Shake the winter doldrums and join a historical and modern day tour of maple sap collection in Mt. Archer Woods in Lyme.
On Saturday, Jan. 23, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Bill and Liz Farrell of Fat Stone Farm in Lyme will lead a guided walk to see some of the oldest trees in Mt. Archer, the sugar maples lining the abandoned road, and discuss why and how they are using these and some of the younger offspring to make maple syrup.
Learn how Fat Stone Farm has applied modern sap collection technology to reduce both the energy intensity and environmental impact of harvesting sap from maple trees. Mt. Archer Woods is one of only a small number of properties world-wide where this new state-of-the-art yet extremely simple equipment has been installed.
Beyond discussing harvesting technology, tree physiology and ecology, the walk will touch on broader questions about agriculture in Lyme and the resumption of farming on Mt. Archer.
The walk is family friendly.
To reach Fat Stone Farm, follow Rte. 156 north to Mt. Archer Rd. Turn left onto Mt. Archer Road. Go one mile on Mt. Archer Rd. (bear left up the big hill). The parking lot is down a long driveway on the left, the fourth long driveway after you start up the hill.
Registration for the event is appreciated at openspace@townlyme.org
In the event of rain, the ‘Walk & Talk’ will be held the following day, Sunday, Jan. 24, at 1:30 p.m.
Just wanted to make two corrections — we won’t be collecting any sap, but we’ll be seeing how it gets collected once the sap starts running (usually February). Also, the directions given are for MT. ARCHER PRESERVE, not our farm. Thanks for posting this!