WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST?
Well, the maple sugaring season seems to be finally in full-swing. The short-term forecast shows some cold days coming up that might inhibit sap-flow, but this weekend also shows a day in the 60s! Although temperatures have been “warm” or conducive for sap-flow, trees are taking their time on running. Who knows exactly why, but perhaps the ground is more frozen than we expected from January and February’s cold temperatures. Also, there has been very little snow accumulation this winter, and snow can help insulate a tree’s roots from winter’s chill. Once that ground thaws, hopefully trees will really run. A good “run” is about 2 gallons of sap/tap/day.
Ryan Trapani
Director of Forest Services
Catskill Forest Association