Course Description: Interested in the sustainable use of an “untapped” forest resource? Interested in income generation and entrepreneurship? This certificate course in Maple Sap Collection and Syrup Processing will lead you along your way to joining the growing sap and syrup industry in West Virginia!

The Maple Sap and Syrup Collection Certificate Course combines field experience with online instruction and mentoring.

Field Work: The first field learning session will be November 30th-December 2nd in the Charleston area (field work at Ronk Family Farm). There may be a second session further north in the state contingent upon high enrollment. You only need to attend one session.Instruction to include:

• Evaluating your woods for sap production• Setting up collection systems• Evaporation to make syrup

Online: Online instruction consists of weekly 2-hour video conferencing sessions from December 13, 2018-January 17, 2019.

Instruction to include:

• Readings and assignments from the text, Maple Syrup: An Introduction to the Science of a Forest Treasure

Mentorship Program: Arranged with local maple syrup producer. You will spend four 3-hour sessions during the sugaring season with your mentor:

• Tapping out• Running an evaporator• Bottling and labeling product• Cleanup and pulling taps at the end

of the season

Maple Sap Collection & Syrup Processing2-credit hour Certificate Course

Future Generations University

Course Fee: Variable depending on housing needs during the residential, and whether you are taking for credit or non-credit. This course is eligible for scholarship funding for qualified veterans (see registration website for details).

Suggested Introductory Seminars

Future Generations University, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture’s Veterans and Warriors to Agriculture Program, and the West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers Association are offering introductory maple seminars this fall.

Presented by Members of the WVMSPA with support from Future Generations Professor Dr. Mike Rechlin, author of Maple Syrup: An Introduction to the Science of a Forest Treasure.

The seminars will cover the following topics:

• Maple Syrup in West Virginia• Maple: The Science Behind the Sweetness (field session)• Backyard Sugaring: How Everyone Can Make Maple Syrup• Doing It! Field Practice Session

For more information or to register: call: 304-358-2000 web: www.future.edu/maple

Seminar Schedule:

• November 12th, 6:30-9:30pm- Bluefield, WV• November 17th, 12:30-4:30pm- Hurricane, WV• November 17th, 9:00-3:00pm- Wise, VA• November 17th, 12:30-4:30pm- Hillsboro, WV• November 26th, 6:00-9:00pm- Moorefield, WV• November 29th, 6:00-9:00pm- Wheeling, WV

Free and open to anyone!