Merck Forest and Farmland Center

At Merck Forest & Farmland Center, we’re fortunate to have big tooth aspen, eastern cottonwood, poplar, and trembling aspen. ?? Why do aspens "tremble"? Their leaves have a unique flattened petiole (the stalk that attaches the leaf to the stem), causing them to quiver in even the slightest breeze. This movement increases sunlight exposure for lower leaves and improves photosynthesis—nature's efficiency at its finest! Aspens are not only beautiful but also resilient. They grow quickly, are often pioneers in disturbed landscapes, and provide valuable habitats for wildlife. These trees on our landscape are the last burst of color of a the fading season. #VermontForests #AutumnColors #AspenFacts #MerckForest

???? Congratulations to Field Educator, AJ, for achieving Certified Wildlife Tracker and Sign Interpreter certification! His accomplishment enhances the immersive experiences he brings to Merck Forest & Farmland Center, helping visitors connect more deeply with the incredible wildlife around us. AJ’s expertise and passion make each hike an adventure, turning moments into memories as they reveal the hidden stories in every track, trail, and sign. We’re thrilled to have AJ's dedication guiding our community in wildlife education and stewardship. #MerckForest #WildlifeTracking #EnvironmentalEducation #OutdoorLearning #CertifiedTracker

Our land management practices are based on a collaborative framework that is intended to increase biodiversity and support a healthy ecosystem for the collective benefit of all species that coexist on this land we love. Recently partners in the Northern Bird Habitat Conservation came to MFFC to share this work and inspire other land managers, ecologists and conservationists.

Traditions like these at Merck Forest & Farmland Center lead to lifelong memories.

Planning a trip to Vermont to see fall foliage? ?? Visit us! ?? Merck Forest & Farmland has 3500 acres of magnificent forest that will soon be ablaze with color. Vermont is a biodiversity hotspot and home to over 50 species of native trees, including sugar maples, red maples, birches, oaks, and more. The diversity of species is what creates such a spectacular variety of colors in the fall, from deep reds to golden yellows and everything in between. We make it our mission to inspire curiosity, love, and responsibility for natural and working lands. Coordinate your leaf peeping with a hike on our 35 miles of trails, stay in one of our back country cabins, join a workshop, or have a picnic under a 200 year old sugar maple. #Vermont #FallFoliage #LeafPeeping #NatureLovers #MerckForest

?? Calling All Educators! ?? Are you looking for a way to bring learning to life for your students? Imagine a field trip where the classroom is an expansive, beautiful outdoor landscape, and students get hands-on experience with nature. We’re scheduling school field trips and group programs now at Merck Forest & Farmland Center. Our programs offer unique, interactive experiences tailored to all ages—from Pre-K through high school and beyond. Whether your students are exploring the journey of maple syrup from tree to table, learning about sustainable forestry, or discovering the vital role of pollinators, they’ll engage in learning that sticks. A few of our offerings:? ?? Sap to Syrup: Explore maple syrup production from the trees in our sugarbush to the sap house, to the bottle on your table. ?? Farm Connections: Discover the importance of farms and learn about land management on our 62-acre farm. ?? Watersheds: Follow the path of water through the ecosystem, and explore the habitats it creates along the way (ponds, streams, and more). ?? Tree to Timber: Understand the role of trees in our ecosystem and the sustainable use of timber. ?? Pollinators: Investigate the life cycles of Monarch butterflies and the critical role pollinators play in our food systems. Why Choose Merck Forest? Our 3,500-acre landscape is not just a place to visit—it’s a living classroom where students connect with nature and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. Plus, we offer flexibility with scheduling to meet your needs. ?? Book Now: We welcome you to join us for our Fall 2024 programs and give your students an unforgettable outdoor learning experience. ?? List of programs here: https://lnkd.in/gUZP4QNG For more details, contact us at [email protected] or 802-394-2578. #OutdoorEducation #FieldTrips #LearningInNature #MerckForestAdventures #EcoEducation #TeacherResources #EnvironmentalEducation

Join us in welcoming AJ as our newest Field Educator! AJ is a resident of Bennington and has already contributed to the fun and learning at Merck Forest with our Kits & Cubs, Meet and feed, and Explore-a-thon festival. AJ plans to run his own outdoor education business someday and we are so glad to have him learn and grow with us now!

?? Celebrating a Year of Leadership! ?? Today, we celebrate the one year anniversary of John Schneble as our Director of Education. John is a beacon of kindness, and leadership, infusing our workplace with positivity as he inspires everyone around him. Leadership is about caring about others as well as caring about work product - And John's kindness and genuine care for colleagues, students, campers and visitors to Merck Forest create an environment where we all feel valued and motivated to give our best. His vision and commitment foster a sense of community and belonging that permeates every aspect of our organization. Thank you, John, for your many contributions in such a short time! And, for leading with humor and grace. Here’s to many more years of success and positive impact! ???? #Leadership #Anniversary #Education #NonProfit #TeamCulture #Dedication #Inspiration

Join us in welcoming our new Farm Assistant Keenan! Keenan is a recent graduate of University of Vermont where he majored in environmental science, with a concentration in conservation biology and biodiversity, and a minor in nutrition and food sciences. Keenan is already supporting farm and forest operations and we are so glad to have him!

Humans can drive global change in profound ways. Initiatives like the Paris Agreement and Thirty-by-Thirty offer clear goals for environmental stewardship, while frameworks like Kate Raworth’s Donut Economy identify planetary boundaries crucial to our survival, sparking vital conversations. Progress also demands collective action. Individuals must make mindful choices about consumption, transportation, and more. Land managers must adopt innovative practices that balance human needs with ecological health. At MF&FC, we're not just reducing our carbon footprint; we're bolstering ecosystem resilience. Discover how, in Rob Terry's Ridgeline essay here: https://lnkd.in/exCM8XHv #Sustainability #EnvironmentalStewardship