UMaine Extension offers maple syrup workshop for beginners
University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer an in-person maple syrup production workshop for beginners 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Feb. 11. The class first meets at York County Extension Office, 15 Oak Street, Springvale; and finishes at Maple Moon Farm, 289 Chick Road, Lebanon. The snow date is Feb. 18.
The Backyard Maple Sugaring program teaches beginners how to identify and tap trees; collect and boil sap; and filter, grade and can syrup. Participants also will learn the logistics of installing and maintaining a sap collection system that uses tubing during a site visit to a local sugar making operation. The workshop will be led by UMaine Extension assistant professor and maple industry educator Jason Lilley; Richard Morrill, owner of Nash Valley Farm in Windham; and Frank Ferrucci, owner of Maple Moon Farm in Lebanon.
The $18 fee includes the textbook “Backyard Sugarin’: A Complete How-To Guide” by Rink Mann. Registration is required; register on the event webpage. This program is sponsored and co-taught by the Southern Maine Maple Sugarmakers Association. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Jason Lilley, 207.781.6099; jason.lilley@maine.edu.