Early spring is a great time to plant trees. With that in mind, you might consider planting a windbreak. Rows of trees and shrubs can shelter your house and garden from winter winds and summer sun. Early settlers knew the value of dense wind-busting evergreens planted north and west of their yards and deciduous shade trees planted in the south and east areas. Their wisdom holds true today as well. A good windbreak can substantially reduce energy costs for heating in winter and cooling in summer. Slowing the wind can help create microclimates in our yard, making it possible for us to push the plant hardiness zones.

Ideally, we want to slow the wind speeds by half. This will keep good air circulation even during the coldest months. Solid walls, houses etc. can increase wind turbulence and create swirling eddies that reduce snow accumulation. If we can slow the wind the benefits are many, reduction of erosion, a decrease in moisture loss from soil and foliage, and the ability to grow a wider range of plant material. Fencing material can help reduce wind but planting trees is more ecologically sound and nicer to look at.

In small gardens a single row of trees will make a windbreak. On larger properties, double or triple rows of plants with evergreen shrubs planted on the wind side backed with tall conifers will create a ramp to funnel the wind up and over the windbreak. A windbreak will reduce wind speed on the leeward side 10 times its height (thus an 8 foot windbreak will protect plants up to a distance of 80 feet). Winds tend to slip around the edges of the row so if you want the best protection, plant a right-angled windbreak with trees to the north and the west. Spruce, pine and cedar trees make very good windbreaks. Junipers, mugo pine, dwarf hemlock and cedars are good shrub choices. A mixture of evergreens will enhance your property and provide habitat for birds and small animals.

Shade is important in summer, so trees with large canopies are valuable. Pioneers often planted an apple orchard to the south east of their home, providing food and beauty. Lilacs were a staple of farmsteads. Deciduous plants provide shade in the heat of summer, and make it seem at least 10 degrees cooler . In winter, the leaves are gone, allowing the sun to penetrate. Some interesting plants to consider for summer shade are birch, locust, small maples, apple, Russian olive, viburnums, and elders.

A quote I saw recently says “The best time to plant a windbreak is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

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The Frontenac Cattlemen Association welcomed their Stormont counterparts Saturday April 22 for a presentation by two local Cattle breeders, Dave Perry of Perry Maine-Anjou Farm, near Yarker, and DJ Cooke of Otter Creek Farm, which hosted the event. Lunch was provided by Kim Perry at Food Less Traveled in Verona.

Of note were Perry's Maine-Anjou stock, as well as some Speckle Park,a breed out of Saskatchewan and one of few breeds developed in Canada,along with Cooke's Wagyu cattle, a Japanese breed that remains a rarity in North America.

The Maine-Anjou, according to Perry, are a breed prized for its fastgrowth and docile disposition.  The disposition, he explains, helps it grow at a steadier rate than a more skittish breed, which may beslower to take on weight.

With roughly 130 head on his farm, Perry sells most of his meat through the aforementioned family store in Verona, which has been in operation for a decade now. Cattle from the farm are also shown
frequently at fairs in the region.

Perry notes that with changes in consumer preference, he has shifted his practices in recent years to a strictly grass and hay diet, and has been marketing the beef as Grass Finished. While grass-fed cows tends to lack the levels of fat content of a corn or barley diet, the response from customers to the leaner beef has been positive. The farm also raises a small number of grain-finished cattle for those who prefer a sweeter, fattier meat.

Otter Creek is a more recent addition to the region (established in stages over the past few years, starting with the first of the cattle in 2013). Cooke, who owns the operation, grew up on a farm where Limousin cattle were raised. He took an interest in Wagyu - which has its origins in the region of Kobe, Japan - and spent a month there learning from local farmers. All of the genetics of his herd trace back to Kobe. He began by breeding Wagyu embryos into Angus Heifers and is currently into the third generation of naturally bred Wagyu.

Cooke also works with farms across Canada, supplying operations as far away as B.C. with cattle, while marketing his product centrally from Otter Creek. The aim is to develop a national brand for, what he calls, this "flavourful, tender, well-marbled meat. Otter Creek's cattle have won awards at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, and are made available to 4H clubs, allowing local youth the opportunity to show them.They are also brought to shows outside of the region; Cooke notes that his cattle will be at exhibitions this summer in Nebraska and then in Denver later in the year.

Perry, who is also the association's president, points out that events of this nature, where cattle farmers host groups from out of the region, are a way for people in the business to share knowledge, get exposure to breeds and talk about practices. The Frontenac Cattlemen have hosted similar events in the past and many members, says Perry, take the opportunity to participate in an annual provincial cow-calf tour coordinated by the Beef Farmers of Ontario.

