Northwoods Nectar

When Holly and Steve Hardwick started Northwoods Nectar in the fall of 2012, they had plans to operate one thousand taps, all of which they installed themselves in four feet of snow at 20 below zero in January of 2013. Eight years later, the couple now operates 4,450 taps over roughly 80 acres.

Maple sugar production is something that has always interested the Hardwicks. When they bought their Sly Brook Road property in Eagle Lake in 2008, they noticed it housed a lot of maple trees; ideas began to grow in their minds. “We sold our cottage on Cross Lake to start the sugary; we are totally self-funded,” says Holly. Both Holly and Steve work as real estate agents in the area as well.

When asked if they work alongside a team, Holly joked “no team, just me and Steve. He takes care of the woods and the engineering; I take care of making the products and the marketing.” The small business atmosphere affords the Hardwicks the opportunity to get to know their customers, many of whom return year after year.

Although most of their product sales are to wholesalers throughout Aroostook County, Northwoods Nectar also boasts a gift shop where customers can find a variety of their maple products, including maple taffy and table syrup, and even local honey from a beekeeper in Fort Fairfield.

The Hardwicks would be happy to give you a tour of the sugary and property; they guarantee an informational visit, even during the non-operating season. Like any other harvest, there are only about three weeks of good sap. Steve states the ideal season would be mid-March through the end of April. However, once it begins to warm up and stop freezing at night, buds will begin to open on the trees and turn the sap bitter.

If you stop by for Maine Maple Sunday, be sure to let them know how you like their sweet treats! “One of the most rewarding parts is when people enjoy the product; it makes me feel good. We both enjoy making a living off our own property at our own pace,” says Steve. Holly added, “most of what we built here we have milled from our own land, our own trees. What you see here is our own hands at work and craftsmanship.”

Holly wanted to include that their success is still in the making, “our success is only the support we get from our community. It’s an amazing community that we live in… they’re so supportive and encouraging.”

 

Check out Northwoods Nectar’s Facebook Page.

Address: 1426 Sly Brook Rd, Eagle Lake, ME 04739

Phone: (207) 231-2265

~Nicole Pelletier, Undiscovered Maine Project