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, …
Dear Outside World, It’s been a while since we’ve written, and that probably reflects life on the farm in the summer time. Since the last update, 44 fluffy lambs have been added to our flock! They are almost two months old and are growing fast, but are definitely still worth coming to visit. Peggy Sue’s …
The abandoned cabin at Clark’s Clearing is getting a major renovation this summer, thanks to a group of junior high students from Salem, NY. Over the past two weeks, and through the rest of the summer, the group will come up on Wednesdays and work with Ethan (MFFC forester) and Tom (Ex. Dir.) to …
Yesterday was a big prep day for this weekend’s Sheep Shearing Workshop. With the threat of rain (and snow!) in the air, there was a little more pressure to get the ewes into the Harwood Barn so that their coats will be dry for the shearing process. Bryan worked yesterday morning to set up the …
This “Merck Memory” was written by James Dickey. He returned to MFFC from Colorado this November for his 50th birthday, and he later sent in an account of his experiences up here. Thank you, Jim, for sharing this: In summer of 1973, I was nine years old. I had just returned from my first summer …
Earlier this year, Vermont adopted a new grading system for its maple syrup. This new system provides descriptions of each grade, or class, of syrup. It also part of a national and international effort to create a universal grading system throughout the United States and Canada. Currently, each state and the Canadian provinces each have …
With a great harvest from our storage garden this past season, we’ve been working on some carpentry projects to help us preserve these crops for the coming months and for the new apprentices coming in January. First, we added a root cellar to the lower part of the Harwood Barn. There was no need to …
For many of our more local visitors, this may interest you: Drivers who commute back and forth along Route 315 are well acquainted with the “hill”. From Dorset side cars scale a more or less steady uphill for nearly three miles before cresting the top (right where Merck’s driveway starts). At the apex, if you …
Bennington County Conservation District Work Begins Read More »
Visitors don’t have to walk very far to be treated to spectacular views at Merck Forest. Anyone that has been up to the farm on even a moderately clear day can attest to the view. We are getting close to the time when the view in the morning is especially great. As the nights become …
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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!
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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!