Success StoryKentucky Maple School Goes Virtual in 2020



Kentucky Maple School Goes Virtual in 2020

Author: Shad Baker

Planning Unit: Letcher County CES

Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

Plan of Work: AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT--2020

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The fourth annual Kentucky Maple School, hosted by the UK Cooperative Extension Service agents and specialists, was transitioned to a virtual format to insure public safety while continuing to advance Kentucky's developing maple syrup industry. Agriculture & Natural Resources agents, Shad Baker and Jeremy Williams, worked with the UK Forestry Department to coordinate the technical components, advertise the meeting, and recruit the speakers. Topics included growing your operation from 25 to 125,000 taps, taught by Glen Goodrich, the 6th largest maple producer in the US, syrups from other trees, taught by Kate Fotos of Future Generations University, and value-added products, taught by Ben McKenney, a 3rd generation maple producer from Maine. Nearly 90 participants joined the virtual sessions and more have watched the recording hosted by UK Forestry. Participants verbally reported plans to expand their operations, despite the difficulties of the pandemic.






Stories by Shad Baker


A Tourism Economy Catalyst

about 3 years ago by Shad Baker

Only precious few projects can claim humble origins with large, unanticipated outcomes. Twenty-two y... Read More


Pandemic Therapy

about 3 years ago by Shad Baker

The confinement and stress associated with travel restrictions, familial isolation and lack of perso... Read More


Stories by Letcher County CES


A Tourism Economy Catalyst

about 3 years ago by Shad Baker

Only precious few projects can claim humble origins with large, unanticipated outcomes. Twenty-two y... Read More


Pandemic Therapy

about 3 years ago by Shad Baker

The confinement and stress associated with travel restrictions, familial isolation and lack of perso... Read More


Stories by Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization


From the Woods

From the Woods

about 3 years ago by William Thomas

The University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources launched the live From the W... Read More


Virtual Woodland Owners Short Course

Virtual Woodland Owners Short Course

about 3 years ago by William Thomas

Families own over 75% of the 12.3 million acres of woodlands in Kentucky. Unfortunately, these famil... Read More