5 star farm is located on Scanlan Road, and is easy to reach from either Road 38 or the Village of Sydenham. Curtis and Tracy, who run the farm with help from their children, bought the property in 2014. It is an older farm property with plenty of character, big barns and drive sheds, perfect for them to establish a demonstration farm where they raise a number of animals and organize fun educational events for families nearby to attend and get a taste of rural farm life.

They ran a number of events last year, and hosted parties, birthdays and other private functions as well. The most popular events last year were the Easter weekend open house, and a fall harvest event near Halloween. This year the focus will be on those two events as open public gatherings, with the possibility of some specialised workshops on specific themes.

Last Saturday, the Easter event they hosted was a smashing success.

“We had 5 volunteers in the parking area, and within 20 minutes of opening there were 300 cars there,” said Tracey Parker The crowds were very thick in the morning and lessened a bit when the weather turned rainy in the afternoon. All in all, however, over 1,500 people came to the farm.

What they saw were goats, pot bellied pigs, rabbits, ducks, a baby goat in the large barn, as well as horses and other farm animals. Plans to show off two sets of lamb twins in a small barn did not pan out because the ewe’s were not ready so it was more of a sheep maternity ward.

Outside there was a straw bale maze with balls hidden everywhere. Children made their way through the maze, and filled basket of balls to win a prize. There was also an opportunity to plant seeds, a craft table for kids, and entertainment by Kingston’s Fiddle Earth. Conboy’s Maple Syrup from Sharbot Lake and Dustica Design wood crafts and toys from Verona were also on hand.

“All in all, we seem to have developed a flow over the past year since we started doing these events, and we seem to be able to handle this kind of crowd pretty well. It helped that we had about 20 volunteers here and all the free labour from our family,” she said. “People are definitely interested in having fun and learning about how animals behave in a farm and what all farms were like in this area not that long ago.”

As for the future, as far as events for the general public the focus is going to be on the Easter and October events, and the hope is to develop the location as a venue for different kinds of events as it continues to be available for private functions.
For information about 5 Star Farms, go to Facebook or fivestarfarm.ca

The annual Perth Festival of the Maples has been a welcome rite of spring since 1976. As the festival celebrates its 41st anniversary, maple syrup producers, business vendors, entertainers, visitors and local residents alike recognize the yearly Maple Festival as a giant ‘coming out’ party. Winter is over, and it’s time to head outdoors to meet long-shuttered neighbours and friends at last. What better way to celebrate, than with our region’s most famous agricultural commodity – sweet, savoury maple syrup. What better place to hold the festivities, but in Lanark County – the ‘Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario’.  

Mr. Vic Lemieux of Perth spearheaded the original Festival of the Maples back in the early 70’s in an attempt to get people out of their homes after a long winter and to celebrate spring with the fresh harvest of locally-made maple syrup. Since then, the festival has grown in popularity, but it has stayed true to its roots. The stars of the show remain the local maple producers who are finishing off a successful season of syrup-making this year and preparing to offer the newly-designated 4 grades of syrup, as well as taffy-on-ice, maple sugar, candies and whole array of maple-flavoured condiments and concoctions.

This year’s Festival of the Maples is being organized and presented once again by the Perth & District Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, April 29th in downtown Perth. Chamber Manager Amber Hall says, “This free yearly event is really the grand finale of the syrup season. Our local producers are proud of their syrup. Their work in the bush is done for now, and they can’t wait to show off their final product. They pull out all the stops at the festival with some great looking displays and booths to showcase the new syrup crop.”

Hall adds that producers will also enter their products in a number of syrup-making categories in this month’s annual competition run by the Lanark & District Maple Syrup Producers Association. Awards will be handed out for top producers at the festival’s main stage on Herriott Street during the opening ceremonies at 10:30am on festival day.

In addition to maple syrup producers, the festival features a wide array of retail and food vendors, farm products, artisans and community and charity exhibitors from 10am til 4pm. Festival Co-ordinator Jennifer Perkin says vendor registration has been busy. Perkin states, “We have confirmed more than 150 exhibitor spots for this year’s event. The display booths will run down Gore Street from Foster Street to Craig Street with something for everyone. We’ve also received great support from our very generous sponsors. It’s their donations that allow us to present this event free for the public.”
                      
