Resources for Beginners

A Beginner's Guide for Everyone

In the 1950s a small group of maple syrup producers formed the Antigo Producers Maple

Group, this group later transitioned into a state organization now known as Wisconsin

Maple Syrup Producers Association (WMSPA). Adin Reynolds led the group to found the

WMSPA and the first annual meeting was held in Antigo on May 4th of 1964. The first

officers were Milton Thibaudeau – President; John Roth – Vice President; and Adin Reynolds

– secretary/treasurer. The group’s main purpose was to promote and sell Pure Maple Syrup.

Under the leadership of dedicated presidents, executive directors and members the organization

has grown in size and in its mission. While the WMSPA still has the promotion of Pure Maple

Syrup at its core, it has evolved to help producers with many other issues, ranging from

teaching new technologies to working with the government on maple related issues.

The goal of the Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producers Association is to help our members make and

market the finest pure maple syrup in North America. We accomplish this by promoting maple

syrup and educating our producer members. It's our hope that this "Beginner's Guide" will be helpful to our members as they start and grow their business and love of Pure Maple Syrup.

Check it Out!

TEACHER'S PACKET

Thank you for your interest in exploring the wonder of Pure Maple Syrup with your students! The Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producers Association (WMSPA) is happy to offer this packet to support educators in bringing Pure Maple Syrup to the classroom. The WMSPA Teacher’s Packet Committee members Christine Anderson, Alison Anderson, and Theresa Baroun have worked many hours to put this resource together for you. Our goal is to provide lesson plans, Powerpoint, online resources and activities in a format that are easy to use and grounded in Wisconsin State Standards. Feel free to share this resource among teachers and staff. The power-point is provided as a link on the WMSPA website - if you need it as a USB please request from Theresa Baroun.

We have also added an option for a hands-on kit to accompany the enclosed lesson plans. To order your kit, contact Theresa Baroun (see below).

Hands-On Kit includes:

1 -7/16 tree tapping bit
5 – 7/16 hookless taps
5- sap sacks
5- sap sack holders
1-Sap hydrometer
1 – Hydrometer cup
1 – Candy thermometer
1 – Syrup Filter Sheet
1 – cheesecloth filter sheet
1-syrup hydrometer

WMSPA has recently hired a Maple Marketing Intern which has replaced the Wisconsin Maple Queen Program. If your school is interested in having our intern provide an educational presentation or help with tapping, please contact Theresa Baroun. The director and executive members of WMSPA are also willing to visit classrooms and present information about a Making Maple Syrup. Of course, the best way to learn is to visit an operating sugar bush and then try it yourself. Contact the WMSPA to see if there is a sugar bush in your area that is available for tours.

We hope you enjoy these materials,
Theresa Baroun, WMSPA Executive Director
(920) 680-9320 or director@wismaple.org