2024 Spring Ridgeline

Celebrating over 70 years of connecting people to the land

MFFC BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Jill Perry Balzano

Merrill Bent

Dinah Buechner-Vischer

Peter Hicks

Greg Hopper, Treasurer

Karen Kellogg

John Stasny, VP & Secretary

Sue Van Hook, President

Brian Vargo

ADVISORS

Renee Flesch Barrett

Donald Campbell

Jean Ceglowski

Austin Chinn

Keely Levins Culligan

Michael Fernandez

Geoffrey Flynn

George Hatch

Jon Matthewson

Diana Myrvang

Sam Schneski

STAFF

Renata Aylward, Communications Specialist

Darla Belevich, VC Coordinator

Stephanie Breed, VC Coordinator

Dylan Durkee, Fleet & Facilities Manager

Chris Hubbard, Education Specialist

Marybeth Leu, Business & Systems Director

Amy Pim, Advancement & Camp Coordinator

Liz Ruffa, Advancement Director

Elena Santos, Education Manager

John Scneble, Education Director

Hadley Stock, Farm Manager

Mike Stock, Resource Manager

Rob Terry, Executive Director

Content: MFFC Advancement Office • Images: MFFC Staff

Cover Image by Amy Pim, Advancement & Education Coordinator

Magazine layout by Renée Noel-Cutler

Director’s Welcome

By Rob Terry, Executive Director

We made it! In spite of the light overnight snow that blanketed the mountain, it is officially spring! For the next three months, each day will bring more sun than the last. Until late September, the light will outshine the dark. Spring is a season of promise. Sap drips into buckets, a promise of the verdant hills from which Vermont draws its name. Crocuses poke through the snow, a promise of flowers and the reassuring hum of pollinators. Ewe’s udders swell, a promise of new life in the flock. On the mountain, spring brings renewal–a shift away from the mentorships, field trips, and cabin visits that give winter its gentle rhythm. In their place come the festivals, summer camps, guided tours, workshops, and throngs of visitors that enliven the landscape. The transition is palpable. As it often does, this annual spring issue of the Ridgeline, taken as a whole, is a meditation on change at all levels. This issue’s feature explores change on a geological scale, while updates share some exciting changes throughout the farm and forest as well as in our programming. An overview of the nature and importance of community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs might even change the way you look at yout local foodshed. Lastly, if you’re looking for a change in scenery, check out the list of upcoming programs at the end of the issue (new opportunities will emerge throughout the year, so keep an eye on the website as well).

Hope to see you up on the mountain soon!

Spring Renewal Gratitude

By Sue Van Hook, Board President

Spring has arrived earlier than usual this year with a recent snowfall these past few weeks as offering up one or two last cross country ski days. As we take stock of this warm winter and prepare for the likelihood of shorter sugaring seasons and managing heavier rainfalls ahead, we find ourselves in strategic planning mode at MFFC. It is an exciting time. We have accomplished what the previous five-year plan set in motion, and look to reinforcing some of the same objectives, such as invigorating the working landscape and championing climate smart action. There are new challenges ahead and we are prepared to address them with our current and new cohorts of staff and trustees. More than ever we depend on the support of our members, donors and volunteers. Help us honor our outgoing board members and welcome new advisors. We are so very appreciativie of their time, efforts and dedication.

Thank you for your interest in and support of MFFC!

Things to do in the Springtime

Edited by Elena Santos, Education Manager

• Enjoy how much extra daylight there is

• Use maple syrup in one of our featured recipes!

• Join us for a full moon or sunrise hike

• Hike to Page Pond to sit and watch the activity under and around water

• Look for early spring ephemerals that are blooming: coltsfoot, trout lilies, dutchman’s breeches, and trilliums

• Get involved in citizen science and document your findings with iNaturalist

• Pick some forsythia branches; bring them inside, force them in water to bloom

• Go for a hike and pay close attention to the trees and forest as you go…what do you notice? See the newly unfurled leaves?

• Start a nature journal! Keep track of dates when flowers and wildlife start to appear

• Sit quietly in the woods, or in a field, and listen to the world waking up

• Take up bird watching. All you need to get started is curiosity (binoculars and a field guide will help too)

• Hike the Discovery Trail. Can you find trees that Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have drilled into?

• Go foraging for ramps or fiddleheads- be sure to collect responsibly! (take half or less than half from each plant)

• Compare budding leaves on different trees and shrubs

• Hug a tree and look up the trunk for a squirrel’s eye view

• Stomp in a mud puddle or make mud pies!

• Download the Merlin Bird ID app from Cornell Lab of Ornithology and use it to identify bird calls

• Make a kite with recycled materials and fly it on a windy day at Merck Forest

• Collect fallen leaves, sticks, pinecones, and other objects to make art on the forest floor

• Watch the green from trees’ new leaves creep up the mountainsides

• Listen for nighttime peepers - can you guess the first day they’ll start to peep?

• Walk by our raised bed gardens every few weeks and watch as they wake up and begin to grow

• Come up to visit our newborn lambs, goats, chicks, and piglets, expected from April through May!

Things Afoot on Rupert Mountain

Compiled by Liz Ruffa, Advancement Director

RENATA AYLWARD

Communications Specialist

During my recent stint at the MFFC Visitors Center, I may have been the one welcoming you at the desk. Over the past 5 weeks, I’ve enjoyed hearing your stories, like Greg and Nancy finding shelter during a rainstorm, Ira revisiting with backpacking skills learned here, and Glen’s team from Amherst, MA, who make an annual cabin visit. Your tales are the highlight of my day, showcasing the unique experiences that visitors have at MFFC. Our Visitor Center is more than a pit stop—it’s a cozy space for warming up, grabbing trail maps, and getting the latest property conditions. At the VC, we offer more than just syrup; our freezer stocks MFFC-raised chicken, pork, and lamb. Whether you’re seeking nature communion or a break from the hustle, the Joy Green Visitors’ Center is likely where your journey begins and ends. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to share your story with us at the VC!

