From Sapsquatch: Maple Sugaring season has started

Josh Dolan, Founder and Head Sugarmaker at Sapsquatch Pure Maple Syrup, sent us this update:

"We are up and running for our earliest maple sugaring season ever. Our first boil last year was February 2^nd. This year's was January 30^th! All signs are pointing to a pretty good season this year. The weather has been cold and wet, so there should be some significant sap running over the next several weeks. If you are thinking about tapping yourself and haven't done so yet, now is a good time.

We will be boiling regularly between now and the end of the season, and I like to post on Facebook when we are out at the shack.  Friends and newcomers are always welcome.  Please contact Josh for more info or to schedule a private tour (free for CSA member's, $10/group) at sapsquatch7@gmail.com."

And, more info from Josh:

CSA sales – For the past few years, Sapsquatch has been growing our business, and our CSA is a way to help us out at the beginning of the season and reserve your gallon.  For $80, you get 1 gallon of your favorite grade in a gallon jug or 4 quarts.  For an additional $20 we can ship OR put your gallon and a grade sampler in container sizes of your choosing (for pick up only).  Place your order via email at sapquatch7@gmail.com or by phone at (607)280-8498. 

Enfield Sugarmakers Club – This year we are teaming up with Enfield's afterschool for an 8 week maple sugar program.  Every Thursday starting February 7^th, middle school kids will learn the ropes, tap trees, sled wood and sap to the sugarshack and see a boil in progress.  At the end of the season, they will also learn to identify native plants as they emerge from the freshly thawed soil.  New Roots Farm-to-School club and GIAC Conservation Corps are also tentatively scheduled for regular programming at the sugarbush. 

Brooklyn High School Service Learning trip – on March 6^th, 15-16 high-schoolers from Brooklyn will visit the sugarbush, help get the fire started, try their hand at chopping wood, and begin construction on a new bridge over Sapsquatch Creek.  The will also visit several area farms, universities and other educational attractions over course of the week. 

NY Maple Weekends – Sapsquatch will host an open house on the last two weekends of March, 23-24 and 30-31 from 12pm-5pm.  Swing by and pick up your syrup, see the evaporator in action (depending on the weather) and take a walk in our 25 acre sugarbush.  Check Facebook for evening activities https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sapsquatch-pure-maple-syrup/41901318258?fref=ts  We will also be selling syrup at the Cayuga Nature Center's annual open house and pancake breakfast on March 23 and 24.