Ramblewild is the PREMIER aerial adventure park in New England.  At Ramblewild the focal point is a central wooden platform about 10 feet above ground from which eight aerial obstacle trails originate, meandering from tree to tree at various heights through a pristine hemlock forest. Each course consists of 15-17 elements (high wires, zip lines, balancing logs, rope ladders, suspended bridges, etc.). Courses have varying degrees of difficulty, are color-coded, and become progressively more difficult, offering a challenging experience to all types of visitors. The park is built without placing one single nail or screw in the trees and with minimal environmental disturbance, confirming our commitment to forest conservation. 

Outcomes:

  • A renewed connection to the natural world

  • An exhilarating outdoor experience

  • a strong sense of camaraderie and bonding, as well as an appreciation for teamwork, problem SOLVING, decision making, and peer support

  • A very positive impact on students’ self-confidence and self-esteem

 

Nature exploration - ADVENTURES IN NATURE

Nature hikes guided by experienced professionals allow students to explore nature, discover the forest, its trees, its history, the products the forest gives us and the animals that make it their home. Point of interest signs located throughout the trails explain little known facts about the forest’s many ecosystems.

Outcomes:

  • Learn about different types of trees, flowers and wildlife as well as the habitat that they all share

  • Develop a deeper understanding, appreciation and respect for our forests and the role they play in our daily lives and in our future

  • Understand how forests managed for conservation can support a variety of uses from traditional forestry products to agricultural products and recreation

 

 

Team Building & Leadership Skills

We developed a series of programs designed to enhance team building and leadership skills in students. Games, trust activities, communication and problem solving activities teach students experientially how to identify, develop and use the skills needed to be a leader. Fun and excitement are key components to these programs to ensure students’ attention.

Outcomes:

  • Learn about each other and how to work more effectively as a team, both in school and at home

  • Learn how to think strategically and develop a capacity for critical decision-making and assessment

  • Learn to listen to different ideas from others

  • Learn to develop group leadership Skills

  • Develop an increased competence in inter and intra personal communication and related social skills

 

Sugarbush Tour: Mission:Maple 

The sugarbush tour brings students through a 120 acre section of the forest where thousands of sugar maple trees are tapped for their SAP, used for the production or our maple syrup Mission:Maple. A Feronia Forests' Brand, Mission: Maple is one of the few syrups in massachusetts sourced from a forest certified as sustainably managed by fsc®, the forest stewardship council. 

A portion of Mission:Maple's proceeds are donated to Feronia Forward and support our activities. 

Students learn how the long-term health of the sugarbush is essential to the success of a maple syrup operation; they learn how the sugarbush is managed with the most advanced silvicultural practices to keep the maple trees healthy and thriving; and learn how engineering and technology play a role in harvesting maple sap.

In season, students see first-hand how the sap is collected and can sample the maple water right from the trees.

The following videos provide additional insight TO THE MANY USES OF MAPLE TREES AND THE MIRACLE OF NATURE THAT IS THE SAP FLOW INSIDE THE MAPLE TREE: 

“Untapped Potential” by Dr. Michael Farrell of Cornell University  

"Sap in the sugar maple Tree" Developed by Cornell University's Steven childs with input from new york state's agriculture in the classroom.

Outcomes:

  • Learn about advanced forest management practices

  • Learn how to identify healthy maple trees and how to ‘tap’ a tree

  • UNDERSTAND HOW SUSTAINABILITY makes FOR BETTER BUSINESSES

 

 

Turbine Tour: the BERKSHIRE WIND PROJECT

The turbine tour takes students to the top of our mountain range to see 6 of the 10 turbines of the Berkshire Wind Project that provide enough energy to power 6,000 homes. This is a rare opportunity to visit a renewable energy facility from up close. Students learn the pros and cons of this type of energy and how this project interacts with Feronia Forests' sustainable full forestry™ model.

Outcomes:

  • Visually understand how the wind’s natural flow is captured and transformed into electricity

  • Learn how of the electricity generated by the wind turbines is harnessed and transported to the end user