STEPHANIE BREED

Visitor Experience Coordinator

I always look forward to greeting hikers, campers and visitors when they start their Merck Forest experience in the Visitor Center. I have really enjoyed getting up to speed on so much of Merck Forest’s 74 year history, which I am always happy to share with visitors. Come check out our farm-raised meats, yarn, skins and blankets and, of course, legendary maple syrup. Spring is in the air and MFFC is bursting!

MARYBETH LEU

Business Operations Director

Business Operations always keeps me busy - as MFFC continues to grow, integrating all of the various systems to match that growth is a challenge that I enjoy - continuous upgrading of technology ensures smooth operations.

DYLAN DURKEE Fleet and Facilities Manager

This spring I am working on a new Timber Frame pig shelter for the farm. This is an exciting project for multiple reasons - the pigs will benefit by having a great space to keep them out of the weather, we are sourcing all of the wood off of the Merck Forest property and it is another opportunity for me to get to do what I am passionate about, Timber Framing!

Emma Kate Durkee was born on 10/5/23 at 10:13 am to proud parents Dylan & Maria Durkee. Emma weighed 5 pounds 12 ounces and was 18 inches long at birth. She is a healthy, happy, beautiful baby who gets oodles of attention whenever she stops in at the Visitor Center on her way up to her dad’s base of operations at the Timber Shop. Congratulations to Dylan and Maria!

CHRIS HUBBARD Education Specialist

I’ve been busy moving projects forward at the Merck Forest’s property adjacent to the Mettowee Community School, as we engage a trail builder to do design work that will allow students greater access to this property. It will be exciting to see students out on the land exploring different ecosystems when all is completed. I’m also working

on a new entrance sign project, which will be a timber framed structure with solar lighting. With a new orientation to the road, the sign will be much easier for incoming visitors to see and the programmable lighting will help campers find our access road much more easily.

AMY PIM Advancement and Summer Camp Coordinator

I am wearing two hats this year - Advancement Coordinator and Summer Camp Coordinator. In the Advancement Office I coordinate Annual Fund and Membership programs and supervise promotion and outreach efforts. MFFC’s Summer Camp season is right around the corner, so organizing registrations, interviewing for junior counselors and camp field educators, and curricular planning are also keeping me busy. I am looking forward to an unforgettable camp season filled with fun, exploration and memories. This season we will immerse campers in orienteering, venturing into streams, studying pond life, tree and plant ID, and fostering growth through educational and nature based experiences.

LIZ RUFFA Advancement Director

The Advancement Office is off to a brisk start in 2024! Last year’s Annual Fund and Membership programs kept us busy into the new year and we are very appreciative of your collective member/ donor support in 2023. We hope you enjoyed the 2024 Wall Calendar that was sent out in January and that it helps you plan

future trips to Merck Forest. Look for a new promotional brochure in the Visitor Center and feel free to take a few to share with friends, family and neighbors who might not have experienced Merck Forest yet. Springtime is here - a time full of things to do, see and experience. Make sure to get outside and enjoy the springtime - at MFFC or wherever you hang your hat!

ELENA SANTOS Education Manager

Kits and Cubs continues! We are jumping into springtime with lessons focusing on Spring Equinox, frog life cycles, pond exploration, and other exciting signs of longer, warmer days to come. Field trip season is underway and I’m excited for the schools who have signed up so far to spend time outdoors applying concepts of science to hands-on activities like walking through the forest, exploring the watershed and searching for pollinators. There are still field trip spots open for schools through mid June. Maple Open House on 3/24 was fantastic. The weather threw us a curve ball, but the rescheduled event saw sunny skies, tons of fresh snow and lots of enthusiastic maple lovers turn out. I’m excited to have planned my first signature event.

JOHN SCHNEBLE Education Director

Spring Field Trip Season is here! We have several schools joining us

for a variety of programs from Sap to Syrup, Invasive Species, Farm Connections, to name a few. We look forward to offering Spring Break Camp for students, a Wilderness First Aid course and SOLO game of logging which teaches how to safely fell trees with a chainsaw. Maple Street Mountain Days will continue on the Farm in April and May.

HADLEY STOCK Farm Manager

Springtime is perhaps the most exciting time on the farm! I love making maple syrup, so much so that when I finish for the day here at Merck Forest, I head home and make maple syrup with my family. Then of course there are the babies! I’m really excited to have my Oberhausli goat, Jewel, at the farm this year. She just had twin baby boy kidsgoat kids might just be my favorite. I will be milking Jewel throughout the spring, summer, & fall on site - demonstrating the milking process for our visitors and answering all the goat questions. Then there are the baby plants - we can’t forget about them! I’ve been busy starting seeds in our nice sunny south facing maintenance building. I’ll be adding a few new garden beds this year up on the farm. I’m hoping to grow lots of the foods we will be cooking up and serving at our Twilight on the Mountain event in October. It’s a real thrill for me to grow, raise, harvest, and prepare foods, which is a truly full circle process. If you’re interested in learning more or even helping out in the new garden space, I’d love to talk with you about that! hadley@merckforest.org

MIKE STOCK Resources Manager

We have been busy in the sugar bush, constantly fixing tubing, replacing saddles and taking care of any other leaks we may find. I love spending time in the sap house when we’re actually boiling and am always happy to jump in and troubleshoot any equipment and/or process issues if they arise. I’ve also been helping the county foresters mark and tally timber for the new animal barn project. MFFC’s firewood needs are always strong for the cabins; dry wood takes time! I work with Noah Crawford, an intern from BBA in Manchester, on all sorts of projects. We build small structures, split firewood, fix trails, keep the cabins tight, and much more. The upcoming season is very busy, 60 cords of firewood for cabins, trails , helping on the farm, finishing sugaring, keeping the road puddle free! Whatever needs doing or fixing, I’m ready!!!

