2024 OREGON
BIGLEAF MAPLE FIELD DAY

[Oregon City] The Oregon Maple Project is teaming up with Forests Forever Inc., OSU Extension, and OSU College of Forestry to host a first-of-its-kind Bigleaf Maple Field Day at the Hopkins Demonstration Forest. Registration is now open for the May 18 event.

“When most people think of handmade maple syrup, East Coast Sugar Maple trees (Acer saccharum) come to mind. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we have an exciting and emerging market for Bigleaf Maple syrup,” shared Melanie Douville, Oregon Maple Project Program Coordinator. “Compared to its Sugar Maple cousin, Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) has about half of the naturally occurring sugar in its sap. We have to work extra hard for the taste, as it takes approximately 100 gallons of sap to produce 1 gallon of syrup. However, the effort is well worth it! Bigleaf Maple syrup has been described as the espresso of syrups, with a rich, complex flavor reminiscent of the temperate rainforests these native trees thrive in.”

The Bigleaf Maple Field Day will include a variety of learning stations throughout the forest property. Hopkins Demonstration Forest is located in Beavercreek on 120 acres of sustainably managed forestland, including a “sugarbush” of 30 tapped Bigleaf Maple trees.

Field day participants will visit Hopkins Bigleaf Maple sugarbush to discover the process of harvesting sap and the benefits of managing a forest with maple trees. Attendees will also learn about the tools, equipment, and best practices for making maple syrup (with a variety of local samples to try!) Looking beyond maple syrup, a learning station will be dedicated to other Bigleaf “possibilities”, including wood products like spoons, bowls, walking sticks, and more.

After the educational programs, everyone will gather for a breakfast-for-lunch featuring pancakes and waffles. As a bonus, each adult attendee will receive their own bottle of local Bigleaf Maple syrup ($20 value) to enjoy at the meal or take home!

Whether you’re a small woodland owner looking to start tapping your maple trees, a maple syrup lover, or a wild food enthusiast – the Bigleaf Maple Field Day will have something for you.

Advanced registration is required, there will be no day-of registration. Attendance is $50 for general admission, $10 for youth 12 and under. Admission includes lunch and activities, plus a 5-ounce bottle of Bigleaf Maple syrup. For registration information, visit https://tinyurl.com/maple-field-day-24.

For any questions please contact Melanie, Program Coordinator, at melanie@oregonmapleproject.org.

Details: Bigleaf Maple Field Day – Celebrating Oregon’s Native Maples

Registration Required: https://tinyurl.com/maple-field-day-24

Date and time: Saturday, May 18, 2024, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Location: Hopkins Demonstration Forest, 16750 S Brockway Rd, Oregon City, OR

Cost: General Admission $50, Youth (12 and under) $10

Printable PDF

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Oregon Maple Project Background: The mission of the Oregon Maple Project is to inspire experiential learning, community partnership, and connection to nature through local production of Bigleaf Maple syrup. At the Oregon Maple Project we make syrup in order to connect with one another and with the natural world. We find magic in the process. Sugaring is rich in science, math, mythology, poetry, history, and community, and we are always learning while making. We relish working hard outdoors together, witnessing the first surge of spring, and creating a pure product from the land with our hands. Sugaring helps us remember the essential: the Earth abounds with gifts that nourish us in all ways. Let us respond with gratitude and respect. The Oregon Maple Project is committed to providing children and adults of diverse backgrounds with learning and community-building experiences in nature.

Visuals – Download photo here –

https://oregonstate.box.com/s/5m0ysv5r8skcn4p0z7feqfkcjf2yf9a4