Sugarbush Management for Forest Health and Wildlife
Course Overview
Sugarbushes are working forests, and management decisions made for sap production have lasting impacts on forest health, structure, and wildlife habitat. This course explores how thoughtful sugarbush management can balance maple syrup production with broader ecological goals, including bird conservation and long-term forest resilience.
Participants will learn how to assess their sugarbush and surrounding forest, understand stand conditions, and develop management prescriptions that align with their objectives. Topics include evaluating forest structure and composition, choosing appropriate sugaring systems, and integrating bird-friendly and forest health considerations into management decisions.
The course blends classroom discussion with field visits to Great Mountain Forest sugarbushes, where participants will examine real-world examples of sugarbush management, including bird-friendly maple practices.
Course Goals & Objectives
Understand how sugarbush structure, composition, and management affect forest health and wildlife habitat
Learn how to assess a sugarbush and develop basic management prescriptions
Explore ways to balance production with long-term forest and bird conservation goals
Identify sugarbush management systems that best fit different properties and landowner objectives
Academic/Professional Credit
This class has been approved for 2 CT Forest Practitioner continuing education credits.
Instructors
Matt Gallagher, Consulting Forester; Director of Programs and Operations, Great Mountain Forest
Rosa Goldman, Senior Associate, Forest Program, Audubon Connecticut and New York Bird-Friendly Maple Program
Kate Regan-Loomis, Forester, Great Mountain Forest
Physical Requirements
Participants should expect significant field time and be comfortable walking off-trail over uneven and potentially muddy terrain, navigating slopes, and standing for several hours in variable weather conditions.
Meals
Coffee, tea, water, and snacks will be provided. Participants should bring their own lunch.
Location
This course will be held at the Mountain House Barn in Great Mountain Forest. The Mountain House Barn is located at 200 Canaan Mountain Road in Falls Village, CT.