ROB TERRY Executive Director

I’m deep in a non-profit business planning effort to ensure the sustainability of MFFC’s operations in coming years while collaborating with our Board of Trustees to initiate the process of drafting MFFC’s next 5 year strategic plan. On the more immediate side of things, I’m excited to be able to help make syrup when I’m able, connect with visitors as blue skies and warming temps bring more folks outside, and lead a variety of groups through the sugaring process.

Many thanks to our wonderful student interns and friendly new faces:

NOAH CRAWFORD: farm & forestry

BELLA GARRISON: farm projects

FRED THOMPSON: field educator

CLARA VICKERS: photo archiving

RYAN WARNER: timber framing

Agents of Change

by Rob Terry, Exective Director

Italy is in serious trouble. As the African Plate advances steadily towards Sicily, its northern boundary is subducting (essentially sliding) under the Eurasian Plate. When the continents meet, and they will, the result will be cataclysmic. The Mediterranean Sea will disappear; in its place a newly formed mountain range rivaling the Himalayas will rise. Why aren’t people panicking in the streets? Shouldn’t this be headline news? Of course not; while this is happening at a breakneck pace geologically speaking, the fifty million years that the process will take is all but incomprehensible to the human mind.

Generally, humans are quite future focused, at least in a relative sense - in fact, it was only recently that researchers in the cognitive sciences began to realize the extent to which non-human species are capable of future-oriented thought. That said, no known species are innately wired to think about the future, or the past for that matter, on the scale of deep time. With questions like “What’s for dinner?” and “What is the weather going to be like tomorrow?” taking up a lot of space in the typical human brain, it’s easy to see why events 50,000,000 years in the future are of essentially no concern, even when they’ll literally have Earth shattering consequences.

Deep time is a phrase generally used to describe anything that happened more than 2.5 million years ago–processes that occur on a geologic, or even cosmic, scale often covering billions of years. The emergence and evolution of life on Earth being an example. Through careful study of the fossil record, scientists believe that life on Earth began approximately 3.7 billion years ago. ‘3.7 billion’ is easy to say, easy to write, but almost impossible to conceptualize. To envision this span, start by extending your arm away from your body with your elbow locked. Your outstretched arm now represents the entirety of the 3.7 billion years life has existed on Earth. Life begins in your armpit with the earliest known microbes, evolving distally until arriving at the complex assembly of organisms present today on the tip of your furthest fingernail.

Let’s give this anatomical timeline some context. Take a moment to consider where on your arm humans first arrive. Was it somewhere on the bicep? At the elbow perhaps? Maybe as recently as the wrist? In fact, the entirety of human existence could be removed from the timeline with a single pass from an emory board. Perhaps those Mesopotamians weren’t so ‘ancient’ after all. Fear not, this isn’t a meditation on the insignificance of human existence. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Despite the fact that humanity is relatively new to the scene, humans wield an outsized influence. Geomorphologists (scientists that study the evolution of land and landforms) have long recognized that humans shape geological change more than any organism that has ever existed. Researchers have understood for some time that human 1 3 2

activities such as construction, mining, agriculture and urbanization have moderate geological impacts. However, in recent years, the pace of human-driven geomorphic change has accelerated rapidly. Increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide have wide ranging effects such as accelerating erosional forces due to intensified precipitation and global sea level rise resulting from the melting of sea ice and deglaciation caused by elevating global temperatures.

Increasingly, global change is happening on a scale, and at a pace, that doesn’t require an abstraction of time to comprehend. It can now be seen by the naked eye. Don’t worry, this isn’t a eulogy for humanity. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. On a geological scale, change is inevitable. In 50 million years, Africa will collide with southern Europe. In 250 million years, California and China will collide. Our globe, as it appears today, is geologically ephemeral. There is no evidence to suggest that humans can alter the course of continents. It has, however, been demonstrated that humans can drive global change in unprecedented ways. It is time to leverage that outsized influence. It is time to strive for a liveable future on our home planet.

The arc of history is slowly bending towards this endeavor. Progressive governmental leaders are driving efforts such as the Paris Agreement and Thirty-by-Thirty, introducing clear goals for this work while establishing a framework for international collaboration. Global thought leaders, such as Kate Raworth who has developed an economic framework identifying nine concrete planetary boundaries that cannot be crossed, are driving critical conversations. It is not enough, however, to await change. Progress must be driven collectively. Individual citizens must make conscious consumer choices about the source and nature of the food they consume, the materials with which they build, the vehicles they drive, the clothing that they wear, and more. Simultaneously, land managers must take cues from scientists and researchers, implementing new, cutting-edge practices that improve the ecological functionality of the land while provisioning for human need.

