Changes in the Vermont Landscape: Lecture & Hike at Merck Forest & Farmland Center. Middlebury College professor Bill Hegman and his students will lead a discussion on the influence of Taconic Mountain geology on land use and history. Bring a lunch and wear sturdy shoes. Saturday, August 11 from 10am to 2pm, $5pp.

Merck Forest and Farmland Center is a non-profit educational organization located in the Taconic Hills of southwestern Vermont. The Center’s mission is the sustainable management of its forest, the promotion of innovative agricultural practices on its upland farm, the education of local students in outdoor exploration and the study of natural sciences, and the creation of unparalleled recreational opportunities for individuals, families and school groups. The property is open free to the public daily, from dawn to dusk, year-round.

If you go: Merck Forest & Farmland Center is located between Rupert and Dorset, at the top of the very large hill at 3270 Route 315 (Rupert Mountain Road). Please do not rely solely on your GPS: once you reach the top of the big hill on 315, turn into Merck Forest's Driveway. If you start going downhill, you've missed us! Contact us by phone at 802-394-7836 or find us on the web at merckforest.org.