In the Visitor Center

by Stephanie Breed, VC Coordinator and Amy PimCapman, Advancement Coordinator

• Booking cabins into 2024.

• Shipping syrup nationwide.

• Welcoming new members and donors.

• Fireside chats with folks perusing the store.

• Keeping VC collateral helpful for hikers and visitors.

• Helping visitors explore the wonder of Merck Forest!

Mike Stock Joins Land Management Team

Mike joins MFFC’s team with extensive experience in tree care, regenerative farming, animal husbandry and butchering and facility operations. He loves everything outdoors. If you see Mike out and about, please say hellohe’s always happy to answer questions and share what he’s up to!

Administrative Updates

by Marybeth Leu, Business & Systems Manager; Liz Ruffa, Advancement Director; and Rob Terry, Executive Director

• Producing Q1 collateral: 2023 Winter Ridgeline and 2022 Annual Report.

• Retooling membership program to improve member services and messaging.

• Beginning to access merckforest.org to improve efficiencies and ease of use.

• Organizing regional farmer forums and consumer focus groups to explore next steps for Southern Vermont’s food system.

• Onboarding a new coordinator to expand advancement systems and opportunities.

• Program design with Long Trail School, Maple Street School, Southern Vermont Arts Center.

• Prepping for the field season with the land management team.

• Planning and coordinating annual plan for staff (role and PD review, handbook and policy review, mission/vision/strategic plan review, master planning update, goal setting).

Up on the Farm and in the Forest

by Dylan Durkee, Fleet & Facilities; Hadley Stock, Farm Manager; and Mike Stock, Resource Management Coordinator

• Getting farm nutrient management plan underway, starting with bale grazing the sheepdog trial field.

• Prepping for annual sugaring season in MFFC’s 3,000 tap sugarbush - clearing lines, fixing tubing, cutting firewood and constantly checking the system once the season is underway.

• Planning a summer farm to table supper series with the Advancement Office.

• Constructing a new timber shop that will house equipment and provide a space for timber framing.

• Finishing up an apple tree release (cutting trees and brush to open them up to more full sunlight).

• Winter pruning of blueberry patch and apple trees - volunteers welcome!

• Checking and clearing the trail system as necessary, especially given winter storms and wind.

Game of Logging Certification Courses

Game of Logging classes must be taken in sequential order. Levels 1 & 2 are bundled together.

Women’s Basic Chainsaw Use and Safety, Saturday, May 6, 8a - 4p, $220. An introductory course for those with little to no experience with chainsaws.

Co-ed Basic Chainsaw Use and Safety, Sunday, May 7, 8a - 4p, $220. An introductory course for those with little to no experience with chainsaws.

Women’s Game of Logging Level 1 & 2, Saturday & Sunday, May 13 & 14, 8a - 4p, $440. Precision felling techniques and maximizing saw performance.

Co-ed Game of Logging Level 1 & 2, Saturday & Sunday, May 20 & 21, 8a - 4p, $440. Precision felling techniques and maximizing saw performance. (Class is currently full.)

Game of Logging Level 3, Saturday, June 6, 8a - 4p, $220. Limbing, bucking, and difficult trees.

Game of Logging Level 4, Sunday, June 7, 8a - 4p, $220. Storm Damage Clean-up Full details on website! merckforest.org

Annual Goals for 2023

Launch new educational partnerships.

Develop more interpretive resources for day and overnight visitors.

Begin design the “Big Trail” project at the Mettawee Community School.

Create on-site signage that is engaging and resonates with visitors.

Secure the resources to allow SCA’s Community Crew (NYC) to return for a second summer residency.

Watch the re-envisioned, redesigned farm come to life.

Cut close to 500 fence posts for new pasture fencing.

Offer engaging field learning opportunities and experiences to visitors and groups.

Developing new systems for environmentally friendly, tree safe sugaring practices.

Work on forestry projects and maintain the road so mud season is manageable for staff and visitors. Learn the mountain better.

Finish timber shop and start the next timber frame build (new animal barn).

Systematize and document programmatic processes.

Increase awareness and participation in programs, workshops, hikes and volunteerism.

Start to plan 75th Anniversary celebration of MFFC in 2025.

Work on projects that meld different MFFC teams’ talents and objectives together.

Develop fundraising efforts to upgrade and improve site facilities.