A closer look at how this happens at MFFC:

1. Solar Array: MFFC Generates power on-site as a core component of the organization’s effort to reduce its carbon footprint

2. Chevy Bolt: The Chevy Bolt pictured here is the most recent addition to the MFFC’s fleet, joining a commercial mower and sideby-side as the third piece of equipment that has been transitioned from fossil fuel to electric. Accompanying the acquisition of the Bolt is a change in strategy for MFFC, in which all staff are expected to run work-related errands in the Bolt (as opposed to personal vehicles). For our land management team the Bolt is being used to run a significant number of errands that were previously accomplished using a half-ton, gas-powered pickup truck.

3. Forestry Work: Sourcing building material on site drastically reduces the carbon footprint versus sourcing from the conventional timber products supply chain. By employing progressive forestry practices intended to accelerate the presence of old forest characteristics, harvesting also has ecological benefits.

4. Orchards: Beyond providing food, perennial horticulture increases ecosystem nutrient retention, carbon sequestration, and water infiltration, and can contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation.

5. Sheep: On the farm, multi species rotational grazing bordered by pollinator habitat provides food and fiber in a managed system that mimics the functionality of wild grassland habitat. This style of grazing management accelerates carbon storage and sequestration while controlling erosion and supporting both the retention and filtration of water.

A New Entrance

By Chris Hubbard, Education Specialist

While thousands of returning visitors visit us each year, we are always excited to hear that someone new has come to discover what we have to offer. But getting here can be a bit tough. We’re in a remote location, with our access road at the top of Rupert Mountain. Newcomers often report driving by and having to turn around, especially in the dark.

That experience, hopefully, will change. Our entrance sign is getting a re-make! Dylan’s excellent timber framing expertise will provide the structure for the sign. There will be a change in its orientation, with the sign to be situated perpendicular to the road, rather than parallel to it, and the sign will be higher off the ground. And, it will be lit in the evenings with programmable solar lights. These changes will help improve the safety conditions at the top of the mountain road, as visitors are looking for the entrance to MFFC. They will help our visitors, especially those who are new or who are arriving in difficult lighting conditions, to find our entrance much more easily. Finally, the timber frame structure will give folks a glimpse of what they might expect as they explore MFFC.

Our new Education Director John Schneble is well into his first year on the job and in a short eight months, he has made quite an impression on the Merck Forest community with his energy and enthusiasm for outdoor learning and place-based values building. We asked him to share what he thinks makes Merck Forest so special.

The Merck Forest and Farmland Center Experience

By John Schneble, Education Director

Merck Forest & Farmland Center offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with nature and the land. Indeed, at the heart of MFFC are the people who connect with it, making it more than just a piece of land—it becomes a community, a shared experience and a source of enduring relationships. With over 3,500 acres of conserved forest and farmland, it serves as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, environmentalists, educators, and families alike.

One of the remarkable aspects of Merck Forest is its ability to foster long-lasting relationships among its visitors. Many of these visitors have been coming here for years; for some it is a first time visit.

Here’s how:

Shared Experiences: Whether it’s hiking through the forest trails, participating in educational programs, or attending community events, visitors often share meaningful experiences during their time at Merck Forest. These shared experiences create bonds and connections among individuals who may have diverse backgrounds and interests but are united by their love for nature.

Sense of Belonging: Merck Forest provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where visitors feel a sense of belonging. The peaceful surroundings and the warm hospitality of staff and volunteers make people feel at home, encouraging them to return and deepen their connection with the land.

Education and Learning: Through its educational programs, workshops, and guided tours, Merck Forest promotes environmental awareness and appreciation for nature. Visitors not only learn about sustainable land management practices but also gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems. These learning experiences often spark conversations and forge connections among participants.

Community Engagement: Merck Forest serves as a hub for community engagement, hosting various events such as festivals, workshops, and volunteer workdays. These gatherings bring together people from different walks of life, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Over time, visitors form friendships and support networks rooted in their shared love for Merck Forest.

Stewardship and Conservation: Many visitors feel a sense of responsibility towards the land and its preservation. Engaging in hands-on conservation activities such as trail maintenance, tree planting, and invasive species removal instills a sense of stewardship among visitors. This shared commitment to conservation creates strong bonds and encourages ongoing involvement with Merck Forest.

Overall, Merck Forest provides a nurturing environment where visitors can connect with nature, each other, and the broader community. Through shared experiences, education, and a shared commitment to conservation, visitors develop meaningful and long-lasting relationships that endure beyond their time spent in the forest.

Maple Open House Recap

By Elena Santos Education Manager

A beautiful bluebird day set the stage for the 2024 Maple Open House, following an abundant snowfall that many remarked on its reminiscence of old-time New England snow storms. Despite a collective last-minute decision to reschedule the Open House from Saturday to Sunday because of the weather, the event had a considerable turnout of approximately 125 people. The sap was boiling, maple candy and maple cream demonstrations drew a lot of interest, wooden toy Sap Houses were the craft du jour!

Willougby’s Depot Street Eatery vended their donuts, savory pastries, and debuted their Maple Monster donut. Many thanks to them and to the Rupert Volunteer Fire Department for managing traffic and parking.

Save The Date Farm Pasture Party

Merck Forest & Farmland Center staff will open our pastures to kick off the 2024 grazing season on Sunday, May 26.

Come watch as we turn out our small flock of Romney sheep, our laying hens and our first group of meat birds.

Stroll up to the farm to share in the excitement as we kick off our 2024 grazing season. Throughout the day, forest and farm staff will move animals from interior, winter housing to summer pastures. Bring a picnic lunch, find a spot and share in the excitement of the day as the sheep take their first bite of fresh green grass, chicken tractors are populated, and the summer field season begins.

