LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk | Good Reads 54 LOCALadk Magazine Spring 2014 The Sugarmaker's Companion T he Sugarmaker's Companion is the comprehensive book maple producers have been waiting for in their pursuit of a profitable and sustainable business. Michael Farrell, sugarmaker and director of Cornell University's Uihlein Forest located in Lake Placid, documents the untapped potential of American forests and combines the wisdom of traditional sugarmakers with the value of modern technology. His balanced view of the industry offers a realistic picture of how modern technology can be beneficial, economically and environmentally. This unique book includes: A focus on maple syrup as a healthy, local, sustainably produced alternative to corn syrup and other highly processed sweeteners Marketing ideas to help develop a profitable business Information on ways to proceed and market other tree saps, including birch and walnut Ways to enhance diversity in the sugarbush with understory crops such as ginseng, goldenseal, and mushrooms Using maple and birch sap as healthy, delicious beverages fresh from the trees Effective strategies for adapting sugaring operations to a changing climate. Appealing to foresters, farmers, homesteaders, and of course, sugarmakers, this book is applicable to a wide range of climates and regions. It is sure to change the conversation around syrup production and prove invaluable for home-scale and commercial sugarmakers alike. The Sugarmaker's Companion appealed to us at LOCALadk because of the author's strong commitment to community involvement. In the chapter on community-based sugaring operations, Farrell highlights two local ADK initiatives with the Shipman Youth Center in Lake Placid and the Wild Center in Tupper Lake. These types of initiatives allow many students and families to become involved with maple sap collection and the sugaring process. By bringing the sap from many places to one location, it allows for more community involvement and is one of the most environmentally friendly and efficient ways to produce syrup., M O O SE M APL E B O O KS & More New & Used Books ~ Rustic Furniture ~ Adirondack Gis We're Open 169 Olive St Saranac Lake, NY 12983 518-891-9694 Welcome to Our New Store! Tue - Fri 10:30a - 5:30p Sat 10:30a - 3:30p 30 Years and still trippin' • Offering lightweight, quality canoe, kayak and gear rentals • Food packaging and drops • Transportation and shuttles • Guides and instruction • Free trip planning • Outdoor gear shop Saranac River Base 73 Dorsey St. Saranac Lake, NY On the NFCT Floodwood Outpost Long Pond Portage Floodwood Rd. Lake Clear, NY 518.891.1838 • 888.775.2925 www.canoeoutfitters.com info@canoeoutfitters.com

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