Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise: From Sap, to Syrup, to Sales

Maple Sugaring 101, also known as Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise, is a 7-week hybrid program open to Maine youth ages 9 to 18 who are interested in learning about the entire maple sugaring process and how to create a commercial grade syrup. Participants will learn about forest management, tapping trees, transporting sap, using an evaporator, grading and storing syrup, and operating a maple sugaring business.

Each week, participants will learn about the process and connect with other young maple sugar makers through online meetings and in-person workshops led by University of Maine Cooperative Extension experts. Online meetings are scheduled for weekday evenings, 5pm-6pm on February 13, February 27, and March 13. On-site workshops will be held at participating sugarhouses at times available for sugarhouse hosts and volunteers.

This program will also prepare youth for a new Level 1 digital badge called Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise. Youth who complete the program will get free access to the learning modules to earn the digital badge.

Club leaders who would like to have their club participate in this program, please contact your Andrew Hudacs by Friday, February 7, 2025 (extended!): andrew.hudacs@maine.edu, 207.581.8204.

Youth who are interested in the program but are not a member of a participating club are welcome to register. Travel beyond their home county may be required to attend onsite sessions if a sugarhouse is not available locally.  Please contact andrew.hudacs@maine.edu, 207.581.8204 as soon as possible if you do not already have a host sugarhouse that are planning to visit for the program.

For more information, please visit the Maple Sugaring 101 webpage: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/annual-events/maple-sugaring-101/.