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 the implementation of intentional practices to build the resilience of the sugarbush. 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
- New for 2026! Resilient Sugarbush Management Micro-Credential: Experts from University of Maine Cooperative Extension, UMaine School of Forest Resources, and University of Vermont Extension have launched an asynchronous Level 1 course in Resilient Sugarbush Management, introducing sustainable practices for maple stands and awarding the first of three required badges.
- 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.
Resilient Sugarbush Management Micro-Credential
Maple and forestry experts from UMaine Extension, UMaine School of Forest Resources, and University of Vermont Extension have partnered to create a new learning opportunity for those interested in protecting maple stands, also known as the sugarbush.
The Resilient Sugarbush Management Micro-Credential is an introduction to sustainable sugarbush management, including how trees and sap flow work, causes of stress, and management systems and approaches that build forest resilience. Level 1 of this opportunity is now open and can be completed asynchronously. Enrolled students who complete this level’s modules will earn one of the three badges required to complete the Micro-Credential.
Course Fee: $25
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.
For more details and to enroll in the course, visit Resilient Sugarbush Management Level 1. The inaugural year of this course is subsidized for participants through the support of USDA ACER grant funding. If you need technical assistance with registration or if the cost poses a barrier, please email extension.brightspace@maine.edu.
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