The Maple Celebration and Pancake Breakfast has been a part of Merck Forest for just under a decade now. This year it returns at the end of winter with all of its usual sweet appeal, and welcoming family-friendly fun.

Annual visitors to the breakfast know they can expect a delicious spread of pancakes, eggs, Merck’s sizzling pork breakfast sausage, hot coffee, juice, and, of course, Merck Forest’s house-made Vermont-certified organic maple syrup. The celebration boasts other happenings as well. A variety of children’s activities will be held: story time

Tickets sold at door: $10/adult, $5/ages 4 - 12, under age 4 FREE

at the farm, hay bale obstacle course in the barn, a tree tapping demonstration, and if the weather permits, we will be boiling in the sap house. There may even be newborn lambs in the barn! Wagon or sleigh rides will convey visitors from the parking lot to the sap house.

Our staff looks forward to hosting another great event this year. We hope to see you there, and, please call 802.394.7836 or email info@merckforest.org if you have questions, or would like to volunteer.

“Teaching, demonstrating & sustaining a working landscape”a publication of the Merck Forest and Farmland Center

3270 Route 315, PO Box 86, Rupert, Vermont 05768

Spring 2014ridge lineMaple Celebration & Pancake Breakfast

Farm Staff Presents at NOFA-VT

About Us & Membership

Spring Calendar

Ephemerals Hikes

2014 Donors

2014 Apprenticeship Underway

2014 Donors

Keeping in Touch, Letter from a Former Intern

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www.merckforest.org

p. 802.394.7836

In This Issue

Volunteers are always needed for this event:

- Collect admission- Help flip flapjacks

- Cook eggs and sausage- Clear tables

- Direct vehicles

If you are interested in volunteering for this event,

please contact Amy at info@merckforest.org or

call 802.394.7836.

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Maple Celebration and Pancake Breakfast

March 22 and 23, 2014, 10 am - 2 pm

Hello and Farewell, A Note From the Director

Will Bunten of Hardwick, VT will be joining our staff in May as the Forest Operations Manager. He has an extensive background in managing larger sugarbushes, training seasonal employees to work in maple groves, and for the U.S. Forest Service in Alaska. Will and his wife Kathy are both University of Vermont graduates and will live in Rupert with their two young daughters.

By Tom Ward, Executive Director

Sarah Ullman departed from Merck at the end of January and will be missed for her positive presence, development of our educational program offerings, and her leadership in creating the apprenticeship program.We wish the best going forward to this very talented educator.

Hello and Farewell

In Remembrance of Victoria McInerney, Trustee

Mae and June at Farm

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Viewing Spring Ephemerals

e phem e ral: transitory or fading

quickly; lasting a short time.

When the trees are still barren of leaves, but the air and ground have started to warm, spring’s ephemeral plants begin to grow. Bloodroot, trout lily, trillium, blue cohosh, violets, Dutchmen’s breeches, spring beauties, and more are the first to awaken, growing up from their blanket of last autumn’s leaves. Merck Forest is home to many of these lovely flowers, but only for a

By Melissa Carll, Communications Coordinator

The Wildlife Trail covers some of the lowest lying topography on the property, along several streams. This loop is great for flowers, and close to the main parking area.

The stretch along East Hollow Road (easily accessed from the South Gate) follows the brook, and many ephemerals are located between the trail and the water.

The Silviculture Trail, a relatively flat path, is another good place for early spring flowers, just keep an eye out for the sap lines!

For a longer loop, follow Old Town Road to Lodge and connect with Kouwenhoven Road. Look for ephemerals as you go, and then loop back to Old Town Road.

The loop from the farm to Stone Lot provides a variety of different habitats. Around the shelter definitely keep your eyes peeled from some great spring plants.

Beebe Pond Trail, though at a higher elevation, follows a stream down to both Beebe Pond and Rasey Pond. Not only are these good areas for ephemerals, listen for spring peepers too!

short time! The end of April into May, you may spot a variety of spring ephemerals. Here is a list of good routes to explore on your quest to see these vernal plants.

