"Sugaring" has a long history in North America. Native Americans were the first to teach European immigrants the secrets of boiling the sap of maple trees into sugar. For early settlers in the eastern US and Canada, maple sugar became an important cash crop and source of food.

Today, production of maple sugar (the solid "candy" made by boiling sap until crystals form) has given way to production of maple syrup, and the buckets and horse drawn sleds of years gone by have largely been replaced by plastic tubing to collect the sap. But, in many areas, a strong tradition of sugaring continues to be passed from generation to generation. In the Northeastern US and Eastern Canada this tradition, combined with an abundant maple resource and favorable weather for sap-flow (freezing nights and warm days during late winter), ensure maple sugaring will continue for many years to come.

Making Syrup in Your Own Backyard

Making maple syrup is a traditional Vermont activity which you can enjoy in your own backyard. To make your own syrup at home, follow these basic steps…(Backyard Sugaring)