Bigleaf maple syrup workshop teaches woodland owners to create local treat

Maple leafThe Pacific Northwest’s native bigleaf maple trees harbor one of the region’s best-kept secrets. They produce an exquisite syrup that rivals anything the eastern U.S. or Canada has to offer—imagine a rich, buttery maple flavor with a hint of vanilla.

Forestry experts from Washington State University Extension and Skagit County will help forest property owners learn how to produce this delicious treat at a workshop, 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Concrete Community Center in Concrete, Wash.

A setup for boiling maple syrupThe workshop helps forest property owners begin the sugaring process for their maple trees. It covers all basics from the trees to the breakfast table, and includes hands-on demonstrations and a field trip to see the process in action.

Topics include bigleaf maple silviculture, site and weather conditions, supplies and materials, sap collection, and boiling and finishing the syrup.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Cost is $40 per person.

To learn more, register, and get a complete list of workshop topics, visit http://forestry.wsu.edu/nps/events/maplesyrup/ or contact WSU Extension Forestry at 425-357-6023.