MFFC staff will answer your questions as you make your way through your self-guided tour of our farm operations. Rain or shine! No reservations needed.

On Trails, by Robert Moor

A

book review by

Chris Hubbard, Education Specialist

Living in the United States, we travel on hardened pathways. A trip to get groceries, to a doctor’s appointment, or to school sees us traveling on roads that crisscross our towns and cities, counties and states. Super highways link major cities, while back country roads link small villages and hamlets. Arriving at Merck Forest, a visit begins with a hike up to the farm on Old Town Road or on a trail through the woods. As one hikes further out into the property, trails climb to views of the surrounding mountains or to a cabin destination, weaving through the woods as they follow old woods roads. Step off the trail and one can find the whisper of trails left by deer. Peering closely at the forest floor, a chipmunk hole might be glimpsed, an indication of a system of trails underfoot. In the winter you can see ribbons on the snow’s surface, left by scurrying rodents underneath. Trails are all around us, and we encounter them on a daily basis.

To answer the questions he wondered about as he thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, Robert Moor, an environmental journalist, spent seven years traveling the globe in his quest to learn about trails and paths. The result is On Trails: An Exploration. Moor weaves science, history, culture, and philosophy into a narrative that helps us understand our world through the paths animals and we have created. He starts with the ancient fossilized trails of creatures and explores the question of why animals first began to move. From there he leads us on a path as we explore the trail networks of insects, the navigation of four-legged animals over their environments, and the interwoven network of human paths. Finally, he explores the Appalachian Trail and other modern hiking trails, as well as “super trails”, trails over 1,000 miles long, including the IAT, or International Appalachian Trail.

On Trails is a staff selection for $85 Book MFFC memberships. Contact amy@merckforest.org to order yours or gift one today!

If you’ve ever set out on a hiking trail, walked a path through a city park, or driven down an interstate highway, you’ll find Moor’s narrative an interesting read, and you’ll gain new insight into the world in which we all travel.

Old Roots, Green Shoots

By Sue Van Hook, Board President

At this seasonal time of renewal, on behalf of the Merck Board of Trustees, I wish to thank MFFC board members Jim Hand of Dorset, and Mark Lourie of Rupert who have generously given of their time and expertise for the past 9 and 6 years, respectively. This is not goodbye, as both Mark and Jim are frequent visitors on the mountain, and we know where to find them when it comes to renewable energy and farming needs. Many thanks to Merrill Bent, John Stasny and Greg Hopper for renewing their three-year terms on the board. Their combined legal and financial backgrounds with doses of levity, keep us healthy and whole. At our annual meeting March 8th, we also welcomed four new advisory members to join board committees. Renee Flesch Barrett brings her extensive experience in strategic development at a propitious moment for the organization. Renee spent time in her youth at MFFC as an Student Conservation Association (SCA) camper. She currently lives outside

Boston. Diana (Dee) Myrvang of Manchester, VT, works in emergency preparedness for the State Department of Health in Bennington County. She also volunteers as an EMT for Northshire Rescue and was key to managing the covid response the past few years in southern Vermont. Dee brings her experience in fundraising to our advancement committee. Keely Levins Culligan, a native of Rutland, has returned to Vermont to raise their young family. She and her 1 and 3 year old children have been participants in MFFC’s Kits and Cubs program the past year. Keely is excited to help develop more forest programming for pre-K kids. Geoffrey Flynn, a recent retiree as an analyst for the NY State Legislature, loves all things Merck. He jumped at the opportunity to volunteer on the farm and in the forest while serving on the finance committee. Geoff owns a horse farm in Hebron, NY and has hiked or ridden all the trails at MFFC and spent overnights in the cabins.

Timber Framing: How Sweet It Is!

Dylan Durkee, Fleet and Facilities Manager

This winter I had a great opportunity to build a 12x16 Timber Frame cabin. This cabin design came out of the book “Learn To Timber Frame” by Will Beemer. Although I have been Timber Framing for around 7 years now, I have always wanted to build this particular cabin design because of the detail in the frame and how “thought out” this design is. I would highly recommend this book if someone wanted to “learn to timber frame”. Will Beemer has excellent illustrations throughout the book and it is very easy to apply what he is conveying to the reader/ timber framer.

So there are a couple of really cool aspects about this Timber Frame, but first I must tell you about the previous frame that I completed. Last winter, I was able to build a 30 x 54 Timber Frame Shop for the purpose of maintaining equipment, milling lumber and building new timber frames under cover here at MFFC. As you may know, to build a 30x54 structure it takes a good number of trees to complete a project like this. As a Timber framer/ carpenter, I mill my own lumber for the projects I do. To help make this project move along quicker, I chose the biggest and straightest logs to work with. With that being said, there were a number of logs that were very small that I had not yet used.

Now going back to this small cabin (12x16 Sweet Cabin), I was able to use just about all the remaining logs that I had from the previous project to complete this Timber frame; I didn’t have to cut down one tree to use for this cabin - it was all from repurposed logs. What I really like about this cabin is that it is located on line #4 in the sugar bush, which is approximately ¼ to ¹⁄₃ of the way into Merck Forest’s sugar bush. The idea to add a cabin in the sugar bush at this specific location came from Mike Stock. This cabin is very functional and practical for MFFC, as it holds sugaring supplies for repairs as well as materials for replacing sap lines in the off season to be ready for the next season. We also put a woodstove in the cabin. This is great for tapping season - when it is very cold and wet, we now have a place to go to warm up. I really did enjoy building this frame and being able to work with Hadley and Mike Stock and John Schneble and teach others about this wonderful craft of timber framing. Come up to MFFC and I’d love to talk more about this with you.

