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.
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 …
Pre-Level 1 (5/8, 8am - 4:30pm, tuition $200 pp) This is a course for women who have no prior experience in handling a chainsaw. Topics covered include the parts of a chainsaw, safety, and basic maintenance. Chainsaw use is limited to bucking, as students do not fell trees in Basic Chainsaw Safety. Participants must bring their …
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, …
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, …
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
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 …
On Thursday afternoons, under the bright blue sky of Vermont, you and your children can take part in and 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, …
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 »
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 …
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 inhabitants of the streams and ponds of Merck Forest and how they are interdependent. Through inquiry and observation, they will deepen their knowledge of the importance of mountain streams, of pond ecosystems, and the interdependence of aquatic life using nature journals to document their explorations. Campers will monitor waterways, inventory invertebrates, …
Aqua Camp: Inquiry & Exploration in Ponds and Streams (Grades 4-6) Read More »
Join fellow naturalists of all experience levels at Merck Forest & Farmland Center for two days of exploration of everything natural across any of 3167 acres of forests, fields, and waters. From experts to novices, all curious minds are welcome. The goal of this BioBlitz is to document as much natural life as possible on …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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
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 …
A moderate hike (or snowshoe, depending on snow cover) two days after the new moon. Participants should bring a flashlight or headlamp, and must be dressed for the cold, with proper footwear. Please arrive 15 minutes before hike begins at 4:00 pm. Fee: $5 per person, pre-registration is required. Register for the Second Saturday Hike HERE. Event …
One of our favorite holiday events! Join Merck Forest elves in creating a holiday wreath from greens sourced at Merck Forest. Ribbons for bows and natural materials for decorating are provided. Bring along your own decorations to embellish your wreath. Register for morning session (10am-12n) or afternoon session (1pm-3). This is an indoor activity with limited …
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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!