Tag: #maplesugar

Great Mountain Forest Opens Sugarhouse for Maple Sugaring Day March 22, 2026

On Sunday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Great Mountain Forest invites the community to experience the art and science of maple sugaring at its sugarhouse on 201 Windrow Road. Visitors can meet GMF foresters, learn how sap becomes syrup, and take home a bottle of the forest’s acclaimed “forest-to-table” maple syrup.

For more than 80 years, Great Mountain Forest has combined maple sugaring with research and sustainable forestry. Its sugarbushes not only produce high-quality syrup but also support wildlife habitat for migratory birds. As Connecticut’s first bird-friendly maple syrup producer, GMF exemplifies how healthy forests can benefit both syrup enthusiasts and native wildlife.

Maintaining healthy sugarbush forests is more important now than ever as warming temperatures and shifting weather patterns challenge maple trees and the species that depend on them. This year, GMF is at the forefront of a new research initiative studying how sugarbush stands support early-season pollinators—an essential part of the regional ecosystem.

A unique feature of GMF’s sugaring program is its Sap House diary, a record kept for over 80 years that tracks sap production, syrup yields, weather patterns, migratory bird arrivals, and tree budding cycles. Executive Director Mike Zarfos calls it “an insightful window into the forest’s past and an invaluable resource for studying our changing climate, forest health, and syrup production.” It offers crucial, long-term data on climate change impacts, forest health, and the intricate relationship between trees and wildlife.

Location: Great Mountain Forest Sugarhouse, 201 Windrow Road, Norfolk, CT
Time: Sunday, March 22, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

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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Pour Sustainability on Your Pancakes Experience the Sweet Magic of Bird Friendly Maple Syrup at GMF

For nearly 80 years, Great Mountain Forest (GMF) has been perfecting the craft of maple sugaring, blending tradition with innovation. Nestled in the heart of Norfolk, Connecticut, GMF is a pioneer in climate-smart forestry and the proud producer of the state’s first Bird Friendly Maple Syrup – a National Audubon program. This isn’t your ordinary syrup; it’s a testament to sustainable forestry, thriving wildlife habitats, and the beauty of a balanced ecosystem.

On Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., GMF invites you to experience the magic of maple sugaring at their saphouse, located at 201 Windrow Road in Norfolk. This event is far more than just a visit; it’s an immersive adventure into the art and science of syrup production. From sap collection to the boiling process, you’ll about the whole process. Plus, you’ll have the chance to meet expert foresters and educators who will guide you through the fascinating science behind syrup production. And the best part? Sampling the warm, delectable syrup made right before you—a taste of GMF’s forest to table craftsmanship!

What truly sets GMF apart is its 78-year-old Sap House diary, a one-of-a-kind log that meticulously records data on sap output, sugar content, syrup yields, weather patterns, migratory bird arrivals, and tree budding cycles. This treasure trove of information doesn’t just support syrup production—it inspires research on climate change and forest health. By visiting the sugarhouse, you’ll witness this perfect blend of tradition and long term nature observation in action.

While you’re there, don’t miss the opportunity to bring home a bottle of Connecticut’s finest maple syrup—a product deeply connected to nature’s rhythm. With every spoonful, you’ll taste the dedication that goes into making this amber liquid, from cold nights and warm days to overcoming challenges like climate change, acid rain, and land use history. Your purchase isn’t just a delicious indulgence; it supports GMF’s mission of sustainability and forest stewardship.

Can’t make it on March 15? The sugarhouse welcomes visitors on weekdays and school groups, depending on sap availability. Just call ahead at 860-542-5422 to confirm if the operation is in full swing. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique tradition.

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.

JanetLeave a comment