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! For further details and to register for ESI programs, call 603-525-3394, or email Sara at lefebvre@harriscenter.org.
Environmental Studies Institute – Winter 2012
Bark – Get To Know Your Trees
Dates: Wednesday, January 25 and February 1, 8 and 15
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
Cost: $40 members / $60 non-members
Instructor: Michael Wojtech
Looking for something new to discover in the winter woods? You don’t need to look any further than the trees! Although their leaves have fallen away, and their buds and twigs are often too high to see, the bark of trees is ready for study. In this four session course with naturalist Michael Wojtech, you’ll learn about a system for identifying tree species by their bark, and begin to discover why such a variety of bark characteristics has evolved. Why some species have smooth bark, while on most others it is thick and broken; why bark peels; what function bark serves. We’ll begin each session with indoor work, then head outdoors observe Harris Center trees. Open to all levels of experience. At the Harris Center and various field sites.
Michael Wojtech is a naturalist, writer, photographer, and illustrator, and strives to share the science and beauty of natural history in an accessible and compelling fashion. He began his ongoing study of tree physiology and ecology at Antioch University New England, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Conservation Biology. Michael’s recently published book, Bark: A Field Guide to Trees of the Northeast, will be available for sale through this class. More about his work can be found at www.knowyourtrees.com.
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Life Stories of New Hampshire’s Mammal Predators
Dates: Thursdays, February 2, 9, 16 and 23
Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $40 members / $60 non-members
Instructor: Jeff Littleton
Join ecologist and Antioch University New England professor Jeff Littleton for four afternoons on the life and times of New Hampshire’s mammal predators. From bobcat to coyote, fisher to fox, learn how these mammals survive and thrive in the Monadnock Region. Through slides, lecture, discussion, and a few short field trips in and around Keene, we’ll study the important role these predators play in the health of our ecosystems, as well as the challenges they have historically faced in New England. Jeff Littleton is an ecologist with Moosewood Ecological LLC, having more than 20 years experience in ecological studies and environmental education. He specializes in conservation and land management planning on multiple scales for a wide range of entities, including private landowners, federal and state agencies, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations. Jeff is treasurer of the Monadnock Sustainability Network, and chairs the Monadnock Farm and Community Connection Agricultural Inventory Committee. In addition, he serves as adjunct faculty at Antioch University, where he provides course instruction on community ecology and inventory techniques for wildlife and their habitats, including vegetation and natural communities. Held in the Conference Room at Railroad Square, Southwestern Community Services, 49 Community Way, Keene.
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Owls of New Hampshire
Dates: Thursdays, March 8, 15, 22 and 29
Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $40 members/$60 non-members
Instructor: Tom Warren
In this course we’ll discuss owl biology using both visual and audio aids. Topics will include anatomy, eyes and ears of owls, geography, foods, hunting techniques, nesting (eggs and young), and ‘owls and humans’. There will be discussions of owls found in the Monadnock Region. Field trips include local owl prowls, and a journey to areas in Massachusetts, where a Snowy Owl invasion has already begun. Held at the Hancock Town Library.
Tom Warren is a graduate of Harvard College, and holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Finance. He has been involved with birds for 66 years. As a 4 year old, he lived across from the President of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, who introduced him to birds. Later, in Wellesley Middle School, he was one of the “Wellesley Boys and one Girl” studying under biology teacher, Douglas Sands, whose students include some of North America’s distinguished ornithologists such as Wayne Petersen and Dick Forster. Tom has guided walks and owl prowls for the Massachusetts Audubon Society for many years. He is a trustee of the Harris Center, New Hampshire Audubon, and the Massachusetts Audubon Society.
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