Christmas Bird Count 2011!
The Contoocook Valley Christmas Bird Count, founded and organized by the Harris Center, celebrated its 38th year with a record year of 54 species and 5,758 individual birds. Due to the mild winter and open water, many records were broken for a number of species, including six bald eagles, 795 robins, 399 cedar waxwings, 22 eastern bluebirds, 590 dark-eyed juncos, 455 American goldfinch, 647 black-capped chickadees, and one red-necked grebe. Thanks to the dozens of birders who participated in this important annual citizen science event.
Newly Protected Land
Peterborough: 17.5-acre conservation easement on Route 136, abutting the Otter Brook Farm easement (largest in Peterborough history).
Harrisville: 31-acre property just over the Hancock line and adjacent to both land owned by the Harris Center and the Army Corps of Engineers. The land protects the Nubanusit River watershed (flows to the MacDonwell Reservoir).
Nelson: 81-acre property on Old Stoddard-Baily Brook Road abuts the Harris Center’s land around Osgood Mountain and Spoonwood Pond.
The new lands in Harrisville and Nelson are both land purchases–made possible by contributions designated for enlarging the Supersanctuary.
Teacher of the Year Announced at the Harris Center Annual Meeting
The Harris Center celebrated our fifth decade on Sunday, October 23rd, with a gathering of nearly 100 members and friends. After a brief business meeting, including highlights from the past year and special recognitions, the Harris Center honored John Thomas, a second and third grade teacher from the Wells Memorial School in Harrisville, as “Educator of the Year.” Ted Manning, Executive Vice President of Eastern Mountain Sports, also spoke on the power of communities to transform shared values and visions into partnerships that create meaningful solutions. Special thanks to all who continue to support the Harris Center!