A Weekend Away: Farm Staff Visits NOFA Vermont

The long winter allows the Vermont farmer to take time to plan for the next growing season, and to fill their mind with new knowledge full of inspiration and innovation. Merck sent four staff members to the Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) Winter Conference for just such a purpose. The apprentices, Rose, Sarah and Tyler attended NOFA’s courses on pest identification, pasture health, farm planning, and many other workshops. It was a weekend event, and they lodged with the residents at Shelburne Farms, allowing for them to connect with peers in their field and see another educational farm.

By Colene Reed, Assistant Farm Manager

Map illustrated by Melissa Carll

On Saturday, Colene, the assistant farm manager, presented a workshop called “Everything You Need to Know About Pastured Meat Rabbits”. Her presentation covered topics such as breeding schedules, pasture pen construction, and backyard processing.

The workshop was well attended, and it was noted that Colene’s “enthusiasm for rabbits is contagious.”

A mother rabbit, Sugar Snap, and her four kits were present for hands-on interaction during Colene’s presentation. These rabbit also made an appearance at the Children’s Conference on Sunday morning. Colene presented “Good Morning Rabbits” to start off Sunday, and the apprentices led a fun animal tracking activity with the children.

Get ready to see more and more pastured rabbits feeding families happy and healthy meat!

Colene raises her rabbits at Merck Forest. Last summer they moved around the meadow in front of the Caretaker’s Cabin, grazing on fresh grass. Until it warms up this spring, the rabbits will continue to live with the chickens in the coop.

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Meet Sarah, Rose, and Tyler

Sarah is spending 2014 apprenticing at Merck Forest; she is continuing an agricultural education that she began in her home state of Georgia several years ago. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 2013 having studied horticulture, sustainable agriculture, and English. Throughout her time at UGA, she also worked at

2014 Apprenticeship Underway

What Will the Apprentices Learn This Year?

During their yearlong apprenticeship, MFFC’s apprentices learn by experiencing the concepts and practices of sustainable land management, while also having a hand in MFFC’s day-to-day operations and educational programs.

Sarah Jackson

Rose arrived here at MFFC fresh from her first season of full-time farming as an apprentice at an organic vegetable CSA in Stanfordville, NY. She grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, and after some traveling and an adventure or two, attended college in Montreal. During her time in the Great White North, she studied anthropology, worked with on-campus food system projects, deepened her appreciation

Rose Karabush

Tyler spent the first 23 years of his life on the California coastline. His connection to the natural world was forged at an early age while helping out in his family’s garden and going on regular trips to the Sierra Nevadas. In the mountains he spent many summer days digging, climbing, and exploring the wonders of the landscape.

Tyler Pitts

Areas of Learning• Farm planning and production

• Forest management and trail maintenance

• Maple sugaring

By Sarah Ullman, Education Director

botanical gardens in Ontario, organic farms in Ireland and Georgia (the state), and a folk arts school garden in North Carolina (where she gained interest in woodturning and banjo pickin’).

Southern-grown Sarah is exploring northward to learn more about sustainable land management at Merck, as well as to get familiar with animal husbandry. She hopes to integrate it into her own prospective farm plan and complete the essential animal-plant-food-community cycle of comprehensive agriculture.

for maple syrup, and ran off to woods or farms whenever possible.

Thanks to an epiphany--and the embarrassing number of YouTube permaculture documentaries that triggered it--Rose decided to become a farmer, and her experience as a farm apprentice in the Hudson Valley last year sealed the deal. She’s particularly looking forward to working with Merck’s diverse animal residents, spending quality time in the woods, and learning more about farm-based education.

In 2010, Tyler obtained a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, emphasizing in agroecology and sustainable agriculture. While in school he taught an organic gardening class, managed an on-campus student garden, and worked on food policy at both the campus and state levels.

Tyler moved to New England in early 2012. He spent two years working with the Student Conservation Association in New Hampshire, teaching environmental science in elementary schools, leading outdoor programming with teens, and building trails across the state. He’s extremely interested in the integrated farm and forest systems found at Merck, and he is very excited to share these techniques with the public. When he’s off the clock, you’re likely to find Tyler running the Merck trails, practicing yoga, strumming his guitar, or wrestling with a crossword puzzle.

• Theories and practices of place- based education• Leading school and volunteer groups

• Involvement with community events, workshops, and outreach

• Networking opportunities and field trips to other farm and forest-based organizations in the region.

