CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia maple makers will open their operations to the public during Mountain State Maple Days. The annual event is held on the third Saturdays of February and March. This year’s dates fall on February 17 and March 16. This is the 7th year for the celebration which is sponsored by the West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers Association and Future Generations University.

Participating maple makers welcome visitors to tour their maple bush, where sap is collected, and their sugar shacks, where that sap is boiled down to make pure West Virginia maple syrup. Guests can sample maple treats and purchase bottles of maple syrup to take home. Also taking part are supporting businesses such as restaurants and retail stores who offer maple themed meals and products.

“The maple industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in West Virginia agriculture,” says West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhart. “We don’t produce as much syrup as some of the Northeastern maple states, but West Virginia maple syrup is every bit as good when it comes to quality. If you haven’t tried pure West Virginia maple syrup, I urge you to do so. You’ll never go back to using maple-flavored corn syrup you find on the shelves of big-box stores.”

In 2023, West Virginia maple makers tapped 69,000 trees and produced 11,000 gallons of syrup. Those numbers were down from 2022 because of an unusually warm tapping season. So far in 2024, temperatures have been cold at night and above freezing during the day, creating ideal conditions for sap collection. Maple makers are excited to show visitors how that freeze/thaw cycle benefits their business.

“Mountain State Maple Days has been a tremendous boost to our syrup business,” says WV Maple Syrup Producers Association President Paul Ronk. “We make significant sales during the event, but more importantly, we add to our customer base and followers. It is a great opportunity to talk one-on-one with people and get to know a little about our customers.”

To find participating maple producers and supporting business taking part in Mountain State Maple Days, go to: https://wvmspa.org/maple-days-participants-list/. For more information, contact Lindsay Kazarick at 304-358-2000 ext. 120.