New England is known for its vibrant kaleidoscope of Autumn color and tasty maple syrup. But how much do we really know about the iconic maple trees that bring joy to our eyes and stomachs?
This past summer, National Forest Foundation identified and engaged with a new partner, The Museum of the White Mountains at Plymouth State University. NFF’s New England Program Manager, Sarah Stanley, joined the Museum of the White Mountains back in August to moderate The State of Maple panel discussion, a riveting conversation between panelists who bring a unique maple experience to the table and answer complex questions about the beloved tree!
Museum of the White Mountains at Plymouth State University. Photo by Sarah Stanley.
Panelists for this discussion included: Steve Roberge, UNH Cooperative Extension’s Specialist in Forest Resources for the state and a New Hampshire licensed forester and sugarmaker; Ben Farina, Forest Silviculturist on the White Mountain National Forest; and Dave Fuller, owner of Fuller’s Sugar House in Lancaster, whose syrup has been judged not only as best in New Hampshire, but also best in North America.
The event produced a lively discussion guided by several key questions:
- How do you identify a maple tree, and what are its defining characteristics?
- What is silviculture?
- What are the differences between a sugar maple and a red maple?
- How large is NH’s maple syrup industry?
- In what ways has climate change impacted the maple tree species and maple syrup production?
If you’re interested in the answers to these questions and more, consider viewing or listening to a recording of this panel discussion!
Cover photo by Peggy Yaeger.
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Did you learn something new in this blog post? We hope so! The ecology that binds together everything on our National Forests is a fragile web, and we at the NFF are committed to doing all we can to ensure the healthiest forest ecology we can. To do so requires the support of caring individuals like you. Will you join us to ensure this critical work continues? Simply click here to join with thousands in this important work. Thank you!
