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
Babies in Backpacks and Toddlers in Tow
Join Harris Center naturalist Susie Spikol and parent educators from The River Center for a gentle ramble in search of winter’s wild things. From animal tracks and evergreens to chickadees and snow fleas, 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 »
Animal Adventures: Owls
Join Harris Center naturalist and author of "The Animal Adventurer's Guide", Susie Spikol, for a very owly morning at the Deerfield Parks and Recreation Department. Come learn about NH's common owls, their amazing nighttime adaptations, play a game that will let you hunt like an owl and make your own owl caller to bring home. For more information »
How to be an Animal Adventurer
Join Susie Spikol, a naturalist at the Harris Center for Conservation Education and author of "The Animal Adventurer's Guide: How to Prowl for an Owl, Make Snail Slime and Catch a Frog Bare-Handed" for this special Saturday morning event. Sharpen up your wildlife-watching skills and tune into the secret world of our local New Hampshire animals. Get your wild on and come to this program. Perfect for elementary-aged children. 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. For more information »
How to Be an Animal Adventurer
Join Susie Spikol, a naturalist at the Harris Center for Conservation Education and author of "The Animal Adventurer's Guide: How to Prowl for an Owl, Make Snail Slime and Catch a Frog Bare-Handed" for this special Saturday morning event. Sharpen up your wildlife-watching skills and tune into the secret world of our local New Hampshire animals. Get your wild on and come to this program. Perfect for elementary-aged children. 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. For more information »
Animal Adventures: Owls
Join Harris Center naturalist and author of "The Animal Adventurer's Guide", Susie Spikol, for a very owly morning. Come learn about NH's common owls, their amazing nighttime adaptations, play a game that will let you hunt like an owl and make your own owl caller to bring home. For more information »