Perkin adds, “The Classic and Antique Car Show will be on display on Herriott Street between Gore and Wilson Street. There’s also lots to see in the Tay Basin with our Safety Square exhibits, the big rigs in the Mighty Machines display and the Childrens’ Play Park that features bouncy rides, a rock-climbing wall, kids’ activities, pony rides and a petting zoo.  We’ve also added new live shows to entertain the kids in the Crystal Palace, including the Paddling Puppeteer.” The day also kicks off with a pancake breakfast at the Perth Legion from 7am til 11am.

On the festival’s main stage on Herriott at Gore Street, live entertainment includes performances by the Smiths Falls Gordon Pipe Band at 10am, Opening Ceremonies at 10:30am, the ‘Pie Plates’ bluegrass band at 11am,’ Maple Hill’ bluegrass at noon, ‘Doubleback’ with Wade Foster and Shawn McCullough at 2pm, and the Jesse Greene blues band at 3pm.  The Maplefest ‘Wood Cookie’ Challenge returns this year at the main stage at 1:15pm when 2-person teams will let the chips fly to clock the fastest log-sawing times. The ‘King of Swingers’ band will roam the site as well with a number of ‘pop-up’ concerts.

Debra Bellevue, President of the Perth & District Chamber of Commerce, says the festival brings close to 20,000 visitors to Perth each year, and she expects another record crowd. Bellevue states, “We are so lucky to invite everyone to Perth to celebrate the maple syrup season in one of the prettiest downtown cores in Ontario. Our local businesses are gearing up for a busy spring and summer, and it’s a great opportunity for them to shake some hands and showcase their products and services.”

Bellevue adds that the Chamber has organized a free parking and shuttle service for visitors with buses running from the Perth Campus of Algonquin College on Craig Street to Gore Street. The Algonquin College Police Foundations Program and OPP Auxiliary Unit will assist with traffic control and patrol.  Bellevue says, “Our organizing committee is working hard to make the festival a success again. We hope everyone joins us for another ‘sweet’ experience this year!”

The orchid family of plants is the largest in the world with over 30,000 species with thousands of hybrids and varieties. Ontario has its fair share. We have, what are called terrestrial orchids. One of the best shows of these terrestrial orchids are the slipper orchids found in the Purdon Conservation Area in Lanark. These orchids grow in the ground.

What I am writing about has become a real plant phenomenon. It is the moth orchid ( Phalaenopsis amabilis ). This has become very popular. It is probably the easiest orchid to grow, has very nice large flowers with many colours and bright green foliage. It is called an epiphytic orchid meaning that it grows in the canopy of large trees in the tropics. Because of this they do not grow in soil but are air plants and derive nutrients from the rain and air and sometimes debris accumulating around them. They require humidity and air movement. When you buy these plants you will see the growing medium is bark and sphagnum moss with some of the roots outside the pot. This is normal.

When you buy this orchid they will be in a clear plastic pot which will be in a ceramic pot for show. The ceramic pot will have NO holes. This is a real problem when watering. Take the plastic pot out to water using rain water not chlorinated town water. Use plenty of water. Let the pot drip dry and if you want, place it back into the ceramic pot, or repot the orchid in a slightly larger pot using an orchid mix.

If you are going to fertilize use a liquid fertilizer at quarter or even a tenth the strength recommended. Do not keep them moist but let them dry down between watering. They do not need bright light but adequate diffused light. I put mine outside in a shaded area for the summer. Remember I said canopy so keep them shaded. The home during the winter is as dry as the Sahara desert. This is the biggest challenge. Keep these plants away from hot air registers. Spritz them often. These are truly fascinating plants and having them rebloom is exciting. When the orchid has finished blooming, do not cut the old flowering stem until the new bud growth is evident. If you are treating it right it will send up a new flower spike or make new flowers on the old stem. Anticipation!

When I plant a garden each year, I am free to grow as much lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, squash, peas, beans, or potatoes as I am able to. Sometimes I grow extra and give some away. If I grow more squash than I can eat and my neighbour grows more beans, we can swap. That way we each have more variety of fresh vegetables on our table through the long, cold winter.

No one will stop me from growing 200, 500, or 1000 heads of garlic if I want to. It’s really no one’s business, certainly not the business of the state.

When marijuana becomes a legal plant in just over a year, if the Federal government adheres to its intended timeline, it will be legal to grow marijuana in my garden, along with all the other vegetables and herbs. But while I can grow two dozen basil plants if I want to make pesto, I will only be able to grow 4 marijuana plants. The proposed limit is 4 plants per household. Although I don’t use marijuana myself, I might want to grow it. I grow brussel sprouts, even though I think they taste like ear wax, because they are an interesting plant, climbing up to resemble an apartment building.

