UPCOMING EVENTS AT MERCK FOREST

Pre-registration for any activity is required, and we are not able to accommodate last-minute registrations or walkins. Due to the low cost of the programs, no refunds will be made unless the event is cancelled by MFFC.

Sunday Meet And Feed

Sunday September 26, or October 3, from 3pm to 4:30

Join Merck staff on Sunday afternoons as they go about afternoon chores feeding the animals. Get to know our sheep, horses and chickens during our daily routine. Fee: $5pp; children must be accompanied by at least one parent/guardian. Register at www.merckforest.org/product/family-programs/

Project Learning Tree Workshop

Saturday, October 2 from 9am to 3pm

Project Learning Tree, an award-winning environmental education program, uses trees and forests in activities and resources to engage children in learning about the environment. The workshop is designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12, and is offered at no charge to participants. Register at www.merckforest.org/product/adult-programming/

Second Saturday Hikes

October 9, 2pm to 4 • November 13, 4pm – 5:30 • December 11, 4pm – 5:30

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 and snacks. For the November and December hikes, bring a headlamp or flashlight; if there’s snow cover, bring along your snowshoes and dress for the cold! Please arrive 15 minutes before the hike begins. Fee: $5 per person, pre-registration is required. Events will only be cancelled in case of extreme weather. Register at www.merckforest.org/product/hikes-volunteer/

Connected Taconics Block Gathering

Thursday, October 14, 6pm to 8

Do you live in the Northern Taconic mountains of Vermont between Rupert, Dorset, Manchester, Sunderland, Arlington, and Sandgate? What do you feel when you think of your lands and those around you? What is your vision for the future; what challenges do you see and what resources are needed to help achieve your vision? These questions and more reflect your land ethic and collectively set the stage for the future of the lands and waters that will define our natural and human community.

We invite you to join with your neighbors for an evening of facilitated reflection and exploration of our connection to the lands and waters that surround us, with staff from Merck Forest & Farmland Center, Audubon Vermont, and Vermont Woodlands Association. This is a free event with only 18 spaces available on a first-come-first-served basis. Register at www.merckforest.org/product/adult-programming/

Volunteer Work Party

October 30, 10am – 3pm

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! . Register at www.merckforest.org/product/hikes-volunteer/

WREATH-MAKING WORKSHOPS

Morning Session: December 4, 10am to noon • Afternoon Session: December 4, 1pm to 3

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 either the morning session or the afternoon session. Register at www.merckforest.org/product/adult-programming/