Paul Smith's College VIC Sugar Bush (30 March 2013). Photo by Tom Boothe. Used by permission.

Maple Weekend
22 & 23 March 2014

Maple sugaring at the Paul Smiths VIC: VIC Sugar House Maple sugaring at the Paul Smiths VIC: VIC Sugar House

VIC Maple SyrupThe Paul Smiths VIC is joining with other maple producers in the New York State Maple Producers Association to offer a maple weekend on 22 and 23 March. Weekend activities include sugar bush tours, demonstrations, maple confections made by the Paul Smith's College students, children's activities, and the grand opening of the VIC Sugar House..

The VIC is also holding a hands-on Sap to Syrup Workshop on Saturday, led by VIC sugar makers Tom Manitta and Kyle Dash. The workshop will allow participants to experience all aspects of the syrup making process. Participants will monitor sap quality, learn to work with reverse osmosis equipment, assist with the wood-fired evaporator, and draw off a finished batch of VIC maple syrup. Participants will go home with a pint of fresh maple syrup.

The goal of Maple Weekend is to provide an opportunity to teach the public about the production of maple syrup and other related products and to share the taste of real mouth-watering maple syrup with visitors. This event is designed to showcase the VIC's maple sugaring operation.  The VIC is also holding an Adirondack Maple Weekend the following weekend: 29 & 30 March. For more information, contact: Brian McDonnell, bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu

Maple Weekend Schedule
Saturday, 22 March 2014
1:00 - 4:00 PM Sap to Syrup Workshop: Participants will go home with a pint of fresh maple syrup. $25 per person. Preregistration required. Limited to 10 participants per session.
Noon - 2:00 PM Grand opening of the VIC Sugar House. Hosted by the Paul Smith's College Sustainability Office. Ribbon cutting by the PSC Maple Royalty will take place at 1 PM. Free
Ongoing Student-led tours of the VIC Sugar Bush. Free
Ongoing Maple syrup making demonstration in the VIC Sugar House. Free
Ongoing Reverse osmosis demonstration. Free
Ongoing Culinary uses of maple sap. Free
Ongoing Maple confections for sale
Ongoing Children's activities:

  • Maple Sugaring Coloring Book Pages
  • Maple Sugar Scavenger Hunt
  • Make your own maple seed helicopter
  • Identify acer saccharum (sugar maple) and other trees
  • Create your own sugar maple ID card (Draw, describe)
  • Learn how sap becomes syrup
Sunday, 23 March 2014
Ongoing Student-led tours of the VIC Sugar Bush. Free
Ongoing Maple syrup making demonstration in the VIC Sugar House. Free
Ongoing Reverse osmosis demonstration. Free
Ongoing Culinary uses of maple sap. Free
Ongoing Maple confections for sale
Ongoing Children's activities:

  • Maple Sugaring Coloring Book Pages
  • Maple Sugar Scavenger Hunt
  • Make your own maple seed helicopter
  • Identify acer saccharum (sugar maple) and other trees
  • Create your own sugar maple ID card (Draw, describe)
  • Learn how sap becomes syrup





Explore the VIC

The Paul Smiths VIC offers a wide variety of programs throughout the year to educate and inform Adirondack Park residents and visitors about the natural wonders of the Adirondack Mountains. You can help support these programs by joining the Friends of the VIC. More information on Friends of the VIC memberships

Explore the Trails

The VIC trails are free and open to the public, from dawn to dusk, spring through fall. In winter, the trails are open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers for a fee. Day or season passes may be purchased.