I can certainly see why there is going to be a law against selling garden grown marijuana, since the government will want to ensure that an orderly market takes hold in order to keep a safe supply, eliminate the black market and all its impacts, and maximize tax revenue. But in fundamental terms, as long as I don’t sell any of the marijuana I grow, it is not the business of the state what I do in my own garden. If I grow even a little bit and sell it, let the law come and get me, but if I grow a lot and just use it as compost fodder or perfume or rodent repellent, I say “back off government, get off my land”.

In practical terms, I can see why there needs to be some limit on home grown marijuana. If everyone could grow as much as they wanted, the market could be flooded and law enforcement would have a difficult time distinguishing between avid gardeners and those who are growing the stuff to sell it. To my mind, a 20 plant limit would accomplish that.

A lot of corporate money is being invested in the marijuana industry and it is looking for secure market access. There is a lot of money to be made. The corporate interests of this fast developing industry coalesces well with those of government officials who want to find a system for selling and taxing marijuana while monitoring and studying its use.  Limiting home grown marijuana production is but one aspect of this growing corporate culture around marijuana.

What it will do, however, is subvert individual freedom, create a homogeneous product and, in the end could lead to more criminality than a more liberal approach to home production would.

My basic complaint about the 4 plant restriction is based on the perspective that the state should only restrict my behaviour if what I am doing causes harm to others or society as a whole.  I can grow 20 varieties of tomatoes, some to eat fresh, some to preserve, some just to see what they look like, and it is not a concern of the state. Who would it hurt if I grew 20 varieties of marijuana for my own private purposes. If I sell that marijuana, or if I hand it out to students in the school yard, or to anyone under the legal age, that’s a different story.

But merely by growing it I am doing nothing to harm the social order, and I fail to see why the state feels a need to begin counting the plants in my garden.

Last Thursday (March 23) Richard Allen from Frontenac County’s Economic Development Department, and Carey Bidtnes from the Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) hosted three sessions on the prospects for the goat dairy industry in Eastern Ontario. They were joined by goat experts from the Ontario Ministry of Food and Agriculture, including small ruminant specialist Jillian Craig, and raw milk specialist Philip Wilman.

Richard Allen hosted the sessions, and Carey Bidtnes kicked things off by setting out the context for an unprecedented potential growth of the small but growing goat dairy industry in Ontario. Bidtnes is the point person at KEDCO who is working with officials from the huge Chinese agricultural corporation Feihe. Feihe will commence construction on a $250 million plant in Kingston this summer. The plant will produce high end baby formula using surplus skim milk from Ontario dairy farms, and will directly employ over 200 people, many more during the construction phase. In China, Feihe’s premium brand sells for $75 (Canadian) for a 750 ml can, a one week’s supply.

As Bidtnes explained, the plant will be built with two production lines, a cow milk line that will begin production as soon as the plant is built, and a goat milk line that will begin production in 5-7 years or when there is enough goat milk available to run the line.

The problem for Feihe, and Bidtnes by extension, is that the goat dairy industry in Ontario  produces 46 million litres a year, and represents the bulk of national production, which is 55 million litres. Feihe is looking for 75 million litres a year.  By comparison, 8,100 million litres of cows milk are produced each year in Canada (accordnig to Stats Can figures from 2015).

There are about 250 goat dairy farms in Ontario, the smallest with as few as 250 milking goats, and there are some with as many as 1,500 goats.

Feihe operates on an entirely different scale. In China they run a vertically integrated company. They grow their own grain, raise and milk animals and turn their own milk into formula. When Bidtnes and Allen visited China in January, they toured a massive indoor Feihe facility which has 10,000 milking cows. In China, Feihe is about to construct 7 goat dairy farms that will each house and milk 70,000 does in a single indoor facility.

“Feihe runs all their own farms in China ever since the Melamine scandal of 2008. They need to feel confident of the quality and cleanliness of their supply. But in Canada, where the dairy industry is second to none, they want to work with independent farmers,” Bidtnes said.

Jillian Craig and Philip Wilman did not talk much about the potential for large dairy goat farms. They presented information based on the current state of the goat dairy industry in Ontario.

“There are two goat milk brokers in Ontario, and I would not recommend anyone invest in dairy goats without first securing a contract with one of them,” Welman said.

