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Upcoming Community Activities and Events Winter Sleigh Rides Return Tis’ the season for sweaters, carols, mugs of hot cider, and... one (and two) horse open sleighs! The Merck Forest sleighs will run this winter, starting just before Christmas, on December 20, 2014. With ample snow and great views, a sleigh ride is a wonderful way to see Merck’s farm and forest. We have two options for you to choose from: Sweetheart Sleigh The Sweetheart Sleigh seats two adults, and costs $150.00 for a forty-five minute tour. This sleigh travels through the forest and around the farm—on a clear day, you’ll be afforded wonderful views. Group Sleigh The Group Sleigh is available for groups as large as twelve people. There is a flat fee of $185.00 to reserve the sleigh. Tours last for approximately forty-five minutes and travel wooded paths and across the open pastures on the farm. If you plan on reserving a sleigh ride, call ahead. Also, it’s always best to come dressed for the cold! Wool blankets are provided for extra warmth, and hot drinks and a cozy fire are available in the Visitor Center at the end of the ride. For more information on the sleigh rides and how to reserve your sleigh, please call the Visitor Center at 802.394.7836.
Intro to Light-Weight Winter Backpacking Course Merck Forest and Farmland Center will host winter backpacking pros, Tim Jones and David Shedd of Easternslopes.com, as they offer an Intro to Lightweight Winter Backpacking course January 24 and 25, 2015 (note: this course was supposed to run in December, but was postponed). Shedd and Jones will show participants the lightweight gear, clothing, and accessories (even packable woodstoves that run on dead twigs and branches!) for safe, easy, comfortable winter camping. They’ll teach you step-by-step how to stay warm, dry, and comfortable, even in unexpected weather. Participants are welcomed and encouraged to spend the night at Merck Forest as part of the guided course. For more information, cost, syllabus, and packing list please email melissa@merckforest.org. Interested parties should reserve their place no later than January 14, 2015.
Volunteers Needed Maple Celebration and Pancake Breakfast March 28 & 29, 2014
10 am - 2 pm, Sat. & Sun. Volunteers are always needed to help make this big annual event a success. You can help set-up, take-down, make pancakes, sausage and eggs, collect admission, and more. Please, call the Visitor Center if you would like to sign up. 802.394.7836 Volunteers eat for free!