Maple Valley Farm Tour
Author: Alexandria S.
Summary: Maple Valley Farm is a family farm that has been owned and operated by the same family for 6 generations. The farm has 1,200 tapped maple trees all connected by suction tubing. They collaborate with another local farm to tap an additional 4,000 taps. The farm is operated by Tim Monica, his wife Kathy, and their daughter, Abby.
Date: Observations and data recorded on February 12, 2023.
Site/location: Maple Valley Farm is located at 84 Harris Road Corinth, NY 12822
Distance from Camp Hudson Pines: 2 miles
Participants: 37 year old, 36 year old, 8 year old, 5 year old, 3 year old and 1 year old
Length of Observation: Approximately 1 hour
Links: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064832946998
Activity: We took an hour-long tour of Maple Valley Farm. Tim, Kathy and Abby showed a few main points of maple production. First, Tim tapped a tree and the sap was running. The kids enjoyed watching the sap drip out and seeing how much had accumulated in the bucket when the tour was finished.
After that, Tim and Abby walked us down to the sugar shack and showed us the tubing and how it connected and how the suction worked.
Stepping into the sugar shack, seeing the massive evaporator, learning about the boiling process and variety of maple products the Monica family creates is fascinating.
Topping off the tour with plenty of maple products to bring home was the cherry on the top of the cake.
Reflections: The Monica's have a beautiful family farm. Their sugar shack and farm is located on their personal property. Be aware that though their sugar shack is located about a 1/8 mile from their home, it is their personal space. Treat any visits as you would visiting someone's home, not just their business. Maple products such as syrup, maple sugar, maple cotton candy and more are available for purchase at the farm.
This is a good activity for families with elementary age kids. Who doesn't love maple syrup on pancakes? It's both educational and tasty to have the chance to appreciate the work that goes into creating maple syrup!
Individual tours are limited especially because of the seasonal nature of maple farming, but the Monica's also host an annual open house in March complete with all-day pancakes, hayrides, pony rides, and farm animals. Other local vendors join the festivities. The March Open House is the best time to visit!