Summer Explore-a-thon at Merck Forest
For families and friends of all ages, we’ll spend the day celebrating different ways to explore and experience the outdoors. Join us as we use art, movement, outdoor skill building, observation & science and more to enjoy the outdoor landscape. Food will be available; event is from 11am-3pm for a suggested donation of $5pp at the door.
Game of Logging, Level 4
Game of Logging chainsaw safety courses: Level 4, focusing on Storm Cleanup. Successful completion of Levels 1, 2 and 3 is required before enrolling in Level 4. Participants must bring their own chainsaw, PPE, including a safety helmet with face shield, eye and ear protection, and chaps, as well as lunch, water, and snacks for the day. Space is limited to...
Vermont’s Natural World in a Changing Climate
Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning (GMALL) welcomes wildlife biologist, Tom Rogers, to talk about the effects of climate change on Vermont's natural world. Vermont, like the rest of the planet, is facing the dual crises of climate change and the rapid loss of biodiversity. What are some of the changes to plants and animals that we’re seeing in nature...
Photographing Fall (Southern Vermont Arts Center Workshop)
Celebrate the begining of summer with photographer Thom Williams. Explore Merck’s barns, pastures, wetlands, woodlands and vistas during this one-day photography workshop. Our farm manager will allow photographers special access to the barns and pastures and share information about Merck’s plants, land and animals, as we explore the myriad opportunities for nature photography that this extraordinary campus offers. A walk-and-talk structure makes...
Game of Logging, Levels 1 & 2
Game of Logging chainsaw safety courses: Levels 1 & 2. Level 1 (Saturday, May 5, 8am – 4pm) focuses on precision felling techniques and is a pre-requisite for taking Level 2. Level 2 (Sunday, May 6, 8am – 4pm) focuses on maximizing saw performance. Participants must bring their own chainsaw, PPE, including a safety helmet with face shield, eye and...
Game of Logging, Level 3
Game of Logging chainsaw safety courses: Level 3, focusing on Limbing, Bucking, and Difficult Trees. Successful completion of Levels 1 – 2 is required before enrolling in Level 3. Participants must bring their own chainsaw, PPE, including a safety helmet with face shield, eye and ear protection, and chaps, as well as lunch, water, and snacks for the day. Space is...
Basic Chainsaw Safety (Coed)
For students with no little to no prior saw experience, Basic Chainsaw Safety is useful preparation for Game Of Logging Level 1 (it is not a prerequisite, however). Topics covered include the parts of a chainsaw, safety, and basic maintenance. There will be no tree-felling at this level and chainsaw use is limited to bucking logs. Participants must bring their own PPE, including a safety...
Wilderness First Aid
SOLO will teach a 2-day Wilderness First Aid course focusing on emergency backcountry skills, with the option of a CPR component for an additional fee and hours. Recertification for Wilderness First Responder (through SOLO only) is also possible through this course. Certification for WFA is valid for 2 years. Preregistration is required. Minimum age 16. $200, CPR component for an...
Sunrise Hike at Merck Forest
The sun will be rising in the east and hopefully skies will be clear — join the MFFC education staff for a little exercise on a wintery morning! Our morning hike will begin at the Visitor Center; please arrive 15 minutes before our start at 8:30am. Bring a headlamp and dress warmly, with proper footwear, including trekking poles, microspikes or...
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Merck Forest
Join us on the Mountain for a viewing party of the Solar Eclipse. Viewing glasses are available to the first 50 people who attend. A donation of $5pp is suggested at the door.
