Over October Break 2008 a group of nine Middlebury Alternative Breakers trekked down to Merck Forest and Farmland Center in Rupert, Vermont for a weekend of hands-on service work on the farm. Founded by George Merck, the center dedicates itself to educating visitors about sustainable farming practices and forest management techniques making it a perfect local host site for an alternative break trip. The 3,000-acre property is home to a forest, a number of trails, and a full farm complete with animals and a variety of produce. The farm is also home to a large sugarbush and has a fully functional sugaring operation during the late winter months. Merck is open to the public year round and has a small staff that does an incredible amount of work on the farm in spite of the group’s size.
On the first day of work the volunteers helped out harvesting potatoes, stacking wood, and processing garlic. The second day was spent in Merck’s sugarbush surveying trees and managing the forest. The volunteers learned various forestry techniques like how to select and kill unhealthy trees to promote the overall well-being of the forest. Merck staff member Debbie Lyon facilitated group orientation and training sessions which added to the educational experience of the trip. Nights were spent at one of Merck’s campsites where students slept in lean-tos and cooked outside on camp stoves. Overall, the trip was a rewarding learning and service experience for everyone involved.