Events and Programs for Children, Adults and Families

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your program. Preregistration is required for all programs. To sign up for events and workshops, go to merckforest.org/events/ or call 802-394-7836.

MFFC requests that if visitors and event attendees are not fully vaccinated for Covid-19, they wear masks and stay socially distanced from others.

Merck Forest Bioblitz 2021

July 24 - July 25, Dawn to Dusk

Join fellow naturalists of all experience levels at Merck Forest & Farmland Center for two days of exploration of everything natural across any of 3167 acres of forests, fields, and waters. From experts to novices, all curious minds are welcome. The goal of this BioBlitz is to document as much natural life as possible on Merck Forest property over the weekend — this year we hope to break the 1000 species mark for the Merck Forest property! Participation is as easy as taking a photo and recording date, time, and location, and uploading to iNaturalist.org via the app or web. This will be fun, easy, safe, and may be done at your own pace. To participate, please first log into the iNaturalist website and visit the Merck Forest BioBlitz 2021 Project page and click ‘join’.

THURSDAY MEET & FEED

Thursday afternoons until August 12, 2pm to 4pm

On Thursday afternoons, under the bright blue sky of Vermont, you and your children can take part in an ages-old tradition: daily chores on our hillside farm. Our farm staff will lead your family around the farm as you feed the chickens and collect eggs from the nest boxes, and feed & water the sheep, horses and pigs. You might weed the children’s garden, or pick berries. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Fee: $5 per person.

VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY

July 31, August 28, September 25, October 30, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

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! Free.

SECOND SATURDAY HIKE

August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13, December 11, 2pm to 4pm

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, snacks and bug spray. Fee: $5 per person.

SUNDAY MEET & FEED

Sunday afternoons until October 10, 3pm to 4:30pm

Join Merck staff on Sunday afternoons as they go about afternoon chores feeding our animals. Get to know our sheep, horses, chickens, and pigs during our daily routine. Fee: $5 per person.

MUSHROOM HUNT FOR CHILDREN

August 28 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am

A walk and search for families with kids. Families should bring baskets to gather mushrooms in. Fee: $10 per person.

MUSHROOM ID WORKSHOP (TEENS/ADULTS)

August 28, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

An adult workshop on mushroom identification. Mycologist Sue VanHook will bring mushrooms in to be identified, but participants are invited to forage and bring in their own samples as well. Fee: $10 per person.