Northern New York Maple Project

Sugar House at the Paul Smiths VIC (4 December 2013)

The Paul Smith’s College VIC has partnered with Cornell Maple to expand maple syrup and sugaring opportunities in the region.  The VIC has developed two demonstration sugar bushes – one with lines and one with buckets – to model what a family could do in their own back yard.  The sugar bushes are located near the intersection of the Skidder Trail and the Easy Street Trail. For the 2013 sugaring season, the VIC used a mobile sugar shed set up near the VIC Building.

During the fall of 2013, VIC staff, along with volunteers and Paul Smith's College students, built a new sugar house. The majority of the lumber was harvested from the VIC grounds, and some was  milled on site by students using the college saw mill. Maple products produced at the VIC are sold at the VIC store. The VIC offers clinics on maple sugaring and participates in the Maple Sugar Weekends. The maple project will also be integrated into the environmental educations programs for school children. For more information on the VIC's participation in the Northern New York Maple Project, go to Northernnewyorkmapleproject.com.

Adopt a Sugar Maple (Acer sacharum)

Support the development of maple sugaring at the VIC by adopting a tree we will tap.   You will be investing in the education of an intern, tapping and equipment for “your tree” and the best part is you get a quart of maple syrup from “your tree!” “Adoption papers” are at the front desk of the VIC. Adoption is $50 (not including shipping for your quart of maple syrup). Checks can be made payable to Paul Smith's College VIC.

Maple Events

Maple Workshop – Setting up a Tubing System with Mike Farrell
16 February 2013

This workshop is designed for those interested in starting or expanding a maple sugaring operation but unsure where to begin. Mike Farrell, of the Uihlein Sugar Maple Research & Extension Field Station in Lake Placid, will present a hands-on tubing workshop from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Paul Smith’s College VIC. The workshop begins inside with a short program; participants will then head out to set up a tubing system for the Paul Smith’s College VIC’s Sugar Maple Demonstration site. Topics to be covered include preparing the sugar bush prior to tubing installation, site considerations, line placement and installation, tapping trees, sanitation, and sap collection. Contact: Brian McDonnell at 518.327.6241 or bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu.

NYS Maple Weekend
16-17 & 23 March 2013

The Paul Smith's College VIC will be part of the Northeastern New York Maple Producer’s region-wide event.  Come for a tour of the VIC's new sugar bush, visit the sugar house, try some maple confections and baked goods, learn about maple sugaring, sign up for the VIC's Community Maple Project, and support the VIC by purchasing a “tree-share” in the bush or a jug of Paul Smith’s made maple syrup.

Beginner Maple Workshop
23 March 2013

Paul Smith’s College students will be on hand to lead  “Learn the art of maple sugaring” workshops.  Participants will learn about backyard tapping, collection and boiling.  The program runs from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Contact: Brian McDonnell at 518-327-6241 or bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu.

Maple Camp
26-29 June 2013

This four-day workshop is for anyone who wishes to become a maple producer or those with some experience, but who want to expand their production, products, marketing, and profitability through focused and hands-on intensive training. The goal is to help participants produce maple products with greater efficiency and profitability. Registration information is available by going to Northernnewyorkmapleproject.com. The registration fee of $150/person includes all meals (Wednesday supper through Saturday lunch), training and materials. Lodging is available (at an additional cost) at Paul Smith’s College for the complete stay (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights).