Wild Center

Growing up thinking flavored syrup was pure, Stephanie felt there was a maple disconnect in the Adirondacks. Limited to just one maple tree, The Wild Center provides education and encourages backyard tapping, bringing the community together and rekindling a lost tradition.

A fan of rich and dark maple syrup, Rick’s eyes were opened when he was able to try a variety of different syrup grades. The darkest and most eagerly anticipated cup turned out to be the worst-- imitation syrup. 

In the wake of their son’s death, Jack and his wife decided to start producing maple syrup as a distraction. For them it is not about the profit, but rather a labor of love and something their son would have been proud of. 

Jim’s first experience with maple sugaring, when he was just four, has stuck with him for more than 70 years. Now he participates in The Wild Center’s community maple project so that he can send his nine kids a taste of home. 

Stephanie’s kids had ever only seen white eggs, until she decided to teach them the truth, some eggs are green and food is dirty. Together, they started a garden and tapped their maple trees to learn where their food comes from and have fun in the process. 

Growing up and picking blueberries with her Gram, Gail learned to appreciate the taste of nature. Now she can appreciate the hard work that goes into maple syrup production and may try her own hand at it to get a taste of heaven. 

For Jen, maple sugaring is all about the experience. The long day full of different sounds, smells, and friends, all sharing in the joy and camaraderie that is maple. 

Josh is the youngest maple producer in the state, growing his business from a homemade sugar shack into a full operation in just five years.

An expert in the maple field, Mike encourages us to take advantage of our maple resources and use them to their full potential so that more people can experience the extraordinary gift of maple syrup. 

Growing up in the Adirondacks, Paul took nature for granted, until he realized what he was missing. Now, even though he only has one maple tree, he participates in The Wild Center’s community project because every little bit counts. 

Growing up, Rob never noticed the colors in the syrup on his pancakes. Now, more connected to the land and trees his syrup comes from, he takes note of every distinct tone and hue, and looks forward to sharing these colors with his son.