Visitor Center Update

by Stephanie Breed, Visitor Center

The Joy Green Visitor Center (VC) officially reopened on August 21st with much fanfare for all! Well…the fanfare was mostly on our end. We were excited to once again share our lovely little shop and greet our loyal hiking and nature enthusiasts. For 5 months, the VC was a quiet subdued office. A few of us were working limited hours, while many worked from home. Of course, farm life and chores continued as usual. Even Ellie the cat knew something was amiss. From mid-March through mid-August, we shipped close to 300 bottles of syrup all over the country. Members were calling to arrange curbside pickup for fresh eggs, lamb and pork.

On June 15th we began to open the cabins and shelters for overnight guests. As part of Merck Forest’s Covid-19 safety protocol, the 9 cabins and 3 shelter areas are rented Friday through Monday. During the week they are allowed to “air out” and a member of our team conducts periodic checks. Considering these restrictions, cabin rentals are on par during this same period as last year. People are anxious to get out of the house and into the woods. Certificate of Compliance forms, indicating self-quarantining measures, are required for those traveling from outside Vermont. As cabin reservations began to spike, we realized it best to open the VC Friday, Saturday, and Sundays from 10-5.

The weekend crowds have been impressive. Many are first time visitors who are interested in the history of Merck Forest and its mission. They are fascinated by the American Chestnut replantation area, are overwhelmed by the views, and are happy with their purchases. The Visitor Center sells frozen lamb, pork and blueberries. Our fresh eggs sell out very quickly. Additionally, we carry many VT products: soap, wooden ornaments, honey and pottery. The book selection offers nature guides, cookbooks, gardening, as well as activity and picture books for little ones. Merck-made products include birdhouses, woven ornaments, unique furniture and coat racks. We are not shy to announce the softest sheepskins, wooliest yarn, and the best maple syrup around!

On a personal note: my time at Merck while the VC was closed has been invaluable. I helped pull taps from the sugar maple trees, helped prune the blueberry and raspberry bushes, mulched the berry bushes with sheep wool, and pulled trailside invasive plants. I have dug out fire pits and cleaned outhouses. I convinced my sister to help herd sheep…I’m still laughing! Most impressive of all, I now know how to can syrup. I am so fortunate to be able to work with such a great group of professionals.

Come visit us, Friday Saturday and Sundays 10-5.