Cooperative Extension: Maple Syrup Production

Sugarbush Management

The sugarbush—the stand of maple trees that are tapped for sap collection—is the heart of the maple industry. The health of that central resource is susceptible to extreme weather, new pests, and unintentional damage from management practices (soil compaction, logging wounds, loss of diversity, etc.).

As managers, the future of our industry depends on implementing intentional practices to build the sugarbush’s resilience. This includes assessing site-specific risks, creating intentional sap collection approaches, and implementing site-specific science-based forest management approaches (i.e., silviculture) to achieve ecological and economic goals.

In collaboration with other leaders in the field, the UMaine Extension is working to expand resources to support resilient sugarbush management.

Learn More about Sugarbush Management

• Cornell University Small Farms Blog: Maintaining a Healthy Sugarbush
• University of Vermont Proctor Maple Research Center Video Playlist (YouTube)
• Audubon Bird-Friendly Maple Program: Supports and recognizes maple producers who manage their sugarbush for diversity and bird habitat.

• New for 2026! Resilient Sugarbush Management Micro-Credential, Level 1: UMaine Extension, UMaine School of Forest Resources, and University of Vermont Extension offer a new Micro-Credential for those interested in protecting maple stands (sugarbushes). It covers sustainable management, including tree biology, sap flow, stress factors, and resilient management approaches. Level 1 is now open and fully asynchronous; completing its modules earns one of the three badges required for the full Micro-Credential.
  • Course Fee: $25 (inaugural year subsidized through USDA ACER grant funding)
  • Support: If you need technical assistance or the cost poses a barrier, email Extension.Brightspace@maine.edu
  • Outcome: Verifies skills to develop and implement a sustainable sugarbush management plan—ideal for resumes and showcasing resource management expertise.
  • Accreditation: Meets UMaine System Quality Standards and is verified by UMaine Extension, UMaine School of Forest Resources, and University of Vermont Extension.
  • Continuing Forestry Education Credits: Completion of the course offers 9 CFE-credits of Category 1 (Society of American Foresters). If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Christopher.Liazos@uvm.edu.

Details and to Enroll: Resilient Sugarbush Management Level 1

This Micro-Credential, and the three badges that build up to it, verify that the learner has the skills to both develop and implement a sustainable sugarbush management plan, making it a perfect addition to resumes and for those looking to highlight their resource management skills. This Micro-Credential meets the UMaine System Quality Standards and is verified by UMaine Extension, UMaine School of Forest Resources, and University of Vermont Extension. This course is also eligible for Continuing Forestry Education (CFE) credits. Completion of the course offers 9 CFE-credits of Category 1 (Society of American Foresters).

Micro-Credentials: How It Works

Contact

For more information or to discuss your maple needs, contact:

Jason Lilley,
Assistant Extension Professor of Sustainable Agriculture and Maple Industry Educator at email
jason.lilley@maine.edu

75 Clearwater Drive, Suite 104
Falmouth, Maine 04105
207.781.6099

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Sponsored by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture