Monroe County Master Gardener Association

Don’t let the long title of this book discourage you from taking a look at the amazing material inside. The front cover draws you in with a photo of trees in a snowy landscape with sap buckets attached, this shares the space with a shot of glowing translucent jars of syrup, topped by a trio of desserts decorated with a pastry maple leaf ! The author, Michael Farrell states that this book is written primarily for those interested in actual syrup production and those doing it for a hobby might prefer a more concise guide. If you want to start production, be sure to read one of the first chapters , “Is Sugaring for You?”. Others chapters are devoted to topics such as sugarhouse design and construction , gathering techniques, marketing , etc. One that may be of special interest is Chapter 4, entitled, “An Untapped Resource.. Sap Producing Trees of North America “ this is where the reader may be surprised to learn that a wide variety of maples, as well as black walnut trees produce sap !
Even if you are not interested in “making sugar” any gardener or landowner will enjoy the abundance of photographs , the detailed directions , the trivia and other information including the locations of syrup companies located in Michigan and Ohio .
The author, Michael Farrell is on the staff at Cornell University He currently serves as Director of the Uihlein Forest- Cornell`s Sugar Maple Research & Extension Field Station in Lake Placid, NY .