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Explore the Monadnock Region

If you enjoy exploring the outdoors, support the conservation of open space, or have children eager to discover the natural world, the Harris Center can touch your world in many ways.

• As a land trust, the Harris Center actively conserves more than 9,600 acres in the Monadnock Region.
• The Harris Center school program brings nature and environmental studies to over 4,000 students in 25 local schools.
• Program events and outings offered by the Harris Center range from year round hikes and field trips to presentations by local and visiting naturalists and specialists.

A member-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Harris Center is dedicated to promoting understanding and respect for our natural environment through education of all ages, direct protection and exemplary stewardship of the region's natural resources, and programs that encourage active participation in the great outdoors.

The Bobcat's Tail, a monthly collaboration of the
Harris Center and the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

This month: You bored? There's mothing to do!

Coming Up at the Harris Center

July 10 (Fri) – Hiking Sharon’s Berry Pasture Trail for, well of course, blueberry pickin’! And if you want to extend the 3-mile round trip hike (800’ elevation gain) a little, you can climb the Burton Peak summit for more great views. Meet leaders Lee Baker and Ben Haubrich at 10 a.m. to carpool from the SE corner of the Ocean State Job Lot parking area at the junction of Routes 101 and 202 in Peterborough. Trip proceeds in fair weather only; please call Ben or Lee if the weather looks uncertain. Back about 2 p.m. Naturalist on board. Co-sponsored by Peterborough Recreation Department.

July 18 (Sat) – Destination Spoonwood: A leisurely paddle from Hancock town landing on Nubanusit Lake, past the active eagle nest (with a chick!) and likely passing territorial loons along the way. Then we’ll poke around wild and scenic Spoonwood Pond before a short carry back over Spoonwood’s dam en route back to the landing. Meet leaders Tom Faber and teacher-naturalist Susie Spikol at 10 a.m. at the landing (near the end of the King’s Highway) with your kayak or canoe (and required life jacket). We’ll be back in port about 1 p.m. Naturalist on board. (F)

July 25 (Sat) – The Buzz on Native Bees. Join naturalist and native bee enthusiast Michael Veit for a morning of exploring the world of New England’s native bees. Discover the fascinating life stories of a few of these essential pollinators. From the charismatic, social bumble bee to the quiet life of the solitary bee, learn the important role native bees play in pollination. There will be a slide show highlighting several types of bees and their life cycle followed by a field trip to the Stokes’ garden in Hancock, where we will get the buzz on bees. Starts at 10 a.m. at the Harris Center; done by noon. Co-sponsored with the Monadnock Beekeeper’s Association.

July 26 (Sun) – Clearing the Way to a Cool View. Help Harris Center trail chief Jim Orr clear the way to Kulish Ledges on Cheshire County’s second-highest peak, Osgood Hill in Nelson. We’ll have lunch on the rocks and enjoy an outstanding view of Spoonwood Pond. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Nelson town common, by the mailboxes. Done by noon.

Environmental Studies Institute

The Harris Center's Environmental Studies Institute offers adults the chance to learn about the Monadnock Region's natural history, connect to the outdoors, and engage in meaningful discussion about the environment.

Mushrooms with Rick Van de Poll:

Thursdays, Sept. 10, 17, Oct. 1, 8
8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join Rick Van de Poll in discovering the fascinating world of mycology. We’ll be indoors and outdoors, learning the life history of mushrooms, their ecological role, how to identify the basics, and the remarkable diversity of fungi in the natural world, from Amanita to Xylaria. With late-summer rot in full swing, we’ll have plenty of field time finding mushrooms.
Rick is not only one of New Hampshire’s top mycologists, he’s also a pretty “funguy.” He is founder and principal of Ecosystem Management Consultants, based in Sandwich, and an adjunct instructor at both Antioch University New England and Plymouth State University. Rick holds a Ph.D. in natural resource management and is founder and director of the Sandwich Area Mushroom Club.

Cost: $25 members/$35 non-members. Space is limited.

Wol's Nest Reunion

Are you a Harris Center Wol's Nest alumni or staff? We want to hear from YOU! Share your stories, remembrances, and fond recollections. How did Wol's Nest inspire you? Did it shape your life and worldview? Did you keep connections from Wol's Nest?

The Harris Center is planning a Wol's Nest reunion in the summer of 2010. But we're already collecting the recollections. Add to the dialog by visiting the Wol's Nest page on Facebook.

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