Teaching and demonstrating the benefits of innovative, sustainable management of forest and farmland
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School Programs
Our School Program offerings are available for preK to college-level students. These seasonal outdoor education programs provide teachers with opportunities to immerse their students in a dynamic working landscape, and engage them in place-based learning.
As Merck expands its educational offerings, tuition for Winter and Spring 2013 offerings is donation-based.
Grades PreK-4
Approximately 1.5 hrs
- Winter Forest Ecology & Wildlife Investigations (Jan - Mar)
Hike along the Discovery Trail and find out which animals go dormant, hibernate or stay active throughout the winter. Mimic the different ways animals move through the woods, and become a “snow sleuth” as you look for tracks and other signs of winter wildlife!
- From Sap to Maple Syrup (Mar - Apr)
Plant your roots into the ground and throw your branches upwards! Become a sugar maple tree, and learn how sap moves through your trunk and branches in early spring. Tap a tree, and find out how sap is turned into maple syrup.
- Lifecycles of Livestock (Apr - Jun)
Investigate the life cycles of different farm animals and identify what makes mammals, mammals! Visit our newborn lambs to experience first-hand how their diet and dependence on their mother will change as they grow older.
Grades 5-8
Approximately 2.5-3 hrs.
- Winter Forest Ecology & Wildlife Investigations (Jan - Mar)
Explore how animals survive Vermont’s cold and snowy winters as you hike along the Wildlife Trail. Learn about animal adaptations and shelter building as you hunt for clues about who may be keeping warm below your feet, or above your head!
- From Sap to Maple Syrup (Mar - Apr)
Visit our hillside sugarbush and explore the science of making maple syrup. Spend time with our sugar makers as you follow the path of sap from tree to bottle, and tour the inner workings of the sap house!
- Lifecycles of Livestock (Apr - Jun)
Visit our flock of sheep and identify adaptations that make them suitable grazers. Compare these adaptations to those of other farm animals, and explore the role of each within our working landscape.
High School and College
Custom-Made Learning Experiences
Collaborate with Merck staff to design a farm or forest-based experience that ties into your curriculum. This opportunity is available year round, and time frames are flexible.
Service-Learning Opportunities
Grade 5 - College Level
Undertake a purposeful work-based project on the farm or in the forest. Practice communication and teamwork as you engage with the land. Unavailable in winter.
For more information or to register, please contact Sarah Ullman at sarah@merckforest.org or 802-394-7836.
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