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Susan & Louis Raveson AbrahamKathleen AchorJoanne AgopovichThe Allen Family Charitable FundRobert AlexanderWendy Anthony & H. BearDavid G. AshtonLee & Sunny AllenKeld & Mary AlstrupWilliam, Jennifer & Sarah AmatrutoChip AmsDeb Anderson, Salem Central SchoolMs. Katherine B. ArthaudThe Aspen at Manchester

Nate Baker & Ann GregoryLaura Baldwin & JC SawyerFrederick W. BaumFlorence BaradPhilip BedardPhilip & Janie BellRobert L. Bergman, Sr.Darla J. BelevichAlan & Leslie BellerFiona Bennie, Chris Underwood & Alistair Bennie-UnderwoodBennington Early Childhood CenterRalph & Dale BerghelloMolly Beverage & Paul ElsholzPhyllis BinkleyAlan Binnick, M. DJared BirminghamRobert & Elisa BildnerAxel & Donna Blomberg • Axel & Donna BlombergMr. & Mrs. Robert V. BodeJudy P. BoehlertPaul M. Borghard & Karen WeinbergJohn & Leslie BoseBruce & Shirley BoselliDiane & John BossungTimothy BouchardGreg BownRussell BradleyHarry BrettAmy & Paul BremelJoe & Caren Lee BrenmanSally & Tim BrownDonald & Gail BrodieLeslie Brodie & Janet HurleyMichelle BrowerSteve BrownCharles F. BrummittWarren T. & Betty Brundige •Carl R. BucholtArlette BucknallMs. Judith M. BuechnerAndrew & Julie BurdenJerry Burke

In Recognition of the 2013 DonorsWilliam BurrallBurr & Burton Academy

Ann P. CabotDonald CampbellHoa CampbellReeve & Essie CantusPhil & Gloria CaramicoBruce & Marion CarllDeborah & John CaveJean & Gene CeglowskiChip & Kit Chamberlain • Chip & Kit ChamberlainPhil & Linda Chapman • Phil & Linda ChapmanKat ChangCharles E. Jr. & Jane Childs •Charles E. Jr. & Jane ChildsWilliam P. ChildsAustin & Gillian Chinn • Austin & Gillian Chinn • Austin & Gillian ChinnGregor ClarkJames R. & Dawn Clark • Ann ClayBarbara J. Clune •James Coe & Karen ScharffKathleen & Douglas ColsonMr. & Mrs. Ernie CompainMichael ConnollyJames & Faith CooneyTom & Lynn CostaEd & Judy CotterSimeon CrosierBarb & Gary CunninghamRussell & Julie CurrieGeoffrey A. Currier

Virginia DaringJane Davies & John LaVecchiaCaverly G. Day •Nancy DeBonaAndrew Deland & Carol Ann HawkinsCarlo & Susan DeRegeMichael DepoyBill & Joanne DixSergine & Julian Dixon •John Dojka & Janet BrittMr. & Mrs. Jeremy H. DoleMark & Suzy DonovanMs. Jennifer & Dr. Philip DuBoisPaul L. DufresnePatricia DupreeAnne DustinJohn P. Dyer, Sr. & Sharon Dyer •

Bill EberlePatty EisenhaurSuzanne Edwards

Ted & Mary Emerson •Mr. John Ezell & Ms. Ellen MaloneyOlivia & John FarrAustin S. FelisBob & Nancy FaesyRobert B. FergusonMaurice J. Ferris, Jr.Sue & Ed FineganMarshall FormanPatricia & Robert Foster •Eric & Mary FrewinDr. Alan Brown & Ms. Linda FoxworthyLisa FrigoMr. & Mrs. A. Corwin FrostClaudia & David FultonJohn Furman & Family

Gregory GallMr. & Mrs. John L. GardnerBob & Cheryl GasperettiThelma GeorgesonEdward GermonGE United Way CampaignAlec & Mary GersterRobert & Salley GibneyGeorge & Beth GibsonMr. & Mrs. A. W. GilbertBetty GilbertClinton Gilbert, Jr.George & Barbara Gilchrest •Martha & Gary Gilgallon •Jim Gish & Peggy BurnsIrwin GoldbergKim & Rick GoldsteinRuth GoldstoneCatherine Gordon •Karen Gordon & Frederick CooperEileen & Jonathan GrantCaitlin GreatrexEmil G. GressSusan Griffing

