Most of the forests we see today in Vermont were open fields a century ago as agriculture dominated the land use until after the Civil War. Farm production reached its peak in this area around 1870, when about 75% of the arable land was kept open for agricultural fields or pasture. At the turn of …
The frequent movement of animals from field to field minimizes grazing pressure on pasture grasses. The plants are healthier, more productive, and better able to compete with weed species. Fresh young grass contains higher protein levels and provides increased nutrition to the animals. Grass-fed animals have higher Omega 3 fatty acid content in muscle tissue, …
Management practices at Merck Forest include: Timber Sales: production of saw timber, fuel wood and the leasing of logging sites Production of Maple Syrup, Vermont’s traditional alternative to commercially-produced corn syrup sweeteners. Wildlife Habitat Management & Biodiversity: enhancing habitat and forage opportunities for game and non-game species Clean Water and Carbon Sequestration: A well-managed forest …
Currently, the Merck Forest sugarbush* has approximately 3,000 taps with the capacity to scale up as we strike a balance between Profit Energy consumption Landscape impact Staff time In order to model “best practices” in sustainable land use, finding this balance among these elements is an important part of our work. *Sugarbush: a stand of sugar …
Click on this link to view Made in the Shire‘s Feature on Merck Forest’s sugaring operations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Gs1GJ-0G_U It all boils down to a simple equation: plus plus equals
Winter loosens its grip slowly on our maple- and snow-covered mountain, but as spring takes hold, the forest celebrates the change with showy ephemeral wildflowers. The joy in the discovery of the purple-streaked white flowers is complete when you learn their perfect name: “Spring Beauties.” One of the things I like most about working in …
Monday afternoon: Winter has finally arrived this weekend at Merck Forest, with 3 inches of freshly fallen snow blanketing the forest floor, and more expected within a day or so. Grays and browns are now set against fluffy blue-white coating. With the exception of a few still-green fern fronds, no signs of green plant life can …
Curiosity is at the heart of scientific thinking, and provocative essential questions fuel inquisitiveness–questions like: “If every tree in the forest drops every one of its leaves every year, why aren’t we buried up to our neck in millions upon millions of leaves?” For regional 5th graders coming to Merck Forest for multi-day field experiences, …
Autumn leaves crunch beneath the purposeful plodding of my hiking boots. Fresh, brisk air and dappled sunlight play on my face as I hike among the mossy trees and rocky streams. This is my favorite time of the year. I love hiking out in the mountains, enjoying that particular feel and smell of autumn beauty, …
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Merck Forest & Farmland Center is a 501(C3) non-profit organization. We are not affiliated with, nor do we receive support from Merck & Company, Inc., nor are we part of any government agency.
All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law and are greatly appreciated!
Get updates directly to your inbox.
We are not affiliated with, nor do we receive annual support from Merck & Co. Inc.
We are not part of any government agency. • All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law and are greatly appreciated!