Forest Botanicals and Maple Syrup Production at Laurel Fork Sapsuckers

Laurel Fork Sapsuckers Sugar Camp is tucked away in the western part of Virginia, high in the Appalachian Mountains at 4,108 feet. This 600-acre mountain farm was purchased by the family in 1957 and has provided shelter, heat, food and decades of outdoor fun and recreation for five generations. The property contains a portion of the headwaters of the Laurel Fork stream, which is a native brook trout area that flows through the George Washington National Forest. It is also home to a high elevation cove forest, which contains native red spruce trees.  Forest management and sustainability are extremely important to the family, who are proud members of the American Tree Farm System, and were awarded the 2019 Virginia Tree Farm of the Year.  

The farm produces maple syrup, shiitake mushrooms, ramps, elderberry and ginseng. Current projects include creating migratory bird habitat through specifically designated timber harvests, planting non-timber forest products in the understory of more mature trees, establishing wild leeks (ramps) in wet drainages, and planting heirloom apple and pear trees to maintain the original fruit orchard. 

This event is Free, but registration is required.

(This tour has a limited capacity, so please be considerate; only register if you definitely intend to attend.)