As he explained, purchasing good quality dairy goats and building new or retrofitting a barn for goats are expensive propositions. Good quality does cost about $1,000 each but goats breed well, producing 2-3 offspring each year. The market for goat meat as well as goat milk is good in Ontario so male goats can either be sold to a feed lot or raised for later sale.

He also said that the average price for goat milk is about $1.09 per litre.

“While there are some who say goats can produce 3 litres a day, I think 2.5 litres is as good as anyone can expect on average. Does produce from 600 to 1,000 litres per year, and if Welman is to be believed, the number is closer to 600.

He also said that the cost to produce a litre of milk, with all costs included, has been estimated by government officials at $1.30.

A member of the audience asked if he was hearing correctly. “If it costs $1.30 and sells for $1.09, what is the point of it all.” he said.

Welman said that the $1.30 figure is misleading.

“It assumes that farmers don’t do any of their own labour and includes mortgage costs on buildings and other costs. The top five farms that I know produce milk for about 87 cents a litre,” he said.

Jillian Craig said there are two feeding systems that farmers use. Farmers can purchase feed pellets that have all the necessary nutrients in them, or a total mixed ration system using corn and hay that they grow or purchase, along with other nutrients. Most Ontario goat dairies are parts of larger farm operations that grow much of their own feed.

Craig and Welman indicated that proper research and a lot of preparation is necessary before taking the plunge into the goat dairy industry. They did not speak at all about the logistics involved in very large scale goat operations.

To supply Feihe’s plant, the milk from 100,000 to 115,000 dairy goats will be necessary, and breeding will have to be staggered among that herd to provide a constant supply. To put that in a North American perspective, there were approximately 360,000 dairy goats in the entire United States in 2016. A 9,600 goat farm is being constructed in Wisconsin, which will be the largest in the United States. The goat cheese industry takes all the milk US producers can supply and is looking for more.

The British Columbia affiliate of a California based agricultural company is planning to expand into Eastern Ontario, and it has its sights set on Frontenac County.

“We are, at heart, animal lovers, and we hate the idea of keeping animals indoors all year,” said company President Halle Steubens in an interview from the Cardinal Cafe on Monday. Steubens spent three days in Frontenac County early this week, and stayed at the Sharbot Lake Country Inn while conducting meetings with financiers and political officials.

“We heard about the need for goat milk in this region from one of our contacts in China,” Steubens said, “and we knew it was called the County of a Thousand Lakes, so I jumped on a plane to see for myself and to see if there was any interest in our unique animal friendly intensive farming technology. And it looks like we have a perfect fit.”

Steubens said that Island Goat Farm Canada (International Inc) has developed its own breed of dairy goats that have a unique combination of attributes that make them ideally suited to living on islands.

“We call them Alpine Aquaphobe. They are very frisky, very good jumpers but they love coming in to the barn to be milked, and best of all they are terrified of water and ice. You could never fence them but put them on an island and they will never leave,” he said.

He said that Island Goat Farm US and Island Goat Farm Chile have developed large herds on islands in some large and smaller lakes. The engineering division of the company handles all of the details. Water is drawn from the lake and treated, as is the waste water, and both the milk and any excess sewage are pumped off the islands through separate deep underground tunnels.

“I know from talking to people this week that the residents who live on the lakes around here are very concerned about the environment, green algae blooms, phosphates, fish habitat, all that sort of thing. And so am I. That’s the beauty of our island farms, they are completely benign, there is no runoff. Our credo is ‘milk but no honey-wagon’ which we take very seriously.”

Steubens said that he realises he has an uphill battle convincing politicians, and lake associations, that humans and goats can share the lakes to mutual benefit.

“We plan to employ over 100 people, and use local contractors as much as possible, and we are happy to pay those waterfront taxes.” he said.

He said it is a long way off before any goats will be transported to their new island homes in Frontenac County but that Island Goat Farm engineers will be engaging the local conservation authorities and county and township planning departments in the coming weeks.

He would not say which lakes the company will settle on, but said they are looking at all of the Frontenac Townships.

“Wouldn’t it be great to have one 5,000 or 10,000 goat farm in each township,” he said.

He said lakes that are being considered are relatively large one ones with suitable islands. He named Loughborough, Dog and Verona Lakes in South Frontenac; Sharbot, Kennebec and Big Clear Lakes in Central Frontenac, and Palmerston, Mississagagon and Kashwakamak in North Frontenac.

He also said the company has contacted the Shabot Obaadjiwan about the possibility of using an island on Crotch Lake.

