Learn about winter ecology and find out what animals are active in the winter and how to identify them by the signs they leave behind. In a pre-recorded presentation, Conservation Manager Tim Duclos will discuss basic techniques of tracking forest wildlife in winter, and will introduce registrants to the use of the iNaturalist smart-phone application to record and share …
Join conservation manager Tim Duclos on for an online workshop on our feathered winter residents. Tim is a published ecologist with expertise on the effects of climate change upon avian ecology and in this presentation, he will cover species which overwinter in the southern Vermont region, exploring the who, where, why, and how to this particular …
We have a new ONLINE format for our popular Owl Presentation and Hike: Join Conservation manager Tim Duclos for a pre-recorded presentation focused on the various owls in our region. Tim is a published ecologist whose expertise includes the effects of climate change upon avian ecology. He will describe the owl species whooo occupy our region, their adaptive strategies, …
We have a new format for our Vernal Pool Ecology Program: in an ONLINE workshop we will discuss what a vernal pool is and why it matters to a special group of migratory amphibians. Tim Duclos, MFFC's Conservation Manager, has created a video presentation focused on native amphibians and their breeding habits in woodland vernal …
Vernal Pool Ecology and the Citizen Scientist NEW FORMAT! Read More »
A 2 hour pop-up farm experience where families will have the opportunity to help with caring for our chickens, sheep, and horses; start some seeds to take home, and help prune our apple trees. Bring a snack and water, dress in layers and wear warm, waterproof footwear. To be held, rain or shine, please dress …
A 2-hour pop-up aquatic experience where families will have the opportunity to trace a raindrop from our watershed to the pond, where we'll scoop for frogs and salamanders. Bring a snack and water, dress in layers and wear warm, waterproof footwear. To be held, rain or shine, please dress appropriately - temperatures are cooler on …
A 2-hour pop-up woods exploration where we'll start off with a hike, followed a exploration of where all the leaves go from the fall, and fairy house construction. Bring a snack and water, dress in layers and wear warm, waterproof footwear. To be held, rain or shine, please dress appropriately - temperatures are cooler on …
Enjoy a guided hike with a MFFC staff member who will discuss the ecology, history, farming culture and forestry of the area. Wear proper hiking footgear for our rugged trails, and bring water, snacks and bug spray. Please arrive 15 minutes before hike begins at 2:00 pm. Fee: $5 per person, pre-registration is required. Register for …
Basic/Pre-Level 1 (5/9, 8am - 4:30pm, tuition $200 pp). This is a course for people with no prior experience in handling a chainsaw. Topics include training in how a chainsaw operates, basic maintenance, and bucking techniques. It is excellent preparation for Levels 1 and 2, which will be offered in subsequent sessions. The course is open to …
Participants receive training and certification in safely using a chainsaw, felling trees, and chainsaw maintenance. These field-based workshops will be conducted in any weather conditions except for heavy snows, thunderstorms or high-wind conditions; dress for any weather conditions and wear sturdy work-boots. Participants must bring their own PPE, including a safety helmet with face shield, …
A weekly "pop-up" exploration of the natural world for students in grades 4 - 6. Students will explore the landscape and document their journey through drawing and writing in nature journals. Each day will have activities aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. We'll explore forests and woodland, dip in the pond, do some citizen …
Level 3 (6/05, 8am-4:30pm) focuses on limbing, bucking, and handling difficult trees. Level 4 (6/06, 8am-4:30pm) focuses on storm damage cleanup. These are field-based workshops and will be conducted in any weather conditions except for heavy snows, thunderstorms or high-wind conditions; dress for any weather conditions and wear sturdy work-boots. Participants must bring their own …
Gain essential skills in emergency first aid in a backcountry setting through instruction by Solo School trainers. A CPR component is available for an additional fee and hours. Recertification for SOLO Wilderness First Responder only is also possible through this course. Certification for WFA is valid for 2 years. Minimum age is 14 years old. …
Enjoy a guided hike with a MFFC staff member who will discuss the ecology, history, farming culture and forestry of the area. Wear proper hiking footgear for our rugged trails, and bring water, snacks and bug spray. Please arrive 15 minutes before hike begins at 2:00 pm. Fee: $5 per person, pre-registration is required. Register for …
Campers will explore the biology of various animals that are found on the farm and in the fields, and their interdependencies. Through inquiry and observation, they will deepen their understanding of the intertwining communities using nature journals to document their explorations. Campers will probe into pollinators, track chickens, and ruminate with sheep as they engage …
Ag Camp: Inquiry & Exploration on the Farm (Grades 4-6) Read More »
From mulching raspberries to maintaining trails, volunteers work side-by-side MFFC staff in stewarding the land. Come give a hand, and learn while you work! Click HERE to register for the fun.
Trail crew members will trek through field and forest, learning how to steward working lands. Through hands-on explorations and projects, they’ll develop practical backcountry and primitive skills, engage in citizen science, and participate in service learning projects. Crew members will navigate with map and compass, construct shelters, lop invasives, and tackle trail work as they …
On Thursday afternoons, under the bright blue sky of Vermont, you and your children can take part in an ages-old tradition: daily chores on our hillside farm. Our farm staff will lead your family around the farm as you feed the chickens and collect eggs from the nest boxes, and feed & water the sheep, …
Enjoy a guided hike with a MFFC staff member who will discuss the ecology, history, farming culture and forestry of the area. Wear proper hiking footgear for our rugged trails, and bring water, snacks and bug spray. Please arrive 15 minutes before hike begins at 2:00 pm. Fee: $5 per person, pre-registration is required. Register for …
7/19 - 7/23. $250/child Campers will explore the biology of various mammals that live in the Northern Taconic forests and how these mammals and their environment are interdependent. Through inquiry and observation, they will deepen their knowledge of natural communities, as they use nature journals to document their explorations. Campers will sketch squirrels, investigate skulls, …
On Thursday afternoons, under the bright blue sky of Vermont, you and your children can take part in an ages-old tradition: daily chores on our hillside farm. Our farm staff will lead your family around the farm as you feed the chickens and collect eggs from the nest boxes, and feed & water the sheep, …
THE MUSHROOM WORKSHOP IS FULLY ENROLLED. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE WAITLISTED, PLEASE CONTACT: christine@merckforest.org An adult workshop on mushroom identification. Mycologist Sue VanHook will bring mushrooms in to be identifed, but participants are invited to forage and bring in their own samples as well. Fee: $10pp Register for this workshop HERE.
We will offer a Project Learning Tree workshop on Saturday, October 2, from 9am to 3pm. Project Learning Tree, an award-winning environmental education program, uses trees and forests in activities and resources to engage children in learning about the environment. The workshop is designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from …
Join Merck staff on Sunday afternoons as they go about afternoon chores feeding our animals. Get to know our sheep, horses, chickens, and pigs during our daily routine. Fee: $5pp Due to staffing constraints, we are not able to accommodate last-minute registrations or walk-ins. Please register by noon on the Saturday before for this program …
Do you live in the Northern Taconic mountains of Vermont between Rupert, Dorset, Manchester, Sunderland, Arlington, and Sandgate? What do you feel when you think of your lands and those around you? What is your vision for the future; what challenges do you see and what resources are needed to help achieve your vision? These questions and …
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!