PHOTO COURTESY OF WEST VIRGINIA LIVING MAGAZINE
Celebrate the Sweet Start of Maple Syrup Season in West Virginia!
As the temperatures drop and the forests of West Virginia prepare for winter, a special season begins to unfold— maple syrup season.
This time of year is a cornerstone of Appalachian heritage, celebrating the rich traditions and hard work of local maple syrup producers. At Future Generations University, we’re proud to support this thriving industry through education, community development, and agritourism initiatives. Learn how you can celebrate National Maple Syrup Day, participate in Mountain State Maple Days, and explore the powerful community partnerships that make this season a success.
National Maple Syrup Day: December 17, 2024
Mark your calendars! This year, National Maple Syrup Day promises to be a celebration like no other. Join us in spotlighting West Virginia’s maple syrup producers and their value-added products—perfect for holiday gifts or treats to sweeten your season.
Expect exciting content across our Future Generations Appalachian Program social media channels, including:
- Profiles of maple syrup producers and their products.
- Delicious recipes featuring maple syrup’s versatility.
- Educational posts about the maple syrup production process.
National Maple Syrup Day also kicks off the marketing season for Mountain State Maple Days—so stay tuned! Follow us on social media for updates, and get ready to shop local and support West Virginia’s talented producers.
Mountain State Maple Days are a series of annual events where producers open their sugarhouses to the public. Visitors can watch syrup-making demonstrations, sample maple-inspired foods, and purchase a variety of maple products. Mountain State Maple Days occur the third weekends in February and March annually.
Dates for 2025:
- Saturday, February 22, 2025
- Saturday, March 15, 2025
Where to Learn More
Visit the West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers Association website for event details, participating locations, and resources for both visitors and producers.
Producers and Businesses: Register Today!
Producers and businesses interested in participating in Mountain State Maple Days should register now to take advantage of:
- Early inclusion in marketing materials such as maps, brochures, and online promotions.
- Access to exclusive training on hosting successful agritourism events.
- Increased visibility for your products and business.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your community and grow your customer base!
Building Sweet Success Through Community Development
Maple season isn’t just about delicious syrup—it’s about building stronger communities. Behind every bottle of syrup is a network of partnerships and collaborations that drive economic development in Appalachia.
Future Generations University works closely with the West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers Association, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the West Virginia Department of Tourism to:
- Promote maple syrup as a key ingredient in local food systems.
- Create agritourism opportunities that bring visitors to our region.
- Equip producers with tools and resources to scale their businesses.
These partnerships amplify the impact of maple season, creating opportunities for small businesses, enhancing the visitor experience, and preserving the rich agricultural traditions of West Virginia.
Get Involved and Stay Connected
Whether you’re a producer, a local business, or a maple enthusiast, there’s a way for you to join in the celebration of maple syrup season. Follow the Future Generations Appalachian Program on social media to stay updated, and visit the WV Maple Syrup Producers Association website for resources, registration details, and more.
This season, let’s work together to celebrate the sweetness of West Virginia. From syrup production to agritourism adventures, every drop of maple syrup tells a story of hard work, tradition, and community.
We’ll see you on National Maple Syrup Day—don’t forget to bring your appetite for local goodness!
