For nearly 80 years, Great Mountain Forest (GMF) in Norfolk has been perfecting the art—and science—of maple sugaring. A New England pioneer in climate-smart forestry, GMF is not only known for its delicious maple syrup but also for being Connecticut’s first Bird Friendly Maple Syrup Producer, fostering habitats where wildlife thrives.
What makes GMF’s maple sugaring operation truly extraordinary is its 78-year-old Sap House diary—a treasure trove of meticulously recorded data. This remarkable log documents sap output, sugar content, syrup yields, weather patterns, migratory bird arrivals, and even the budding cycles of trees. This is a goldmine for climate and forest research, offering insights into everything from insect and disease patterns to the impacts of climate change on forestry. “This diary, spanning nearly eight decades, is an insightful window into the forest’s past,” says Mike Zarfos, GMF’s Executive Director. “It’s an invaluable resource for studying our changing climate, forest health, and syrup production.”
On Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23, join GMF for an up-close look at the magic of maple sugaring (pending the availability of sap). Visitors should call ahead 860-542-5422 to confirm the sugarhouse at 201 Windrow Road in Norfolk is open. Weekday visits and school trips may also be available depending on sap flow. To set up a school trip email info@greatmountainforest.org. Meet the foresters, learn about the science behind sap production, and don’t forget to grab a bottle of their “forest – to- table” maple syrup while you are there.
If the sugarhouse isn’t open, don’t worry! Head to the Icebox Café at 10 Station Place during the Winter Weekend in Norfolk celebration for a pancake breakfast featuring GMF’s maple syrup. Served on February 22 and 23, from 7 AM to 2 PM, it’s the perfect pairing of light, fluffy pancakes and syrup straight from the forest. Afterward, join naturalist Andy Dobos for Wildlife Track Identification at GMF on February 23 from 10 AM to 1 PM. Participants will discover the stories left behind by local wildlife in the snow and enjoy an immersive outdoor experience.
Indulging in GMF’s maple syrup is more than a culinary experience—it’s a sustainable, health-conscious choice. With a lower glycemic index than processed sugar and packed with nutrients, GMF’s syrup is as wholesome as it is delicious. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore a tradition that blends history, cutting-edge research, and environmental stewardship.
About Great Mountain Forest
Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship. For more than a century, we have been demonstrating how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we are spreading the benefits of sustainable management so that communities across New England derive educational, economic, recreational and health benefits from their forests—now and well into the future. GMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit encompassing 6,200 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village Connecticut.
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