Maple Sugaring
In the Beginning
Andy Aldrich grew up on this farm and was a home builder for over 40 years. During the 1960-70’s approximately 30 acres of the woodlot, where there were maple saplings, was originally promoted for future timber. Times and things change, 40 years later a small modern sugaring operation was started from scratch and built out in 9 months. One that was designed that one person could operate. A new post and beam sugarhouse and storage building from timber off the farm. The tubing system was laid out with two goals; efficient sap collection and easy access to the remaining 70 acres of mixed hardwood timber.
A Productive Sugaring House
The sugaring operation features; 2800 taps, high vacuum (29lbs), R/O for at that time, high concentrate (18-24) and a highly efficient 3×11 oil fired turbo evaporator. Production has averaged 1/2 gallon syrup per tap, producing only table grades. The new sugar house and operation won a Vermont Better Homes Award in 2013 in the commercial category with a special notation of it’s efficiency. This maple operation is a Vermont Certified sugarhouse.
This maple operation has been featured by UVM Extension on Across the Fence and was a featured stop during Vermont’s Maplerama 2019.
You’ll also see 6500 Christmas trees, forage fields, and the standing timber and an 1890-1900 barn currently being historically restored.
Member of Vermont Maple Sugar Maker Association
Member of the Chittenden County Maple Sugar Makers Association
Syrup and maple products are available at the sugar house by appointment and daily during the Christmas tree choose and cut season.
Choose & Cut and pre cut Christmas trees are available from the day after Thanksgiving daily until the season’s crop has been sold.
Sugarhouse: 2370 Dugway Road
Richmond, VT 05477
802-793-2700