So many easy ways to enjoy maple syrup! Some staff favorites:

Maple Teriyaki Glaze

From Chef Curtis Hemm from the Carriage House Cooking School, located in Peru, NY.

Chef Hemm is the former Dean of Culinary Arts at the New England Culinary Institute in Burlington. The recipe was heard on North Country Public Radio.

Ingredients:

1 cup tamari sauce

¾ cup seasoned rice vinegar

¾ cup maple syrup

¾ cup saki

1. Combine ingredients in a stainless steel or non-reactive pot and bring to a hard simmer. Do not boil.

2. Cook for several minutes.

3. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

4. Pour sauce into an air-tight container and store for up to 6 months in the refrigerator.

5. Use on….everything! (Meat, fish, veggies, rice, nuts, etc., Enjoy!)

Maple Hoisin Sauce

Ingredients:

hoisin sauce

maple syrup

soy sauce or to taste

minced garlic

sriracha or other chili sauce

1. Combine liquid ingredients in equal amounts and minced garlic (and/or ginger) to taste

2. Use to prepare tofu, to poach chicken, or to baste turkey or pork. Add broth to poach. Use as dip or cook in sauce. Serve over rice. Heaven!

from The Foodie Takes Flight

Kid’s ClassicMaplecinos!

Thanks to Mettowee Mint for sharing this recipe.

Heat milk, add foamed milk and drizzle maple syrup on top!

Good anytime, but especially on chilly mornings!

Adults: add coffee, whiskey, cinnamon, coriander as you see fit!

Maple-Kissed Sweet Potato Muffins

Ingredients:

2 eggs or “flax” eggs

(1 T. flax seed meal and 2.5 T water)

1.5 cups whole wheat pastry flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 pinch sea salt

3⁄4 cup light brown sugar

1 cup sweet potatoes (mashed) or 1 cup yam (mashed)

3⁄4 cup applesauce, unsweetened

1⁄4 cup maple syrup

1. Preheat oven to 350°F

2. Lightly grease muffin pan or spray paper cups with oil-spray to prevent sticking.

3. In a small bowl, prepare eggs or “eggs” and set aside.

4. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon and sugar together in a large bowl.

5. Add sweet potato, applesauce and maple syrup on top.

6. Then add “eggs” and stir until just combined.

7. Gently spoon the mixture into the cups or pan, filling 3/4 of the way.

8. Bake 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. from food.com

This lovely woodblock rendering of sugaring season highlights the timelessness of the maple sugaring tradition beautifully. MFFC’s Farm Manager Hadley Stock is also an accomplished artist and chef. We are lucky to have her in our midst!

Upcoming Events

Kits and Cubs

April - December Wednesdays / Fridays

10:00 am -11:30 am; $5/Person

Preschool/toddler and parent/caregiver meet up group. Themed outdoor nature exploration, songs, story tiem and take-home-craft or project. We hope to see you up on the mountain!

Maple Meet Ups

April 4, 6, 11, 13

Thursdays (2:30-4:00); Saturdays (1:00-2:30); $10/Person

Join us for a 1.5 hour sugaring tour. You’ll get a chance to see and experience our maple sugaring operations - from the trees in the sugarbush to the evaporator - where we draw off the finished syrup. Meet at the Visitor Center with warm and waterproof layers and footwear 15 minutes before the tour begins.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

April 8, Monday 1:00-4:00 pm

Free/Donations welcome

Join us at the Sap House for a viewing party of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. Viewing glasses are available to the first 50 people who attend.

Spring Break Camp

April 15-19, Monday - Friday

9:00am-3:00pm; $275 for the week, $55 day rates available

It’s April and the farm is waking up just in time for Spring Break! Join us for a week of camp for 3rd-5th graders, as we meet new lambs and goats and hatching chicks, play games, help get the farm ready for spring, learn about the sugaring season and explore and experience Merck Forest during this special time of year. Registration deadline is April 10.

Full Moon Hikes

6:30 pm - 8pm; $10

Join us for a guided moonlit hike around forest and farmland with our education team. We will be on the lookout for all the wildlife that emerges at moonshine! If you have only ever visited us during the day, now’s your chance to see what Merck Forest offers up at night!

April 23: Pink Moon; May 23: Flower Moon; June 21: Strawberry Moon

Please reserve your spot in one of our workshops by registering online at merckforest.org/shop/ Most of the listed activities have an outdoor component –all members of your party should be dressed appropriately for conditions, including water, snacks, sturdy footgear. Due to the low cost of our programs, refunds are not available unless an event is canceled by MFFC. Pre-registration is required for all events at merckforest.org/shop. All events meet at the Visitor Center.

SOLO (Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities)

May 4th & 5th, Saturday and Sunday

8:30am-4:30pm; $200, CPR component for an additional $45.

Join our Wilderness First Aid course at MFFC. This 2 day course, taught by Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities ( SOLO) covers emergency backcountry skills, Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Meregencies, Survival skills, soft tissue injuries and Medcial Emergencies, with the option of CPR for an additional fee and hours. Minimum age 16.

