Kentucky has a large and increasing number of maple trees in our woodlands. These trees have been viewed by the industry as "less than" because their timber value is lower than that of hardwood oaks. But is timber the whole story? Most economic experts will tell you that communities and landowners should work with what they have rather than attempting to obtain what they do not have. Non-timber forest products should not be ignored.

In order to promote awareness of the potential value of maple syrup and to provide educational opportunities to prospective and active producers, the Letcher County Extension Office worked with the UK Forestry Department specialists, select speakers recruited from other states, county agricultural agents and the Kentucky Maple Syrup Association to host the 6th Annual Kentucky Maple School at the Forestry Outreach Center of Berea College.

Over 80 participants learned about sap collection, storage and sanitation, tubing systems and reverse osmosis, boiling and finishing sap, and value-added maple products. Responses on post-school surveys revealed 

As a result of the school, nine attendees enrolled in the maple tour of Virginia and West Virginia to increase their maple marketing skills. Four maple operations reported utilizing timberstand improvement in the management of their maple stand/sugar bush. Producers in attendance reported planning to install 5200+ taps for the upcoming season, a significant increase year-over-year. Participants also requested future programming on tubing systems, classes for complete beginners, and value-added options and appreciated the networking opportunities.