The Great Maple Syrup Caper of 2012 brought worldwide attention to a little known major industry. Quebec, which produces up to 80 percent of the world’s maple syrup, was reputed to have 10 million pounds–valued at $30 million– of the golden liquid in the warehouse that was hit. The New York Maple industry isn’t yet on that scale, but it could be someday if Mike Farrell, director of the Cornell University Uihlein Maple Forest and Extension Center at Lake Placid, NY, has anything to say about it.
On a crisp spring day in late April, as the maple sugar tapping season was coming to an end, Mike Farrell introduced us to Heaven Hill Farm and the Cornell Maple Program as part of a familiarization tour to experience Lake Placid, “America’s Greenest Destination.” Our visit began at the turn-of-the century sugar shack once owned by Henry Uihleim and his wife, Mildred, on land that became known as Heaven Hill Farm.
At one time, this was a 10,000 tap operation, drawing sap from over 5000 trees. But in 1965, Henry Uihleim turned over his business and 200 acres to Cornell University. Now with more than 3,800 taps over 240 acres, the Uihlein Sugar Maple Field Station is the largest acreage in the world devoted to sugar maple research and extension.
The machines were turned off when we visited. However, traditional methods of converting sap to syrup can be seen at the sugar shack when New York State Maple Producers Association presents Maple Weekends, traditionally the third and fourth weekends of March. (You can see it in action in this Instructional Maple Syrup Video.)
Our group resumed the tour down the road at the Uihleim Sugar Maple Research Extension Field Station where large-scale modern machinery operated at full-throttle reducing sap to syrup.
But to begin to understand the scale of advancement in the maple syrup industry, you have to see the maple trees. We followed Mike into the forest, where we saw an old metal sap bucket juxtaposed next to the new plastic bag system.
We were particularly impressed by the maze of plastic tubing used to collect sap from thousands of trees.
It is no coincidence that the maple program is located in Lake Placid, a popular tourist destination. “We want to use people’s love of maple as leverage to teach them broader environmental education concepts,” says Barbara Knuth, speaking as chair of the Department of Natural Resources in which the Maple Program resides. “The program offers a way to show how a healthy stand of maple trees contributes to a healthy forest landscape and the importance of that landscape as a natural resource for the state.”
The current value of Northern New York’s maple industry is more than $5.5 million, and yet a vast resource of sugar maple trees are untapped. A number of initiatives are under way to encourage greater maple syrup production including research on better seedlings, tree lease agreements, and the development of new maple sap products–even tapping alternative trees such as birch.
Even if you have visited sugaring operations before, it’s well-worth visiting this one. You will learn a lot about the science behind the “fastest growing agricultural economy in the United States.” Call to arrange a guided tour, or drop in for a self-guided tour, any time of year–not just during tapping season. And carry cash, the self-serve maple products cabinet is available anytime on the honor system.
Find It!
Cornell University-Uihlien Forest157 Bear Cub Lane, Lake Placid
518-523-9337
Call ahead to arrange a guided tour. For more information, visit the website here. To order Syrup, which helps support research and education, see the online ordering sheet. Heaven Hill Farm
302 Bear Cub Lane, Lake Placid
518-524-0240
Want to learn more about the New York Maple Industry?
- “Maple Syrup, More than Hanging a Bucket on a Tree” (2005 Cornell Publication)
- Maple Syrup in the Capital Region: Get Ready for Sugaring!
- Sweet Springtime: Sugaring Season in the Adirondacks
- Day Trip to the Adirondack Museum
- Things That Go Bump In The Night at the Farmer’s Museum
- Ioka Valley Farm Maple Goodness: Maple Syrup Tasting, Sugar House & Pancake Breakfast Calf-A
Planning a visit to Lake Placid? Check our Adirondacks Guide for recommendations on lodging, food, things to do. Some of our favorite things to do with kids in the Adirondacks:
- Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum and the Olympic Center: Where Miracles Happen (Lake Placid)
- High Falls Gorge, Stunning Adirondacks Waterfall (Lake Placid)
- Cloudsplitter Gondola: Whiteface Without the White (Lake Placid)
- Dig This! Rockhounding in New York
- Go On a Birding Family Adventure in the Adirondacks (Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center near Saranac Lake)
- Day Trip to the Adirondack Museum (Blue Mountain Lake)
Disclosure – This visit was arranged as part of a fam tour to Lake Placid that included meals and accommodations at the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort.