Merck Forest
The forest you'll explore here in Rupert, Vermont tells a story of the land's history and our vision for its future. These woods weren't always here—most were open farm fields just a century ago.
Photo credit: Nicholas Canfield
Our Forest Story
When George Merck began buying land parcels in the 1940s, he wasn't just looking for a family retreat. He had a vision for thoughtful forest management that led him to establish the Vermont Forest and Farmland Foundation in 1950, making us one of the first land management experiments in the United States.
Today, our approach is worlds apart from the clear-cutting that stripped Vermont's hillsides during colonial times. At Merck Forest, every tree harvested serves a purpose in creating healthier, more diverse woodland for generations to come.
Connected Landscapes
Merck Forest is part of something bigger. We're working with partners to protect the 42,000-acre forest block connecting Rupert, Dorset, Manchester, Arlington, and Sandgate. This area is part of one of the world's most impressive intact temperate forests, stretching from New York to Nova Scotia.
Why does forest connectivity matter? Because it allows wildlife to move freely, helps plants adapt to climate change, and keeps natural systems resilient. When forests are fragmented, they lose much of their ability to support biodiversity and store carbon.
Come See Forest Management in Action
The best way to understand our approach to forestry is to see it firsthand. Visit our trail network to explore forests in different stages of management, from recently harvested areas to old growth sections.
Watch for interpretive signs along the trails explaining what you're seeing, or join one of our guided walks to learn directly from our forestry team.
- Birds, Forests, and the Earth We All ShareMay 31, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Photographing Spring at Merck ForestJun 07, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Full Moon Hike (Buck)Jul 10, 2025, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Full Moon Hike (Sturgeon)Aug 09, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Full Moon Hike (Corn)Sep 07, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Tree to Cutting Board WorkshopSep 27, 2025, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Learn about our Timber Stand Improvement Project
Our current forest project is creating a more diverse woodland by: