Bigleaf Maple Syrup Workshop

Maple tubing running through a forest

Olympia, WA – Oct 9th, 3-6PM

Learn how to tap bigleaf maple and make your own syrup!

Tapping bigleaf maples is an exciting way to engage with your forest, spend time with family and friends, and create a delicious treat for personal use or to sell commercially. Join us ahead of the upcoming sap season for a workshop at an active sugaring operation with over three hundred taps! You’ll learn about the essential tools needed for tapping, how and when to tap trees, and how to process sap. 

For hobbyists and the aspiring commercial producer!

This is an introductory workshop and no experience is required. Attendees will learn the basics of maple sugaring and receive some basic supplies to try hobby-scale tapping at home this winter.

Thanks to new licensing rules from the WSDA for sugaring operations, producing and selling syrup in Washington State has never been easier! We’ll discuss the requirements as well as the tools and methods for scaling a hobby-scale operation to produce and sell syrup commercially.

Note: All ages are welcome, but this event is geared towards adult forest owners and there are no children’s activities planned.

When and Where

Date and Time

October 9th, 2026: 3-6PM

Location

WSU Meyer’s Point Environmental Field Station

5722 Sleater Kinney Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506


Directions:

  • From I-5, take exit for Sleater Kinney Rd (North)
  • Head north on Sleater Kinney Rd for approximately 4.5 miles
  • As Sleater Kinney turns west and becomes 56th Ave, turn right to stay on Sleater Kinney Rd. (it will look like a small residential drive)
  • Continue for 0.2 miles until you arrive at the station. Drive past the gate, down the hill, and park on the concrete by the barns.

Google Maps – Station Location

What to Expect

This is a field-based workshop, so please read the following closely to come prepared:

  • Wear boots appropriate for walking forested terrain.  We may walk upwards of 1.5 miles throughout the course of the day over potentially muddy and uneven terrain.
  • Parking is limited at the site and will likely require double parking and blocking some vehicles in. Please plan on attending the entire workshop.
  • This event will happen rain or shine, so please dress appropriately
  • A portable toilet will be available on site
  • Drinking water will be available
  • Be prepared to fill and sign a liability waiver (PDF) to enter the WSU field station.

Cost and Registration

Registration is required.

Cost

Cost for this event is $25 per vehicle (max: 4 people).

*Refunds available before 5PM on Oct 7th. Processing fees for online registration are non-refundable.

Register online

Registrations via HumanTix are subject to credit card processing fee. Online registration will be open until 5PM on Wednesday, October 7th or until capacity is reached.

Register

Register by mail

Contact Patrick Shults (patrick.shults@wsu.edu).

Questions?

Reach out to Patrick Shults (patrick.shults@wsu.edu).

Accommodations

Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Patrick Shults (patrick.shults@wsu.edu) at least two weeks prior to the event.