Scroll down to see all 4 events coming up this fall!
October 24: Sweet Opportunities: Tapping West Virginia’s Maple Resources Event:
This event is at the historic Anderson House in Franklin (460 High St) at 6pm on October 24, 2019. It’s primarily a social event to get community members and some of our maple syrup producers into the same room. Some maple-based treats will be provided, and it is hoped that there will be a few displays of old sugaring equipment and photos from our region (got any old photos or equipment to show off?). The cultural history of maple is a big selling point to our community. You could bring an important perspective into the room, and promote maple syrup locally. See and share the attached flyer below.
November 16 and 17, 2019 – Tree Sap and Syrup Production Workshop
The Virginia Tech Catawba Sustainability Center will host a field-based workshop focused on the needs of new and existing tree sap and syrup producers. Sessions will include tapping Black Walnut, hands-on workshop establishing tubing systems on a nearby maple stand, tour of local maple syrup operation, nontimber forest products income opportunities, and a working session on evaporator operation. A special session on marketing through farmers markets and other outlets will also be included. We also will be discussing the formation of a Virginia Syrup Producers Association.
Please contact Adam Taylor, Manager, Virginia Tech Catawba Sustainability Center, 5075 Catawba Creek Rd., Catawba, VA 24070 Phone: (540) 588-0283 Email: adamht@vt.edu
November 22 and 23, 2019 – The Southwest Virginia Tree Syrup School
We will begin at 3 PM Friday Nov. 22 with a tour of South Fork Farm near Pound, VA (maple syrup and molasses producer), followed by a pancake supper. On Saturday Nov. 23 from 9am to 5pm the workshop will be held at Oxbow Center, St. Paul, Virginia. There will be educational sessions for both beginning and experienced maple producers, including sessions on backyard tapping and syrup making, business expansion and sugar house requirements. There is a possibility of holding special session to discuss maple syrup beverages. CEUs for the Society of American Foresters’ Certified Forester program will be available.
For more information, please contact Phil Meeks, Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Virginia Cooperative Extension, P. O. Box 1156, Wise, Virginia 24293 Phone: (276) 328-6194 Email: pmeeks@vt.edu
Lake Erie Maple Expo: November 8 and 9, 2019
This is a reminder about the Lake Erie Maple Expo – a great event not too far from West Virginia. Please consider attending. See the attached Registration form: