The USU Extension Carbon County is hosting another Maple Tapping Workshop this year for individuals interested in this technique. Castle County Radio was able to sit down with Extension Assistant Professor, Steven Price to discuss all the details.

Last year was the first time this type of course was offered and the response was phenomenal. “We didn’t really expect so much interest since it’s kind of the first year we had done it. Also, most people don’t really think of Utah when they think of maple syrup production. So yea the interest was really cool so we’re coming back again this year to let people get on if they missed last year,” stated Price. This course will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the USU Extension Classroom inside the Carbon County Administration Building on 751 East 100 North in Price.

Many folks may think that we don’t have maple trees in our area but we have different types that can produce. “So most commonly we have a lot of ornamental Norway Maples that are planted in people’s yards. A lot of people around have Box Elder – so Box Elder trees are actually a type of Maple tree, species of Maple. We also have Rocky Mountain Maple, there’s even a few other outside of Maple trees that are tappable that you can get usable product from like Sycamore,” explained Price. Those that attend the course will become more familiar with the different types of trees that grow in our area.

All the equipment needed for tapping is handed out upon completion of the course. “So we will actually give you a bag system or a bucket system that you get to take home with you from completing the workshop. Then will talk about kind of the history of Maple tapping. We will talk about different products that you can get from Maple, of course your identification is pretty important too to make sure you aren’t tapping into a tree that’s not going to give you something,” said Price. They will also discuss processing and different ways to use the product that you gather from tapping.

There is no cost to register for the course it is free but you do need to register. “So contact the Carbon County Extension Office and we can get you signed up that way. You can also go on https://www.eventbrite.com/ to sign up or you can use the registration link bit.ly/carbonmaple23 Contact us however you need to and we’ll get you signed up,” said Price. The Carbon County Extension can be reached at (435) 636-3233 or swing by their office at 751 East 100 North in Price.