Winter fun in February at Merck Forest and Farmland Center

Winter is a busy time up on the mountain. Join in for some fun in the sun and snow!

Thursday and Friday, Feb. 23 and 24, maple will be in the air at Merck. Join Merck staff from 1:30 to 3 p.m. as they check out the action in the sugarbush and in Merck’s sap house. Visitors can also sample Merck’s maple syrup. Children must be accompanied by a parent. Space is limited, and registration is required for these two programs. Cost is $5 per person. Visit merckforest.org to register.

On Saturday, Feb. 25, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., adults will gather to examine owl specimens from Granville’s Pember Museum. Then all will head out for a short hike to listen for calling owls. Space is limited, and registration is required for the $10 per person program. Register at merckforest.org.

A maple meet-up will be held every Sunday starting Feb. 26 through April 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. Join the Merck crew as it goes about the tasks required to produce maple syrup. From heading up into the sugar bush to checking lines to tasting the final product, participants will have the opportunity to come along and see the process. Space is limited, and registration is required. Cost is $5 per person.

Merck’s preschool program, Kits and Cubs, runs Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy a morning of outdoor exploration, storytime, song and crafts for $10 per parent/child pair. Registration is not required.

For more information, visit the Merck Facebook page, merckforest.org or email [email protected].

Merck Forest and Farmland Center is located at the top of Rupert Mountain at 3270 Vermont Route 315 in Rupert.