The Harris Center for Conservation Education held its annual meeting Oct. 19 with awards, recognition, and reflections on community impact.
Tina Ramsey of Chesterfield School was named Educator of the Year for her commitment to outdoor learning. She emphasized that nature-based education fosters curiosity, literacy, and problem-solving, saying that giving children opportunities to experience the natural world motivates their drive to learn.
Volunteer Extraordinaire Awards went to Chuck Carlson and Tom Momeyer for their wildlife photography and raptor research, and to Stan Smith and Vic Starzynski for leading the long-running “In the Footsteps of John Kulish” hike series. Sally Manikian of The Conservation Fund received the Laurie Bryan Partnership Award for leadership in statewide land conservation.
Artist Rosemary Conroy spoke about rediscovering purpose through nature and art, while Executive Director Jeremy Wilson reported on the Harris Center’s accomplishments — including hosting more than 170 programs, protecting 1,000 acres of new conservation land in Hancock and Antrim, and engaging 3,000 students in nature education.
Tara Kessler was welcomed as board chair, succeeding Michael George after seven years of service.
For information about the Harris Center’s conservation and education work, visit harriscenter.org.