Spring Celebrations and Stewardship

It’s May. The fields are greening up, the garden beds are in, and the barns echo with the sounds of new life. 

In late April, we faced two crises at once: Arch, our gentle Suffolk Punch draft horse, struck by sudden colic, and a lone ewe birthing in the pasture beneath an unexpected snow squall. Thanks to the quick action of our farmer and veterinarian, Arch made a full recovery. Sadly, the field-born lambs didn’t survive the cold. The very next day, another ewe delivered twins in the barn; the first was stillborn, and with our farmer’s help, the second took its first breath.

Today, six healthy lambs snuggle in our “maternity ward” (the Small Animal Barn) - tiny symbols of resilience and new beginnings.

That blend of beauty and hard truth is at the heart of farm life, so we take care to celebrate our wins.

Meet the Lambs, our annual spring gathering on Saturday, May 17, is one such celebration.

You’ll meet lambs, goat kids, chicks, rabbit kits, and curious piglets. You’ll get a window into the spring rhythms of farm life: the farrier’s hammer at work, hands transforming raw wool into soft yarn, the slow choreography of sheep moving through rotational grazing paddocks that heal the soil and nourish the land.

“Lambing season marks the beginning of everything—grazing rotations, garden prep, longer days. It’s one of the most rewarding times of year, and it’s great we get to share it with the public,” said Hadley Stock, Farm Manager at Merck Forest. “People are often surprised to learn how much intention goes into raising animals this way. We’re proud to share what we do.” Merck Forest, and our Meet the Lambs event, is a living expression of past and future, blossoms and barnyard, loss and new life. Join us. 

Plan Your Visit:

When:

Saturday, May 17 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Practical Tips: 

• Wear sturdy shoes—fields can be wet in spring.

• Visit the Visitor Center for locally crafted wool products.

Merck Forest is open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. If you leave inspired, become a member to support our work and to enjoy discounts on cabin rentals, farm products, and exclusive stories in Ridgeline Magazine. We can’t wait to share this season with you.