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Maple Sugaring: Myth, Magic, and Realities

Natural NH Winter Series

A humorous look at the dark-amber side of backyard maple sugaring at Meetinghouse Hill Tree Farm… or as Dave Anderson calls it, “my quest for the $15,000 pancake.” Registration Required.

Join Dave Anderson as he shares science, lore and some “dark-robust” stories from old-timers about all things maple. There will be syrup and pancakes for everyone to taste!

As a Forest Society educator, naturalist and writer, Dave Anderson has visited neighbors operating small local sugarhouses for years, hearing colorful stories (in colorful language) while learning over many maple seasons. The romance of backyard maple sugaring led him to construct a post & beam sugarhouse at Meetinghouse Hill Tree Farm in South Sutton from timber cut and milled on site, where they operate the old-fashioned way: gravity fed, wood-fired: a slow process. “Hey, we may be slow but we’re inefficient!” Dave and his family strive to improve their process and learn from experience as changing weather and new technology, and even climate change, affects their success – and the lack thereof. 

Dave Anderson is Sr. Director of Education for The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests responsible for design and delivery of statewide conservation and forestry education programs including field trips, hikes, tours, classes and presentations. Anderson’s monthly “Forest Journal” column appears in the statewide Union Leader / NH Sunday News. His quarterly “Nature’s View” columns are a regular feature in the Forest Society’s quarterly magazine, Forest Notes. Anderson is writer and co-host of the “Something Wild” feature on New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR). Anderson has delivered programs and field trips detailing forests, ecology, wildlife, forest management and land conservation in NH since 1990.

Maple syrup from Dave's farm will be available to buy after the talk: $10 for a pint and $20 for a quart (cash or check only). 

Registration Required. 

The Natural NH Winter Series is generously sponsored by our donors, who also coordinate and produce these events.  PTL is very thankful to them for their dedication to providing educational opportunities to our community in the areas of environmentalism and conservation.

This program is free and open to all. Please note that library parking is not guaranteed. Patrons who are able are encouraged to take advantage of Peterborough’s walkable downtown by parking in the Depot Square or Riverwalk lots. 

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