Bob & Deb HaasKathleen & Theodore HahnTelly Halkias & Angela WingateJim & Marilyn HandGemma HanlonRob Haren & David BassaniRonald HarmsenJohn & Janice HarringtonJim HartTom HartMrs. Francis W. HatchGeorge & Marina HatchWhitney & Elizabeth HatchWilliam & Lisanne HegmanRichard & Martha HeilemannJoanne HekkersJoy & Richard Hill

Richard HittleHN Williams StoreClaude & Janet HoardMark J. HobartGeorgine & Steve HolmanWilliam HornbyRobert & Beverly HoughtonRon & Anne HouserDr. Russell F. HousmanMs. Barbara A. HowlandKaren HuertaElsie Hunt •Dick & Virginia HulettWilliam W. HoytKelly & Webber Hudson

I Do Foundation

Richard & Ann JacksonBarbara & Eric JaffeJensen FamilyAnn & Paul JohnHunter Johns & Maureen SagerHugh A. JohnsonMr. Bill JollyRachel Jolly & Adam WalkerRoger D. Jones, CPAJeff JohnsonBob & Pat JohnstonLouise JonesRobert K. & A. Joyce Jones

Peter & Claudia KinderPhil & Mindy KirsteinGary Klee, Terry Peters & FamilyJared KleinFrank & Lynn KlingPamela KochRegina KohlheppTom Kopp & Gail SmallwoodDerek Kouwenhoven & FamilyGerrit & Ellie Kouwenhoven •Gerrit & Ellie Kouwenhoven Kirsten Kouwenhoven Janice Kugel •Charles Kunz

Tim Lang & Lisa LiebermanJuliette & Stallworth LarsonMrs. Eleanor S. LeaJames Lee, Jr.Jim & Pat Lee •Ellen & Roger LeedsNicholas & Rebecca LeonardFrances LevineJohn & Cynthia LhostTammara & Christopher LincolnAlan & Terry LindseyRobert A. Lloyd

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George & Linda Long •George & Linda LongAnne J. LourieLisa & Joe LoveringRay & Hallie LovettSally LupferSteven & Linda Luz-AltermanMike & Heidi LynnWilliam Lyons & Laura Fitch

Heather MacLeayBud & Joanne MaddoxPam & Josh Levy MagnusonJohn MalcolmRichard & Katherine MalleyElizabeth MaloneJane & John MarinoShona Marston & David PowsnerStephen & Tracey MathyasJon & Kimberly MatthewsonRobert MastKaren MayberryBo & Megan Mayhew-BergmanRobert & Marilyn MazurMr. & Mrs. Robert McCaffertyLee & Marion McChesneyLevering & Judi McCormickJohn McDonnellJohn & Victoria McInerney •John & Victoria McInerneyMatt McGinleyAndrew J. Melton, Jr.Josephine A. MerckKate & Al MerckWilhelm MerckMargaret Mertz •Margaret MertzMark & Eleanor MeslerMetzger FamilyNaomi Meyer & Ron RenoniT. C. & R. G. Meyer •C. Edward & Laura P. MidgleyHelene A. MinughNicholas MillerJoanna Mintzer & Reverend Dr. Donald Ferrell •Richard & Virginia MoleaElizabeth MoseleyColleen Moseman & Bill MurphyJan & Joe MountMs. Marion C. MuellerMary Ellen & Jim Mullen •Cynthia & Donald MurphyKim & Steve Murphy

Pam NalefskiBruce & Patricia NelsonJeff Nelson & Paul MahanJosh NessNewmont Slate Co., Inc.Axel & Naneen NeubohnDavid A. & Susan F. NicholsThe Northshire BookstoreArthur Norton & Karen NoyceN.Y. State Department of Environmental Conservation •