Game of Logging

Women’s Basic Chainsaw May 4, Saturday, 8:00am - 4:00pm. $250

Co-Ed Basic Chainsaw May 5, Sunday, 8:00am - 4:00pm. $250

GOL Level 1 & 2 May 11 & 12, Saturday (GOL 1), Sunday (GOL 2), 8:00-4:00. $500 for both courses

GOL Level 3 June 1, Saturday, 8:00-4:00. $250

GOL Level 4 June 2, Sunday, 8:00-4:00. $250

Game of Logging is widely acknowledged as the premier chainsaw safety and productivity training program in the country, offering hands-on chainsaw safety training in a competitive environment. Instructors combine demonstration with participation to teach chainsaw safety, productivity, conservation and cutting techniques. Full course details at merckforest.org

Vermont’s Natural World in a Changing Climate

May 14, Tuesday, 5:30-7:00 pm

This event will be hosted at the Manchester Public Library

$22/person, Registration required through GMALL

Vermont, like the rest of the planet, is facing the dual crises of climate change and the rapid loss of biodiversity. What are some of the changes to plants and animals that we’re seeing in nature as a result of climate change? How can we harness the power of nature to both combat climate change and adapt to its effects? Come hear photographer/wildlife biologist Tom Rogers discuss what can be done to protect nature, both at a statewide level and in our own backyards. Tom is an Associate Director of Philanthropy at The Nature Conservancy in Vermont.

Upcoming Events

Meet the Lambs

May 18, Saturday

11:00am - 3:00pm; Suggested Donation $5

Spring is bursting from all corners of Merck Forest, from the farm to the fields to the forest. Come join us for this springtime Open House as we welcome new lambs, goats chicks, piglets, green growing things and more. We’ll have activities and exploration for the whole family, and food available as well.

Farm Pasture Party

May 26, Sunday all day; Free, no RSVPs needed

Stroll up to the farm to share in the excitement as we kick off our 2024 grazing season. MFFC staff will be on site to explain this process and answer questions. This is a self-guided opportunity to experience our farm operations, rain or shine, no RSVPS needed.

Photographing Spring at Merck Forest

June 1, Saturday, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Celebrate summer at MFFC with photographer Thom Williams. Explore Merck’s barns, pastures, wetlands, woodlands and vistas during this one-day photography workshop. A walk-and-talk structure makes the workshop equally appropriate for advanced and beginner photographers, for users of SLR and cell phone cameras. Thom will offer individualized guidance to support each student’s interests.

Registration through SVAC, SVAC Member: $105; Non-member: $130 Ages 16+

Meet & Feed

Thursdays starting June 29th, 2:00-3:30 through August

Saturdays starting May 25th, 1:00-2:30 through August

Join Merck Forest staff as they go about afternoon wellness checks on the farm animals. Get to know our sheep, goats, horses, chickens, turkeys, rabbits and pigs during our daily routine. Limited to 12 people.

$10/person/Children under 5 are free, pre-registration required

Please reserve your spot in one of our workshops by registering online at merckforest.org/shop/ Most of the listed activities have an outdoor component –all members of your party should be dressed appropriately for conditions, including water, snacks, sturdy footgear. Due to the low cost of our programs, refunds are not available unless an event is canceled by MFFC. Pre-registration is required for all events at merckforest.org/shop. All events meet at the Visitor Center.

Summer Camp 2024

These weeklong camps will include exploration and experiences for campers learn about MFFC’s landscape through exciting activities, excursions, and projects. Whether it’s flying kites, going on hikes, building terrariums, learning outdoor skills, spending time helping around the farm and foraging in the woods and pastures, we’ll be immersed in the land and play, discover and create together.

While our camps for grades 1-3 are full, we still have room for 4th & 5th graders and in our Trail Crew camp for 6-8th graders. Camps are Monday - Friday from 9am - 3pm. Each camp is $275.

Each week have a distinct theme and schedule. Multiple weeks encouraged! MFFC Camps foster love and respect for our natural world.

June 24-28, M-F, 9:00-3:00 Trail Crew Camp (6th-8th)

July 15-19, M-F, 9:00-3:00

Field and Forest Camp (4th-5th)

July 22-26, M-F, 9:00-3:00 Field and Forest Camp (4th-5th)

July 29th-Aug. 2, M-F, 9:00-3:00

August 5-9, M-F, 9:00-3:00

Field and Forest Camp (4th-5th)

Field and Forest Camp (4th-5th)

Summer Exlore-A Thon - Save the Date!

July 13, Saturday, 11:00am - 3:00pm

For families and friends of all ages! We’ll spend the day celebrating different ways to explore and experience the outdoors. Come and join us as we use art, movement, outdoor skill building, observation and science, and more to enjoy the outdoor landscape. Food available. Suggested Donation $5

What are CSAs and Why do they Matter?

by Liz Ruffa, Advancement Director

Thanks to Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) for sharing this content about community supported agriculture programs. NOFA-VT has been nourishing people, land & justice through organic agriculture since 1971. www.nofavt.org

What is a CSA? CSA—short for Community Supported Agriculture—is a sales model that connects people directly with farmers. CSA was created in response to a globalized food economy to provide consumers with the ability to secure local food and develop relationships with the people and places that produce that food.

When you sign up for a CSA membership at a farm, you pay in advance for a share of the farm’s upcoming harvest. CSA members will receive a regular (often weekly) box of farm-fresh food all season long. In addition to having a steady supply of in-season produce, you directly support local farmers and typically spend less money than when buying produce from a store.

The Benefits of CSA CSA members take pleasure in knowing where and how their food is grown and typically have an open line of communication with their farmer. CSAs invite members to join a farm community - to learn and share in the experiences of growing, eating, and celebrating delicious farm-fresh food. The prepaid CSA arrangements are also a source of financial security for farmers and often result in lower prices for the consumer. With the cost of a CSA share, members help pay for seeds, equipment maintenance and labor, while also helping to disperse the financial risks of crop failures. Subscribing to a CSA is a form of investment that allows farms to grow and become economically stable.

