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February 2020
GMC Snowshoe Hike to the Thoreau Cabin
Meet at the south end of Shaw's parking lot at 9 am or at Merck Forest's Visitor Center at 9:30 am. Snowshoe out to Thoreau Cabin and back. Trip is about 4 miles total with several hundred feet of up and down. This is a moderate trip. Bring extra layers, wool or fleece hat, snacks, lunch, fluids. RSVP required to Keld Alstrup at 802-362-1422.
Find out more »Full Snow Moon Hike
2/8/2020. Staff-guided hike/snowshoe (snow-cover-dependent) across the winter landscape. If the sky is clear, the trails will be moon-lit, and the evening air cold so dress warmly! The snow conditions will dictate whether this is a micro-spike- or a snowshoe hike: bring both if you have 'em, as well as water, snacks and a headlamp/flashlight. $5pp. Register for the Full Snow Moon Hike HERE.
Find out more »Winter Bird Ecology 101
Who, Where, How -- and most of all -- Why do resident bird species overwinter in southern Vermont's challenging habitat? Join conservation manager Tim Duclos* for a discussion of their adaptive strategies; his talk will be of interest to birders, conservationists, and even youngsters with a particular affinity for our feathered neighbors. Sign up for the lecture HERE. *Tim is a published ecologist with a particular interest in the impacts of climate change on avian survival.
Find out more »Owl Presentation & Hike
2/22/20. We'll start the evening with a presentation about the owls found in our region and then we'll hike out to find some of these magnificent raptors. Dress warmly, with layers, and be ready to do some hiking. $5pp. Register For the Owl Hike HERE.
Find out more »March 2020
Full Worm Moon Hike
3/14/2020. Full Worm Moon Hike. The earth is stirring beneath our feet at this time of year, but there might still be enough snow to snowshoe. This will be a moderate staff-guided hike over (potentially) moonlit trails. Dress for any weather contingency, and bring water and snacks. $5pp. Register for the Full Worm Moon hike HERE.
Find out more »Vernal Pool Ecology
So what exactly is a "vernal pool" and why are vernal pools important? Conservation manager Tim Duclos has the answers -- and he'll tell you all about them in this discussion of a very specialized habitat, the species who rely on it, and what we can do to take care of them all. Sign up for the Vernal Pool Ecology talk HERE.
Find out more »April 2020
Baa, Baa, Black Sheep: Farm Program for Children
4/4/20, 1pm - 3pm Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any wool? Bring your children to meet our fleecy flock -- and to create felt using wool from our sheep. Children must be accompanied by an adult companion. Admission: $10 per child. Registration is limited, so sign up early HERE.
Find out more »Second Saturday Hike 4/11
4/11/20 This staff-guided hike is a tossup - will wintry conditions prevail, or will balmy breezes wake up the sleeping earth? Either way we'll venture out into the landscape for a moderate jaunt to free our winter-bound spirits. Dress wisely. $5pp Preregister for the Second Saturday Hike HERE.
Find out more »May 2020
Early Morning Bird Walk 5/9
Join conservation manager Tim Duclos on an early morning walk to document incoming migratory birds. Wear sturdy footgear and bring water and snacks. Register HERE for the 5/9 bird walk.
Find out more »Migratory Bird Ecology 101
The birds are starting to arrive or move through as they migrate North. Why do birds migrate and what challenges does migration present? Conservation manager Tim Duclos will give a presentation on the phenomenon of avian migration. There's a lot more to it than you might think ... come on up the hill to learn more about it. Click HERE to register for Migratory Bird Ecology 101.
Find out more »Second Saturday Hike: Will We Find Spring Ephemerals?
Spring ephemerals may be in bloom! This staff-guided hike will be of moderate difficulty and will take place even if it’s raining. Participants must be dressed appropriately for the weather with sturdy footgear, water and snacks. Reservations are requested; Fee: $5 per person. Register for the Second Saturday Hike HERE.
Find out more »Meet the Lambs
Time: TBD. Have your little lambs meet our little lambs: this is a popular event with the wee folk who are just learning about farm animals and prefer them pint-sized. This family-friendly event features our new lambs, but there will be plenty of other activities for children, including pond explorations and horse-drawn wagon rides. Suggested Donation: $3pp.
Find out more »June 2020
Early Morning Bird Walk 6/13
Join Tim Duclos on an early morning walk to document incoming migratory birds. Dress for the weather with sturdy hiking footwear, and bring water and snacks. Register for the bird walk HERE.
Find out more »Second Saturday Hike 6/13
It's sure to be a lovely day for a moderate guided hike through Merck Forest's landscape. Bring water and snacks. Register HERE for the Second Saturday Hike.
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