BUCKLAND, Mass. (WWLP) – March is Maple Month in Massachusetts and local officials held a ceremonial tree tapping on Friday to kick off the sugaring season in Buckland.
Maple season has already begun for some locations, according to the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association. Sugar makers are already catching early runs and making their first batches of pure maple syrup. There are more than 300 sugar makers in the state who produce more than 60,000 gallons of syrup. Many started as early as January due to climate change, technology improvements, and adaptive management practices.
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The season officially begins on Sunday, March 1st and state officials celebrated by tapping the ceremonial first tree of the season at Winston’s Sugar House in Buckland. The event was held to encourage residents to support local businesses by purchasing maple products.
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle joined state and local officials and representatives from the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association on Friday at Winston’s Sugar House. They toured the business, read the governor’s proclamation and held a ceremonial tapping of a maple tree.
Winston’s Sugar House is owned and operated by Hunter Sessions, named in memory of his dog. He started making maple syrup with his father, Craig Session, in 2014. The family-run business operates 1,750 taps with plans to expand.
The official maple weekend in Massachusetts is March 7th and 8th, when sugarhouses open their doors to the public.
“Maple month marks the continuation of a proud Massachusetts tradition built on generations of skill and hard work,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our maple producers tap local trees, steward working lands, and turn sap into syrup that supports family farms and drives economic activity across Massachusetts. Choosing local maple means investing in Massachusetts jobs, agriculture and heritage.”
“Maple season supports our rural economy at a critical time of the year. From sugarhouses and farm stands to local shops and restaurants, this industry brings people through the door, supports small businesses and sustains local jobs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our maple producers work year-round to ensure they produce the highest quality maple syrup and its many products that keep residents and visitors coming back for more.”
“March is an opportunity to recognize maple syrup as one of Massachusetts’ most sustainable agricultural products. Maple production relies on healthy, well-managed forests and long-term stewardship,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “By keeping more than 15,000 acres of working woodland intact and economically viable, our producers protect wildlife habitat and safeguard water resources.”
“Like most of our agricultural sectors, maple producers represent a long line of family-owned operations who have been involved in the industry for generations,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “Through grant programs like CSAP, we continue to support their longevity and growth through targeted infrastructure investments that will allow them to continue producing delicious maple syrup in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way possible.”
“Maple Month is a perfect example of experiential travel in Massachusetts,” said Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) Executive Director Kate Fox. “Visiting a local sugarhouse connects travelers directly with family farms and traditions that are uniquely New England, encouraging visitors to explore beyond a day trip, extend their stays, and create lasting memories while supporting our rural communities.”
“Maple Month is a great opportunity to connect people with Massachusetts’ natural and cultural heritage,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “Through DCR’s maple sugaring programs, families and visitors can get outside, learn about the science and history behind this beloved New England tradition, and experience how our natural resources support outdoor exploration and local agriculture. We’re proud to help continue a practice that originated with Indigenous communities and is sustained by maple producers today.”
“Massachusetts Maple Month is a wonderful showcase and celebration of an important component of our agricultural economy that I look forward to every year,” said State Senator Paul Mark (D – Pittsfield). “We are honored to have this year’s kickoff in Buckland and appreciate the recognition from Governor Healey and MDAR of the important role maple syrup and sugarhouses play in our rural economy in Western Massachusetts.”
“As we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our nation, this is a great opportunity to acknowledge and enjoy the longstanding traditions of maple sugaring that continues today,” said Massachusetts Maple Producers Association Coordinator Melissa Leab. “From the journals of early explorers, we know that Native Americans had a process for making maple sugar as early as 1609. This year we are having an “old fashioned” winter; and maple producers across the state are getting ready and remain dedicated to continuing to produce high quality maple syrup and maple specialty products that can be enjoyed now and throughout the year.”
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