Steubens returned to his home base of Vancouver on Wednesday, but said “I’ll be back.”

Council cost taxpayers a total of $82,691.07 in 2016 including mileage, professional development and per diem.

Mayor Frances Smith was paid $13,462.10 including $1,058.32 in mileage. Dep. Mayor (for 2016) Bill MacDonald received $10,638.82 including $543.68 in per diem and $588.50 in mileage. Coun. Victor Heese received $10,720.94 including $332.99 for professional development and conferences, $630 for per diem and $1,144.12 for mileage. Coun. Tom Dewey received $9,725.37 including $923.21 for mileage and $119.21 for ‘other.’ Coun. Cindy Kelsey received $9,116.85 including $433.90 for professional development and conferences. Coun. Phillip Smith received $8,988.95 including $90 per diem and $216 for mileage. Coun. Sherry Whan, Brent Cameron and Jamie Riddell each received $8,682.95.

MacDonald suggested that compared with other Councils in the area, Central is on the lower end of the pay scale and Council instructed the treasurer to look at adding increases into this year’s budget, which will come to Council in two weeks.

Council canceled
As Oso Hall is scheduled for a coroner’s inquest during the week of April 25 and unavailable for the Council meeting, Council opted to cancel its meeting rather than move it to one of the other Township Halls.

Goat meat with hazelnuts
During County economic development officer Richard Allen’s presentation, Coun. Bill MacDonald noted that the possibility of a hazelnut industry in the future, quipping that “I’m encouraged to find you’re going to increase the number of nuts in Frontenac County.”

MacDonald also asked what become of male goats and female goats after their milking lives were done.

Allen replied that there is a growing goat meat market in Canada given immigration from countries where goat meat is a staple.

Dep. Mayor Brent Cameron had an alternative possibility.

“Old goats might have an opportunity in municipal politics,” Cameron said.

New hires
Council announced they will be extending offers of employment to Shawn Merriman as manager of development services/chief building official and Greg Robinson as manager of emergency services/fire chief.Clerk Cathy MacMunn said no further details could be released until contracts were signed, but both officials are expected to take office May 1.

Get ready for some maple-inspired fun on April 1 and 2, during Maple Weekend’s third annual sweet celebratory event. Taking place right in the heart of maple season, Maple Weekend is the perfect time to plan a trip to a local participating sugar bush and sample maple treats while experiencing some old-fashioned family activities!

Hosted by the Lanark & District Maple Syrup Producers’ Association (LDMSPA), Maple Weekend celebrates the maple season at local participating sugar bushes throughout the Lanark, Mississippi Mills, Portland, Brockville, Frankville, North Frontenac, Sharbot Lake and Perth areas. During this popular two-day event, participating maple producers host activities, specials and events to draw visitors to their operation.

LDMSPA President, Mel Conboy, explained this year will see many returning maple producers, and a new addition to the group, all with special activities planned for Maple Weekend, including educational exhibits, interactive activities, and of course, maple taffy.

“You can expect to see some fun activities this year, we really want people to come out and enjoy a day at the sugar bush,” Conboy said.

Visitors can head out to a participating maple sugar bushes on April 1 and 2 anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and explore how maple syrup is made, from tree to table. Make it a day trip or drop by for a few hours at a time; visit one sugar bush or visit multiple locations!

Whether it’s boiling sap in a cauldron over an open fire or processing it through high-tech RO systems and modern fuel efficient evaporators, the results always taste great. Visitors are invited to chat with a local maple syrup producer and find out everything there is to know about how maple syrup is made and its long history in Canada.

With Canada celebrating its 150th year in 2017, there has never been a better time to participate in such a quintessentially Canadian activity like a visit to a local sugar bush, snacking on maple taffy or even enjoying a pancake meal with fresh-from-the-evaporator maple syrup. Maple Weekend visitors can also learn more about the history of maple syrup and the impact it’s had on Canadian culture, and the local economy.

“Making maple syrup is something that has a special meaning to Canadians,” Conboy explained, “A springtime visit to a local sugar bush, and even the smell of fresh maple syrup can bring back so many memories for people…it’s a special time of the year.”

Check the Maple Weekend website for a full list of participating sugar bushes, and bring your family and your sweet tooth for some maple-inspired fun. Maple Weekend activities vary at each participating sugar bush; in past years, activities have ranged from pancake breakfasts to sugar bush trail adventures, sugar making demonstrations, taffy on snow, sleigh-rides and more.

Visit www.mapleweekend.ca to find out what each participating producer has in store for this popular springtime event!