Syrup and sawmills topics of online classes

Two upcoming online classes will focus on products from the forest.  On Saturday, Novl. 21, the 3rd Annual Southwest Virginia Tree Syrup School will be conducted on Zoom from 9 am to noon.  This school is organized by Virginia Cooperative Extension, the High Knob Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists and the Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Environment.

Topics and presenters will include…

• Potential impacts of the Asian longhorned beetle to the maple syrup industry by Dr. Joe Boggs, Ohio State University

• American beech syrup by Dr. Mike Farrell, former director of Cornell University’s Maple Research Field Station

• Reverse osmosis theory and considerations for beginners by Carl Nylen, The RO Bucket

• Alternative markets for tree sap by Dr. Tom Hammett, Virginia Tech

• Making syrup with minimal investment, by High Knob Master Naturalists and Extension.

DEC. 3

At 6 pm on Thursday, Dec. 3, Dr. Brian Bond, Virginia Tech Professor of Sustainable Biomaterials will present “You have the portable sawmill.  Now what?” as part of the Mountain Zoom Series. 

Bond will discuss the steps for turning a portable sawmill hobby into a sustainable business.

Both of these online events are free, but please register by contacting Phil Meeks at pmeeks@vt.edu or phoning (276) 328-6194 for log-in information.

Phillip Meeks, Extension Agent

Virginia Cooperative Extension,

Wise County