by hemlock boughs (photo © Ben Conant).

Short Courses for Adult Learners

Dig deeper into the natural and cultural history of the Monadnock Region with the Harris Center’s Environmental Studies Institute (ESI) courses.

Taking various forms — outings, workshops, lectures, field trips, and more — ESI courses are geared toward adults with a passion for lifelong learning.

Upcoming Courses

ESI: Transitions — A Nature Poetry Writing Workshop

Wednesday, May 1,
10:00 am
to 11:30 am
Harris Center & local field sites
A book of poetry with a leaf and flowers lying on its open pages. (photo © Canva Commons)

As nature makes a dramatic transition from the quietude of winter to the new life of spring, parallel changes may occur in our own lives. In this workshop facilitated by poet Brian Evans-Jones, we’ll explore this phenomenon by observing the natural world and writing our own poetry in a small, supportive group.

Learn more »

ESI: Transitions — A Nature Poetry Writing Workshop

Wednesday, April 24,
10:00 am
to 11:30 am
Harris Center & local field sites
A book of poetry with a leaf and flowers lying on its open pages. (photo © Canva Commons)

As nature makes a dramatic transition from the quietude of winter to the new life of spring, parallel changes may occur in our own lives. In this workshop facilitated by poet Brian Evans-Jones, we’ll explore this phenomenon by observing the natural world and writing our own poetry in a small, supportive group.

Learn more »

ESI: Transitions — A Nature Poetry Writing Workshop

Wednesday, April 17,
10:00 am
to 11:30 am
Harris Center & local field sites
A book of poetry with a leaf and flowers lying on its open pages. (photo © Canva Commons)

As nature makes a dramatic transition from the quietude of winter to the new life of spring, parallel changes may occur in our own lives. In this workshop facilitated by poet Brian Evans-Jones, we’ll explore this phenomenon by observing the natural world and writing our own poetry in a small, supportive group.

Learn more »

ESI: Transitions — A Nature Poetry Writing Workshop

Wednesday, April 10,
10:00 am
to 11:30 am
Harris Center & local field sites
A book of poetry with a leaf and flowers lying on its open pages. (photo © Canva Commons)

As nature makes a dramatic transition from the quietude of winter to the new life of spring, parallel changes may occur in our own lives. In this workshop facilitated by poet Brian Evans-Jones, we’ll explore this phenomenon by observing the natural world and writing our own poetry in a small, supportive group.

Learn more »

Environmental Studies Institute: Wild Foraging

Sunday, May 12,
9:00 am
to 4:00 pm
Dublin Community Center
A group of foragers circle together to examine something on the forest floor. (photo: Fox Paw School)

This class will offer a thorough introduction to eating wild plants from our local watershed — covering everything from field botany and plant identification to sustainable foraging, harvesting techniques, and food preparation.

Learn more »

Environmental Studies Institute: Wild Foraging

Saturday, May 11,
9:00 am
to 4:00 pm
Dublin Community Center
A group of foragers circle together to examine something on the forest floor. (photo: Fox Paw School)

This class will offer a thorough introduction to eating wild plants from our local watershed — covering everything from field botany and plant identification to sustainable foraging, harvesting techniques, and food preparation.

Learn more »

Contact Us

For more information on our ESI offerings, please contact Susie Spikol at (603) 525-3394 or by email.