When you think of maple syrup, Vermont and New England might come to mind. But thanks to innovative research and community efforts, Utah is carving out its own sweet spot in the maple syrup world. Through the work of Utah State University Extension, residents are learning how to tap local trees like Boxelders and Bigtooth Maples, bringing a taste of tradition to the Mountain West.

Maple syrup production is a process that starts with collecting sap from trees and boiling it down into the rich, amber syrup we know and love. While it’s a labor-intensive craft, modern tools like vacuum pumps, reverse osmosis systems, and high-efficiency evaporators are making it easier for both beginners and seasoned producers to succeed. These advancements are helping Utah’s maple syrup industry grow, turning what was once a New England specialty into a Mountain West opportunity.

“Traditionally, maple syrup production is concentrated in the northeastern United States, but our research shows that western trees such as Bigtooth Maples and Boxelders also yield high-quality sap,” said Youping Sun, associate professor of landscape horticulture at USU and a leading figure in the project. “With the right techniques, Utah and surrounding states can cultivate a thriving maple syrup industry.”

From old-school spile-and-bucket methods to modern tubing networks, there are many ways to collect sap. Advanced tubing systems, powered by gravity or vacuum pumps, allow producers to gather sap from multiple trees efficiently, making larger-scale operations possible.

After collection, the sap undergoes evaporation to concentrate its sugars. Many producers now use reverse osmosis systems to remove excess water before boiling, cutting down on energy use while preserving that signature syrup flavor.

“Maple sugaring isn’t just about making syrup–it’s about connecting with the land and celebrating our natural resources,” said Greg Witt, president of Woodland Hills Outdoors and the Bigtooth Maple Project in Woodland Hills, Utah. “Through our efforts, we hope to inspire more people to explore this rewarding activity.”

USU Extension offers a variety of educational resources to help aspiring syrup makers get started. From hands-on workshops and online materials to informative videos and partnerships with local communities, there are plenty of ways to learn about tree tapping, sap collection, and syrup production.

One of the highlights of the season will be the Bigtooth Maple Festival on April 19. Details about this event will be announced soon, offering a chance for the community to celebrate and learn more about Utah’s growing maple syrup scene. For a glimpse of what to expect, check out highlights from last year’s festival [here].

These workshops and resources are a collaboration between the *USU Department of Plants, Soils, and Climate*, *USU Extension*, and the *Stokes Nature Center*, with funding provided by the USDA’s Acer Access and Development Program.

For more information, contact:

• Youping Sun, youping.sun@usu.edu, 435-797-2972
• Gregory Witt, greg@alpenwild.com, 801-885-1956
• Kate Hunter, education@logannature.org, 435-755-3239

Discover how Utah is adding a new flavor to its natural landscape–one drop of maple syrup at a time!