Nearby Nature Video Series

We’ve all had to cope with some pretty unusual circumstances due to the COVID19 pandemic and the need for social distancing this past 18 months. At Merck Forest, we decided to share our love of nature digitally, and created some short videos to share with virtual visitors.

Here are the links to our Nearby Nature videos for you to enjoy again: type the following URLs into your browser to see what we found outside, or go to our website at https://www.merckforest.org/learn/

Episode 1: Making a Nature Journal

Episode 2: Vernal Pools

Episode 3: Nature Journal Drawing Techniques

Episode 4: Phenology

Episode 5: Moss https://youtu.be/X5KRMPiY2PQ https://youtu.be/tSrhMHc2TzU https://youtu.be/uu0cAW9M0DM https://youtu.be/qNFru97Rt3A https://youtu.be/nK6nsoj-Pzg

Our YouTube Video Channel has even more short videos documenting the Merck Forest experience: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN97B-4qwQiH_A3Bb0cQ1pA

Advancement Notes

Thank you for reading this fall issue of the Ridgeline. It is full of hope - brought on by the work that we all do and bolstered by your generosity. I noticed recently, while sending out some special $70 membership packets, that I was addressing envelopes to Pennsylvania, Washington state, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Idaho. Our membership program continues to grow and diversify, for which we are grateful.

Remember what a thoughtful holiday gift a Merck membership makes and be in touch! Share your enthusiasm for the institution with others–we will be happy to ship and personalize your gift. Membership matters in so many ways at Merck Forest. Contact liz@merckforest.org or head to our website for more information: www.merckforest.org/get-involved/memberships

Save the date! Sunday October 17 at 11am, MFFC’s Education and Advancement teams will join W-EQX for a Sunday Brunch interview. 102.7 or weqx.com

Come up for a visit soon! the leaves are just starting to turn and the farm and forest will be at its loveliest during this time of year.

Stay safe and keep in touch, Best,

Liz Ruffa, Advancement Director

News from the Visitor Center

by Stephanie Breed

Come check out our new layout and new merchandise!

Membership Matters!

Renew your own membership; gift one to a friend or family member and encourage others to join.

Regular annual membership is $50; Special membership is $70 and includes this Storey Publishing title. Members receive discounts on cabin rentals, items in the Visitor Center and special events.

Visit www.merckforest.org/get-involved/memberships for more information.

Favorite comfort-food cookbooks are back in stock as well as puzzles, nature guides and practical gifts. Our children’s department has activity books for all ages, learning games and of course, wonderful books on the natural world.

Although our frozen lamb is limited, we have a freezer filled with pork – steaks, sausages and bacon. Don’t forget the pancake mix when you purchase our organic maple syrup. A perfect combination for visiting guests. It’s never too early to stock up on gifts for the winter holidays! We sell ornaments, advent calendars, whimsical winter cards, and Merck-made display pieces.

If you are looking for Merck Forest memorabilia: we carry hats, short and long sleeved t-shirts, mugs, pottery, stickers and magnets. Our snack area offers locally sourced snacks – perfect after a walk on our beautiful trails.

Swing by to shop and say hello, you’ll be glad you did! Open everyday 9-4.

—Native American Proverb