Hold Nature in Your Hand
Susie Spikol is a naturalist and writer who helps connect people of all ages to nature.
Book Trailer to The Animal Adventurer’s Guide
Thank you to SALT Project for this video.
Rain Walkers
Red efts, the eastern newt—they are a kid’s dream come true, so small and touchable, and their tangerine color so outlandish in a world dedicated to camouflage. No teeth, no fangs, claws, or quills. They are damp but not slimy, and it looks like they are smirking as if the joke’s on you.
Your Hummingbird Heart on Mother’s Day
I am holding a teacup-sized hummingbird nest in my hands. The outside is covered in silvery green lichen flakes, stitched together with spider silk. The silk not only holds this home together; it allows the nest to stretch and grow as the babies grow. The inside, no bigger than a thimble...
Fox Time
We're in the zone, totally caught up in the moment, and hot on the trail of a red fox.
Hope on Silent Wings
We try calling, a plaintive “who-cooks-for-you.” I see their faces full of anticipation, straining to hear a response. Children nestled tight against parent and grandparent, eyes wide, bright like those stars up above.
Upcoming Events
Everyday Wild Workshop at NAAEE
The small things in nature--the creatures we hold and watch open our hearts. Discover how everyday wildlife ignites compassion and moves us towards stewardship. Learn to talk international bird or spy on a bug. We have everything we need in our neighborhood to fall in love with this world. For more information »
Babies in Backpacks and Toddlers in Tow
Join Harris Center naturalist Susie Spikol and parent educators from The River Center for a wild ramble in search of signs of fall. From acorns and mushrooms to chipmunks and chickadees, come spend time with other families interested in being outside and exploring the magical world we live in. A perfect hike for little legs – and a great chance to chat about parenting questions as we walk! For more information »
The Life and Times of the North American Porcupine
Join Harris Center naturalist, Susie Spikol for a prickly evening all about New England's own quill pig, the North American porcupine. Discover the life cycle, eating habits, and social behavior of this very large rodent. For more information »
Nevermore: The Natural History and Mythology of Ravens and Crows
Join Harris Center Director of Bird Conservation Phil Brown and Community Programs Director and naturalist Susie Spikol for a deep dive into the natural history of these exceptional and often misunderstood birds. Find out the mythology and folklore of these birds and how it influences our preception of these highly intelligent birds. For more information »
Nature on Tap: Tiny Terrors the Halloween Edition
Join a team of Harris Center naturalists as they share true tales of cannibalism, zombification, kleptomania, envenomation, and other dark doings by pint-sized wildlife – just in time for Halloween. Sometimes the scariest critters are also the smallest. Drinks on you, stories on us!
