PreK-12 School Programs

Merck Forest and Farmland Center's outdoor education programs provide teachers with opportunities to immerse their students in inquiry-based learning while exploring topics like sustainability on the farm and in the forest, wildlife ecology and service-learning. Starting this spring, 2012, our program offerings will be developed in alignment with Vermont's Framework of Standards and Learning and will help bring the classroom to life as students connect with the land in meaningful ways.

Winter Offerings, January-April

Tuition:
$10 (1.5 hrs.)
$20 (3 hrs.)
$40 (6 hrs.)
base + $2 /student
Chaperones and teachers are free.

In The Forest

Sap to Syrup (March-April) 1.5 hours
Students have the chance to visit our new sugar bush, learn how maple syrup is made and explore the history of syrup at MFFC and throughout Vermont.

Forest Resources 1.5 hours
Take a guided stroll through the forest and learn about the basics of using trees as a renewable resource. Ideas around managing forests for lumber, pulp, saw wood and maple syrup will be investigated.

On The Farm

Animal Husbandry 1.5 hours
Students will have a hand caring for our animals and learn what it takes to overwinter livestock on our windy hillside.

Forest & Farm

Wildlife Investigations 1.5 hours
Students search for evidence of animals while learning how to be stewards of healthy, bio-diverse farm and forest habitats.

Service Learning 3-6 hours
Students will undertake a purposeful work-based project here at MFFC that will require teamwork, positive communication and an awareness of others.

Click here for our 2012 Winter Programs brochure