Live and (and virtual) events at Merck Forest October, 2020 - February, 2021

After suspending public programming early this spring due to COVID-19, we were able to open up our outdoor activities with protocols in place to help keep our staff and visitors safe. We’ve had a successful season as a result. Looking to this upcoming winter season, we will continue offering outdoor programming. However, programming that takes place inside, such as our annual Wreath Workshops, will be put on hold until 2021. Thank you for your understanding.

Fall/Early Winter Programs

Thank goodness we have a great big out-of-doors at Merck Forest & Farmland Center – with reasonable safeguards in place, we can still offer our signature Second Saturday Hikes and other outside-oriented programs. Go to www.merckforest.org/events for complete details and to register.

Second Saturday Hikes

October 10, November 14, December 12, January 9. 2 pm - 4 pm. Fee: $5pp.

A hike (or snowshoe trek) in the woods, with a knowledgeable guide to point out special features of the terrain and habitat. Fabulous!

Wilderness Wednesdays

October 21 and 28, November 4 and 11, 9am to 3pm. Tuition: $200pp.

Space is still available in the second session of Wilderness Wednesdays, our program for the exploration of the natural world for students in grades 4 - 6. Youngsters will explore the Merck Forest landscape and document their journey through drawing and nature journaling.

Moon Hikes

January 9, and February 13, Fee: $5pp.

A moderate hike (or snowshoe, depending on snow cover). Bring a headlamp, as we are moving into a new moon, and trails may be dark. Participants must be dressed for the cold, with proper footwear, and bring a headlamp or flashlight. Water and snacks are recommended.

Tracking Workshop

January 23, 10am – noon, Fee: $5pp.

We’ll hike out into the snowfields and woods in search of … whatever has come before! Participants must have appropriate footgear, water and snacks.

Owl Presentation and Hike iNaturalist enables you to record and identify animal and plant specimens found at Merck Forest. Hundreds of species have been identified to date!

February 27, 4pm to 6pm. Fee: $5pp.

Due to current (and anticipated) circumstances with respect to indoor gatherings, we’re going to change this popular program by making a digital presentation about the regional owl population that will be made available for registered participants prior to the hike.

On the night of the Owl Hike, participants will be heading out in small groups to try and locate some of our local resident owls. Dress warmly, with layers, proper footwear and a flashlight and/or headlamp.

Taking the Owl Presentation digital is an example of the kind of adjustment that we have made over the past six months to keep our programming relevant, and our connection to our members vital.

We hope that you have enjoyed recent changes to our website, with video offerings for Meet the Lambs, the Harvest Fest, and Nearby Nature. We have also installed on the website links to two very special software applications: iNaturalist and Avenza.

Avenza works with a digitally-indexed map of the Merck Forest property: download the map and Avenza’s free software application to your smartphone, and use them to navigate the property in real time. Your location will show up on the map as a little dot moving through the landscape. Most excellent!

Check out our homepage at merckforest.org for details about the process of using technology to keep connected while maintaining your distance, or to enhance your visit to Merck Forest.