Sugaring Collective
From the indigenous sugaring camps of the Anishinaabe to the sugar shack gatherings of springtime Vermont, making maple syrup has always been a community venture - a chance to gather, give thanks, and find nourishment in nature during the sparest months of the year. Support of community sugaring is central to the mission of the Oregon Maple Project. So we invite you to join our Sugaring Collective for the upcoming season! See registration below.
WHAT: Our Sugaring Collective is comprised of individuals and families in NW Oregon who have access to Bigleaf Maples for tapping and an interest in learning how to make delicious local syrup. The Oregon Maple Project provides training, equipment, and mentorship throughout the winter. In early spring we combine our sap in the Oregon Maple Project evaporator, boiling Bigleaf syrup together at our community sugaring party. Members of our Sugaring Collective pay $200 to participate, receiving start-up equipment, plus support and opportunities to boil throughout the sugaring season. Each member will also receive a percentage of the Bigleaf Maple syrup crop equal to their sap harvest.
WHEN: We start tapping in late November; collect sap and boil batches of syrup all the way through February; and gather for our final sugaring party on March 14. Members of the Sugaring Collective follow best practices - harvesting, filtering, and freezing sap from their maples daily throughout the winter.
WHERE: The Sugaring Collective orientation, all boils, and the final community sugaring party are held at our sugarhouse in Camp Colton. Sap harvesting happens on members' personal property. If you are interested in enhancing your experience, consider spending a night at Camp C0lton! Reserve lodging here.
