by Emma Scudder, Food and Farm Educator
A few weeks ago, I participated in a conference about climate change effects on maple sugaring. The gathering brought maple producers from all of the northeastern states, and even folks from the Midwest together to talk anecdotally and scientifically about the effects our changing climate has had and will have on maple sugaring.
The discussion centered around effects on maple tree population, maple tree health, tapping
season, and sap quality. Each of these areas has been studied in relation to climate change.
Studies found that maple tree population is steady, or even increasing in the present, but are
shown to decline in future projections. Maple sapling populations and health are currently a concern.
Additionally, studies on the tapping season show that the season is generally getting earlier and shorter, with more erratic conditions causing less sap flow days. This, in turn, is having an effect on the quality of the sap. For example, one NH maple producer found that their sap is 53% less sweet now than it was in 1970.
Many of the maple producers participating had their own anecdotes to share about how their
operation has been effected by climate change. But the conversation wasn’t all discouraging!
The producers who came together discussed opportunities to build a network to
share ideas and support one another. Here at Drumlin, Sarah L., who will be heading
up the maple sugaring this year, and I plan to start collecting data that might help understand
this issue as it relates to our own operation.
Interested upcoming sugaring programs at the farm? Check out Backyard Sugaring, Maple Magic, and Sip Some Sap!