Merck Family - Random Notes

Joseph John Merck, with his wife, Katherine Cecilia Eberle, brought his family from the Ukraine to the United States in 1912. This site will contain some random notes and comments about the family background, their experiences, the places they lived, and other subjects related to that topic. No particular organization of comments or articles should be expected.

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Location: Jacksonville, Arkansas, United States

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

100% Pure Vermont Maple Syrup


In searching for something different to present to family and friends this Christmas, we settled on obtaining jugs of 100% pure Vermont maple syrup from Merck Forest and Farmland Center. Not only would it be useful and enjoyable, but we thought we would be providing a small bit of support for a good cause.

George W. Merck (1894-1957), former president of Merck & Co., provided about 3,000 acres of forest and farmland in Vermont to a foundation he founded. It was renamed in his honor upon his death 50 years ago. The foundation is not connected to Merck & Co.

Merck Forest & Farmland Center is Vermont's oldest nonprofit, conservation organization. It is open year-round to the public, and cares for and manages over 3,100 acres of fields, farm and forest in the heart of the Taconic Range. The center provides four seasons of educational programs and outdoor opportunities for children, young adults and all ages. Its many trails vary from wilderness, to historic sites, to discovery walks.

While the farm demonstrates sustainable agricultural practices, the purpose of the forest program is to demonstrate sustainable management of forests for timber products and non-timber products. And the Field Stewardship Programs teach students to care for the land through sustainable farm and forestry work projects.

Merck Forest is a special place. Its windy, mountaintop farm, and quiet forest trails provide a beautiful and peaceful respite to the visitors who come to relax and learn. Its mission is to teach about the benefits of innovative, sustainable management of forest and farmland. The farm demonstrates modern approaches to agriculture. They produce organic maple syrup, vegetables, flowers and herbs. They also raise livestock for meat, eggs, wool and dairy products.

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