Cheryl & James O’ConnorEdward C. OelsnerSusan O’LearyOrvis

Amy PalmerDr. & Mrs. Theodore F. PaprockiMs. Margaret H. ParkerJohn & Marian PeltonRichard & Suzanne PenneyHerb & Faith PerkinsMelissa Perkins •Mr. John R. PersonChris & Mike Peters •Lorraine PetersGeorge Peterson IIIKatie PierottiMr. & Mrs. Karl PfeifferMelissa PflugKarl & Joanne PflugerThe Phantom LaboratoryJennifer & William V.N. PhilipJohn A. PlessJohn & Catherine PlonskiJody PlummerErrol & Anita PomeranceRev. Penelope PoorCraig & Donna PowersMike & Barbara PowersRemus Preda & Lisa RandlesProspect Rehabilitation •Bruce & Liz Putnam •Bruce & Liz Putnam

Valerie & Peter RadfordRick RaffJayne Della RattaDavid ReadSigna Lynch ReadReadsboro Lions ClubPen & Barbara ReedRobert & Elise Redmond

Nicholas ReederStan & Loretta ReismanCharles & Marcia ReissRoberta Reynolds •Mr. & Mrs. Donald K. Richardsr. k. Miles, Inc.Jack, John & Charlotte RoachMadeline & Charles Rockwell •Madeline & Charles RockwellChristina & Kevin RoeCraig A. RoodsDavid & Barbara Rogers •Adam RoyMrs. Thomas S. RoysterJoana & Ari RudiakovDr. Joseph Ruggiero & Dr. Howard MarcusSteven Russo

Patricia Sabotka •Susan Sargent & Tom PetersSheafe SatterthwaiteSally SavageCarlin W. SchererElizabeth ShermanJanie & George SchildgeAnne & Alvin SchlesingerBob & Martha SchoenemannGene & Lorraine SchoorJeremy SchraufKen & Kathy SchurzkyRobert & Mary SchwartzDavid & Mary Lynn SchwenkerDouglas & Joan ShawNancy ShayGeorge SheldonMr. & Mrs. Peter L. SheldonValerie H. SheldonPaul M. SippleSky High Adventures, LLCDamon Smith & Polly ParugrMichael SmithRay & Joanne SmithTom & Sylvia SmithSteven SnookBob & Joann SomersJennifer SpeersGay & Roger SquireJohn & Susan StagerMark StannardMr. Charles StellingGlen StevensJoseph StevensCatherine StewartErica & Keith StichwehMr. & Mrs. David B. StrattonKate SullivanJim Sullivan & Leslie Addison

SUNY Adirondack Athletic FundBill SussdorfStefan Swicker & Duncan SavageDiane Syverson

Mr. & Mrs. Robert D. Taggart •Frederick F. TaylorPriscilla P. ThomasRichard ThomsonWilliam & Mary Beth TomsEd TreanorRobert & Sarah TreatNancy Truettner of The Truettner FoundationEleanor & James F. TylerAllen & Minga TurnerCornelia TuttleJames Tyler

Walter & Christine Urban •Mr. David Ullman

Carol & Dave VallettRobert & Mary Anne Van DegnaThe Vermont Country Store

Carolyn A. WadeKatharine & Jerry WallJohn & Ruth WardJudy WarrenPhil & Janet WarrenGary WarzochaMelissa WehnerFred C. WeinmannWells Village SchoolFrederick & Constance WestW. H. Shaw Insurance Agency, Inc.Elizabeth Wheaton-SmithRuth F. WhiteJohn G. Whitman, Jr.Bob WhitneyMarilyn WhitneySerena H. WhitridgeJeff & Kathy WildeCorinna Wildman •Corinna WildmanTimothy & Kathleen Wiley •Stephen T. WilliamsCatherine WilliamsonKay WilliamsonPenelope P. WilsonAlbert & Jacqueline Wolff •Robert & Margaret Woolmington •Amy Wright & William Livingston •

Mark Youndt

Sylvia J. & David R. Zeglen •

• Donation made in memory of Gerrit Kowenhouven

• Donation made in memory of John Merwin

• Donation made in memory of John Harrington

• Donation made in memory of D. Gordon Ashton

Many thanks to you all! Please excuse any errors or omissions on this list, and please call or email when a correction needs to be made.