CSA is a unique model of accessing local farm products that:

• provides access to fresh, nutritious, and diverse farm products

• connects diverse community members to the farmer, land, and food they eat

• supports the agricultural costs incurred by farmers through up-front member investment in the upcoming harvest

• provides fair market value to farmers through direct sales

• helps individuals and families spend their food dollars locally

Typical CSA Membership Experience Every farm is different! In Vermont, most CSA shares are available during the summer months when Vermont weather is best suited for fruit and vegetable production. However, there has been an increase in the options available during other seasons (stick season, deep winter). Moreover, while the majority of CSA shares provide fruits and vegetables, some farms now offer other regional farm products like local eggs, cheeses, breads, and meats. CSA shares come in a variety of sizes and prices, and with a variety of pick-up options.

Options to consider when looking for a CSA program:

Share Size: Many farms offer small, medium and large shares for different sized households.

Share Season: Most CSA shares occur in the summer months; however, more ‘off-season’ shares that offer farm-fresh foods throughout the fall, winter and early spring are popping up around the state.

Share Products: Farm-fresh fruits and vegetables are the most typical products you will find in a CSA share; however, more programs are offering other local add-on foods including meats, eggs, cheese, and fresh baked and preserved goods.

Delivery vs. Pick-Up: Some CSA farms deliver their shares to pick-up sites in a number of towns; some will even deliver to your house! Other CSA farms ask members to come to the farm to pick-up their shares, which may include some pickyour-own products like fresh herbs, flowers, berries, etc. Furthermore, some programs provide CSA members with a farm debit card that can be used at the farm stand or farmers’ market booth.

Share Cost & Payment: Share costs range from $100-$800 depending on the share size and product offerings. Limited-income households may be able to receive assistance with the cost through the NOFA-VT Farm Share Program. Some farms accept SNAP/3SquaresVT benefits and/or allow payment plans.

Many area farms have CSA programs - explore the options in your community. CSA is a national model so if you don’t live in Vermont, there will most likely be options in your region. NOFA-VT’s interactive directory can help you find a CSA near you! Choose “CSA” from the list of features, and sort for other factors like location, season, products, payment options, and organic certification.

MFFC has produced local farm and value-added food product maps that are available to help you find the products and produce that you are interested in. Look for them in MFFC’s Visitor Center, at local farmstands, independent food markets and at nonprofit organizations in the area. Whenever possible, buy local!

Have you signed up for a CSA yet?

Use NOFA-VT’s searchable database to find a CSA program that works for you! Select CSA from Features in the database search bar.

MFFC also has regional maps of farms and or value -added food products available online, at the Visitor Center and at stores and farm stands in the Northshire.

Enjoy your local food journey!

Time spent outside and connecting people with the land has immense value.

The trails, cabins, four-season recreational opportunities, areas for quiet contemplation in nature and vast open vistas at Merck Forest all enhance our organization’s aim to encourage visitors of all ages to explore what the outside world has to offer.

Pre-K-12, undergraduate and graduate students use our landscape and resources as an outdoor learning campus throughout the year. MFFC provides ecology and sustainable land management education and service learning opportunities along with climate-smart farm and forest management demonstrations. Workshops, trainings and a variety of public events give nature enthusiasts of all ages a first hand opportunity to experience our work.

At Merck Forest & Farmland Center, we value:

• Recreation and time spent outside

• Place-based experiential education

• Service and hands-on learning

• Forest and agricultural literacy

• Climate smart land management practices

• Open community gathering spaces

• A safe, secure base of operations

Merck Forest & Farmland Center believes in connecting people through place, shared learning & community.

Calling All Volunteers!

There are a number of projects underway this spring and summer that could use a few extra hands! If you’d like to volunteer at Merck Forest, please contact learn@merckforest.org.

Joe Carosella of Scotia, NY sent us this wonderful poem, written during a recent cabin stay. Joe’s poem “Birch Balm” was also published in the 2019 Spring Ridgeline.

Star-Struck by Joe Carosella

The stars at Merck, on Viewpoint Hill, came out. We climbed to see that thrill. A thousand lights against the black. The starry carpet has a knack: It shows you just how small you are. The beams that reach us from those stars stretch out forever, so it seems, from distances beyond our dreams. We lay on benches with our gaze directed skyward, all amazed, and rapt, and pondering mysteries brought up by star-struck nights like these.

New projects in the works

Dylan, Hadley, Mike, John and Rob have been collaborating on the design/build of a New Animal Barn, pulling together all of the pieces that go into constructing a new multipurpose farm structure. The team looks forward to expanding a shared animal facility that will also enhance the learning potential and farm experience for visitors.

Work continues on the Entrance Kiosk panels and design work is starting on a new Welcome Kiosk near the Visitor Center. The new kiosk panels will complement and add to the existing Entrance panels, and the Welcome Kiosk will give our visitors real-time, property wide information to help plan their visit and/or stay. This work is being led by Chris Hubbard.

Merck Forest comunity gardens expand!

The MFFC team will be growing more produce this summer with interns, campers and anyone else who’d like to help out! In addition to the raised beds outside of the Harwood Barn and the old Harwood Farm house site, a new Children’s Garden will be installed at the Caretaker’s Cabin for tending and enjoyment by the Kits and Cubs and Summer Camp crews. Hadley is also planning to establish a market garden space up on the farm. We welcome help from members and volunteers!