Maple Tapping Workshop with Branford Land Trust

Join Joe Orefice, the Director of Forest and Agricultural Operations at Yale Forests, as he leads you through the fascinating process of maple tapping. In this hands-on workshop, Joe will address the three essential questions around maple tapping: 1) When do I tap? 2) What trees do I tap? 3) How do I tap?

Agenda:

9 am — Registration and hellos
9:15 am — Introduction from the Branford Land Trust
9:30 am — When to tap maple trees for optimal sap yield
10:00 am — What maple trees to tap, including winter species identification
11:00 am — Best practices for sustainable maple tapping
11:45 am — Evaluations and wrap-up

Whether you’re an experienced syrup producer, you’re contemplating tapping the maple in your backyard, or you’re simply intrigued by the journey from tree to syrup, this workshop caters to all levels of interest. Joe’s engaging presentation style ensures an informative and enriching experience for anyone curious about the origins of maple syrup. Don’t miss this opportunity to sweeten your knowledge in the realm of maple tapping. 

About the Workshop Facilitators:

Joe Orefice
Joe Orefice is a lecturer and the Director of Forest & Agricultural Operations at the Forest School at the Yale School of the Environment. Before joining the Yale faculty in 2018, Joe served as Cornell University’s Northern New York Maple Specialist and Director of the Uihlein Maple Research Forest, where he managed a 5,500 tap production. In his current position, Joe oversees the management of over 10,000 acres of wooded land in Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Additionally, he operates a demonstration sugarbush at Yale-Myers Forest in northeastern Connecticut. In his public outreach work, he engages with communities across Connecticut, sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for maple syrup production. As a leader in his field, Joe brings a unique blend of scientific rigor and practical experience to his work. 

Shaylyn Austin
Shaylyn Austin is a recent graduate of the Master of Forestry program at the Yale School of the Environment. She currently serves as a research and extension fellow with Yale Forests, primarily focused on maple syrup production and education. Shaylyn brings a wealth of knowledge in ecological research and sustainable forest management to her role. Her passion lies in fostering connections within communities to promote the stewardship of thriving and resilient forests. Shaylyn will lead the tree ID portion of the workshop.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE USDA ACER ACCESS AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR SUPPORTING THIS WORKSHOP
 

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Shaylyn Austin

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