ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – At this point in the winter, it is nearly time for maple syrup producers to begin tapping their trees. Later this month, an Escanaba organization will teach the public how to do just that.
On February 25, the Michigan State University (MSU) Forestry Innovation Center will host a Maple Syrup 101 course. Attendees will learn about selecting the right trees, proper tapping techniques, equipment sanitation, and filtering syrup.
“It’s really meant for those that are interested in making syrup and maybe just have done it at a hobby scale,” explained Center Director Jesse Randall. “We work the participants through what a maple tree is, how to tap it, when to tap, and how you process the sap into maple syrup. We’re hopeful there will be a vendor here with equipment people would need for small-scale. It’s really for the backyard producer, for those that are going to boil on a turkey fryer or on a flat pan.”
A 9,000-acre research forest, the MSU Forestry Innovation Center focuses on Christmas tree production, maple syrup production, and assisting local producers. Randall says across the U.P., maple syrup production is growing as a hobby and as a business.
“We’re seeing many more current and future producers come out to all of our maple events,” he said. “It really has ramped up. I think there’s a lot of people making syrup in the Upper Peninsula. It fits well into our tradition of being outside and working with nature.”
Maple Syrup 101 is a precursor to Maple Weekend, scheduled for March 28 and 29—two full days of sugarbush tours, sap boiling presentations, and free syrup samples. The event is a chance for the community to learn just how much work producers do each season to put fresh maple syrup on the table.
“We’re excited,” Randall said. “This time of year, we’re all just gearing up, getting everything ready, getting the evaporator all set. It’s coming. It’s coming quick this year.”
Maple Syrup 101 is free to attend, but space is limited. To register for the event, which runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., click here.
For more information about this year’s Maple Weekend, follow the MSU Forestry Innovation Center’s Facebook page, Yooper Forestry.