Mae and June Working Through the Spring

While I grew up on a farm in Michigan, it took a detour to Merck Forest and Farmland Center to show me a path to becoming a farmer myself. I arrived at Merck in June of 2000 for a three month internship through the Student Conservation Association. I had recently graduated with a biology major, and I had an idea of ecology work. It was Merck’s 3,100 acres of nature that drew me to work at the non-profit, but it was the farm that, soon after my arrival, really pulled my intrigue.

Contributed by Melissa (Pline) Brown, past intern & employee at Merck Forest

Exciting things were happening for Merck during my time there. The wind turbine went up. We started going to a few farmers’ markets, something Merck hadn’t been doing at least in the recent times. We planted an apple orchard. We built more greenhouses and a shed. The farm was full of the whole range of animals. And more projects were on the horizon, like the new maple syrup house and a large blueberry planting.

After my time at Merck, I headed to grad school to study horticulture at North Carolina State University. Agriculture grad school often leads people to careers assisting farmers. But, I’d gotten such a strong foundation in farming from Merck, as well as the farming bug, that I knew I ultimately wanted to farm myself.

After graduating, my husband and I started our own small diverse organic farm, Milk and Honey Farm in Yadkinville, North Carolina. We now produce most of our own food with enough to share with customers through a CSA program and at a farmers’ market, which is also our full-time living. We also offer farm stays to visitors, mostly through WWOOF, to allow others to experience our style of homestead and maybe someday even lead them to farming, as Merck did for me.

Melissa Brown and her husband operate their own organic farm in Yadkinville, North

Carolina, Milk and Honey Farm.

You can follow her farm blog:www.themilkandhoneyfarm.blogspot.com

My childhood farm was a large feedlot cattle and commodity crop farm, and I’d always been intimidated by the big machinery and the skill needed to keep them running. I was more content to work my small garden and raise a few animals for the local 4-H fair. At Merck, though, I quickly realized there was a completely different and viable style of farming out there (direct market and lower tech), and it felt right from the start. The diverse organic farm model of Merck gave me a full and complete experience every day I was there. Ken Smith and Ray Pratt were leading the farm at the time and were incredible mentors to me on this new way of farming. Construction, maintenance, planting, harvesting, sugaring, trail work, leading school

groups, marketing, planning - I didn’t absorb nearly enough of what there was to learn, even though I stayed on another year as part of the farm staff.

Melissa’s letter will be posted on the Merck blog, along with another photo of her during her summer at MFFC.

Melissa during the sugaring season. She assisted in the old 12,000 tap sugarbush, which was a much bigger operation, than the current, gravity-fed system.

Keeping in Touch, Letter from a Former Intern

Mae and June, two Belgian draft horses, arrived on the farm in December, and the Merck Staff put them right to work. The girls are on loan from Ken Leech of True Love Holsteins, in Pawlet, Vt., and Merck is grateful for the opportunity to lease such a reliable team. The mares are well-trained and up for any task they are put to. They distribute hay around the barnyard, drag logs out of the woods, and pull sleighs with power and grace. They will be helping out at the farm through the spring.

Visitors, keep a look for the team the next time you visit the farm.

By Colene Reed, Assistant Farm Manager

Colene posing with June and Mae during the winter (above photo). The Belgian team worked wonderfully during sleigh rides this winter, and in the picture to the right, they had just returned from dragging logs out of the woods with the farm staff.

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Bob Allen

Keld Alstrup

Axel Blomberg

Jean Ceglowski

Phil Chapman, Treasurer

Austin Chinn, President

Kathleen Achor

Judy Buechner

Donald Campbell

Sue Ceglowski

Ann Cosgrove

Ed Cotter

Bob Ferguson

Melissa Carll, Communications Coordinator

Tyler Dallas, Resource Technician

Jesse Gelinas, Visitor Center Assistant

Tim Hughes-Muse, Farm Programs Manager

Kathryn Lawrence, Assistant to the Director

Amy Malsbenden, Visitor Center Manager

Colene Reed, Assistant Farm Manager

Chad Virkler, Sugarmaker

Tom Ward, Executive Director

Advisory Council

Board of Trustees

Merck Forest and Farmland Center is an educational non-profit organization whose mission is to teach and demonstrate the benefits of innovative, sustainable management of forest and farmland.

We also offer recreational opportunities for individuals and families, encouraging people to become good stewards of the land. Donations are appreciated and members are encouraged.

About Us

Bob Gasperetti

Bambi Hatch

Richard Hittle

Anne Houser

Emily Hunter

Ann Jackson

Deirdre Kinney-Brennan

Jeromy Gardner

George Hatch

Margaret Mertz, Vice President

Bruce Putnam

Madeline Rockwell, Secretary

Phil Warren

Jon Mathewson

Axel Neubohn

John Pless

Liz Putnam

Bob Taggart

Corinna Wildman

Patty Winpenny

RidgeLine layout, illustrations, and graphic design by Melissa Carll

Please, help us continue to serve our mission of teaching and demonstrating the benefits of innovative, sustainable management of forest and farmland. As a member, you support our educational programs and maintenance of over 3,100 acres of land and 30 miles of trails. Thank you for your help!

Membership at Merck: Join or Renew Today!

Date:

Name(s):

Address:

Phone:

Email:

Payment: Cash/Check/Visa or MasterCard

Additional Contribution:

Total Amount Enclosed:

Signature:

Exp:

Please fill out and mail:Merck Forest & Farmland CenterPO Box 86, Rupert, VT 05768

Electronic copy of newsletter? yes/no

$50.00

Card #:

20% discount on cabin rentals and camping10% discount on Merck’s Certified Organic Maple Syrup10% discount on select Visitor Center merchandise10% discount on workshopsCopies of our seasonal newsletter, the RidgeLine

Member benefits include:

2014 ApprenticesSarah Jackson

Rose Karabush

Tyler Pitts

Staff

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Membership:

We are sad to report the death of one of our long-time trustees, Victoria (Vicki) McInerney, who succumbed after a 13-year battle with pulmonary disease.

Vicki was the chair of our investment committee, and she oversaw Merck Forest’s assets with intelligence and great diligence. The Berkshire Bank’s investment team paid tribute to Vicki’s steady compass and wise advice in the bank’s efforts on our behalf.

Vicki was passionate about all creatures of the natural world, and she was a keen observer of their habits and lives, particularly birds and insects. With that in mind, we are thinking of an appropriate memorial on the property to Vicki, which recognizes Merck Forest’s gratitude to her.

She was a valuable friend who will be missed.

In Remembrance of VictoriaBy Austin Chinn, President of the Board of Trustees

PO Box 86, Rupert, Vermont 05768

Printed on 100% recycled paper

1 pm - 4 pm

Saturday Social Knitting Circle

Go for a horse-drawn sleigh ride around the farm and through Merck’s forest. Groups are welcome to rent the 12-person sleigh, or couples can go for a ride in the Sweetheart Sleigh. Offered through the winter, but reservations and payment are required at least 24 hours in advance. Call for more info and availability.

Sleigh Rides

March 15, April 19

Beat cabin fever. The monthly knitting circle continues into the spring. Bring your questions, knitting challenges, or a new project you’ve been wanting to tackle. All experience levels are welcome to join. FREE

Maple Celebration & Pancake Breakfast

March 22 & 2310 am - 2 pm

The Maple Celebration boasts a delicious spread of pancakes, eggs, Merck’s breakfast sausage, and Vermont-certified organic maple syrup. A variety of children’s activities will be held, a tree tapping demonstration, and newborn lambs in the barn! Wagon or sleigh rides between parking lot to the sap house. Tickets sold at door. $10/adult, $5/child age 4 - 12, under age 4 are free. Vo l u n t e e r s N e e d e d !

Now - end of March

Spring Events & Workshops

Farm ChoresApril 19 - June 24

Saturdays, 2 pm - 4 pm

Put on your boots! Have you ever fed pigs, or given water to sheep? How about harnessing and moving horses to pasture? Find the eggs in the chicken coop, and wash them up. Farm Chores gives families the chance to learn about the farm routine and the animals--it’s a great interactive experience. Call to sign up, groups are limited to ten people. 802.394.7836. $2/person.

Sheep Shearing Workshop

April 278:30 am - 4 pm

The Vermont Sheep and Goat Breeders Association is holding a sheep shearing class at MFFC. Participants, beginners and intermediate, will have a hands-on experience shearing sheep with the guidance of professional shearers. All aspects of shearing will be discussed. For detailed information and registration, please look on www.merckforest.org under the News and Events page.