How do you celebrate spring? To me, March is all things maple so I recently paid a visit to Uihlein Sugar Maple Field Station in Lake Placid, NY to see how this year’s North Country sugaring season is going. Very well, according to Adam, our knowledgeable and personable guide.

Established in 1965, this off-the-beaten path but definitely worth visiting site is an “outdoor laboratory” where research on the health and management of maple trees is conducted and seasonal maple production (collection) and syrup processing in the sugar shack occurs. The tour is free, educational, and takes about an hour.

Afterwards, stock up on maple products in their store and do a “taste test” with different kinds of syrups. Try the birch, it’s an unexpected flavor and would be a great addition to your pantry!

It’s fascinating to see how sugaring has evolved with improved technology, while still retaining the old-fashioned quality that makes it appealing to all ages. A favorite part of Uihlein was my Laura Ingalls Wilder moment when I finally got to taste maple sugar candy made on snow!

March 25-26 is the last Maple Weekend of 2023 so find a nearby forest and check it out! https://mapleweekend.nysmaple.com/maple-weekend/