If you have ever wanted to try your hand at making maple syrup or maple products, but weren’t sure how to get started, the upcoming seminar at the Leslie Frost Centre is one you’ll want to attend. Taking place at the Leslie Frost Centre in Dorset, Friday, February 20/04, this all-day seminar covers the basics of how to run a maple syrup operation, from the backyard family operation to commercial and corporate production.

  Local experts will present a variety of topics about the maple syrup industry. Mike Walsh, Stewardship Coordinator for the Leslie Frost Centre, will be discussing the principles and practices of sugar bush management, while a representative of Atkinson’s Maple Syrup Supplies will talk about the types of sugar bush equipment needed to get started.

  Maple Syrup in the 21^st Century-Equipment & Technology will be presented by Bev Campbell of Atkinson Maple Syrup Supplies. Bev Campbell along with Mike Walsh will also present a Forest Health Update on the Asian Long-horned Beetle. John Henderson of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs will talk about Maple Syrup Food Safety-Getting the Lead Out. This will be followed by an “Ask the Experts” session just before lunch, giving an opportunity to ask the morning speakers your questions about Maple Syrup Operations & Opportunities.

  Lunch will be – what else – pancakes and sausage, with real maple syrup, of course. After lunch a field trip to a local sugar bush, owned and operated by Jim and Albert Emes, gives the participants a first hand look at the equipment used, layout and techniques, and forest health and sugar bush management, ending the day by 3:30pm.

  One of the Stewardship Series of workshops aimed at landowners, cottagers and land stewards, these workshops are offered in partnership with the Parry Sound-Muskoka Stewardship Network and the Haliburton Highlands Stewardship Council. The informative, day-long workshops are presented to “provide a better understanding of ecosystems and the principles and practices of land stewardship.”  An outdoor field trip is usually included in the seminars, so participants should come prepared for the weather.

  The Leslie Frost Centre is located 10 kms south of Dorset on highway 35. Registration starts at 8:30. Cost is $20.00 per person, and includes lunch and the field trip. Pre-registration is required. For more information, or to register contact (705) 766-2451 or email: frostcentre@mnr.gov.on.ca.