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November 2019
Full Moon Guided Hike
This is the month of the full Beaver Moon. Our staff-guided hike will be of moderate difficulty. Participants must dress appropriately for the weather, with sturdy footgear, headlamp or flashlight, water and snacks. Please Register for the Full Moon Hike HERE.
Find out more »December 2019
Wreath-Making: Friday Evening Workshop
We're adding a third wreath-making session! Ring in the holidays with this popular family event. We furnish greens, ribbons and tools, you provide the merriment. Bring along your own decorations to add to your wreath. Fee: $25 per wreath. Please register for the Friday evening session HERE.
Find out more »Full Cold Moon Hike
This staff-guided hike will be of moderate difficulty. Participants must be dressed appropriately for the weather -- keep in mind that it's not called the "Cold Moon" for nothing! Have sturdy footgear, micro-spikes and a headlamp or flashlight. Please register for the hike here.
Find out more »January 2020
Full Wolf Moon Hike
A moderate hike (or snowshoe -- depending upon snow cover) on moonlit trails. Dress for the cold and have sturdy footgear, micro-spikes/snowshoes, water & snacks, and a headlamp or flashlight. $5pp. Register for the Full Wolf Moon Hike HERE.
Find out more »Tracking Workshop
We'll hike across snowfields and into the woods to find … whatever has come before. Held weather-permitting. Dress for the cold and have sturdy footgear, micro-spikes/snowshoes, water & snacks. $5pp. Register for the Tracking Workshop HERE.
Find out more »Treats for Tweets Workshop
Learn about the birds who stay through winter, and make special treats to bring home to sustain your own feathered friends. Children must be accompanied by an adult companion; $10 per child. Register for the Treats For Tweets Workshop HERE.
Find out more »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 »WINTER IN THE WOODS: Kids’ Camp for Winter Vacation
February 18 & 19. 9am to 3pm. Winter Vacation Camp for children, grades 2 through 5. Come join our Winter-Break Day Camp for second through fifth graders. We'll explore the snowy woods, create wintry crafts and play! Merck Forest is a winter wonderland and you can come to camp for one day or both, from 9am to 3pm each day. Bring a bag lunch, water and snacks (we'll supply the hot chocolate!) and dress for outdoor play. Space is limited,…
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.
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