From The Advancement Office

by Liz Ruffa, Director of Institutional Advancement

Merck Forest’s “new normal” is challenging, to say the least. The staff here derives so much joy and satisfaction from our work up on Rupert Mountain.

We miss the action: fielding questions in the Visitor Center about which trails are open and what view is best, how much syrup has been produced and when the baby lambs are coming this spring! We miss the smiling faces, energized kids and and happy pets that spend time here learning, recreating and just enjoying the great outdoors. We hope that you and yours are well, safe and taking good care.

Merck Forest’s Advancement Office is open - so please reach out, I’d love to connect! It has been very gratifying over the last year to hear from members and donors about their excitement with the direction that MFFC programming is taking, conservation work that is underway, and efforts being made to collaborate with neighboring communities.

Community development is no longer exclusively “placebased” - our community here at Merck Forest includes the school networks that we collaborate with, the working lands collectives that we support ,and the conservation consortiums that we partner with. Our outreach materials are opened in Japan, New Zealand and Zurich (we can track that!) We are all part of a global community that treasures open spaces, relishes backcountry recreation, champions experiential education and understands the power of outdoor leadership, on a number of levels. We take our stewardship of these 3,200 cherished acres seriously and know you do too. Please be in touch and stay in touch. Inspiring curiosity, love and responsibility for working and natural lands isn’t just our job, it’s all of our jobs. We are always better, together.

Save The Date

Saturday, October 10, 2020

Second Annual Twilight on the Mountain Frank Hatch Sap House, Merck Forest & Farmland Center Celebrating 70 Years of Connecting People and Nature For Sponsorship information, contact liz@merckforest.org

Twilight On The Mountain Spring Membership Drive

In trying times, we must all seek ways to support one another. During April, May and June, Merck Forest & Farmland Center will allocate 25% of all new membership contributions and/or on-line syrup sales towards providing direct support to our region’s families and community members in need. Learn more about this initiative here: merckforest.org/specialproject or contact liz@merckforest.org

Here’s how you can help:

• Not a member yet? There has never been a better time to join Merck Forest and support our environmental and community initiatives from the OXFORD DICTIONARY

• Has your membership expired? We want you back! Rejoin today.

• Already a member, and still want to help? Purchase an additional membership as a gift and transfer it to a friend, neighbor or family member.

• Already a member, but can’t think of anyone to gift one to? Consider an on-line syrup purchase.

More information about our Rupert Resilience Initiative will be shared soon. Membership information can be found on our website or by contacting liz@merckforest.org