Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-Utica/Rome) hosted the Maple Experience on Friday, Dec. 6, to teach students about New York’s maple production industry. Buttenschon partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County for the event, which was held at Staley Elementary School in Rome.

“I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to enrich our students’ education, and the Maple Experience helped me do just that,” Buttenschon said. “This interactive program taught students about the history and science of maple production, and allowed them to get hands-on experience while learning how some of their favorite maple-flavored foods are made. It’s these types of programs that help ensure our youth receive a well-rounded education, filled with unique and memorable experiences that spark their creativity.”

Students from Staley Elementary School’s kindergarten through sixth grade classes participated in the interactive agricultural education program. The event provided students with information about the history of maple’s discovery and the impact early settlers had on the expansion of the industry, as well as the science behind collecting sap and the production process. Students also had the opportunity to taste fresh maple syrup.

Staley Elementary principal Mike Davis commented that the program was, “a great experience and great opportunity for students living in the area.”

The Maple Experience is a new mobile education classroom used to enhance the understanding of the maple production process and its importance within the agriculture industry. This mobile classroom was approved in the 2019 budget and was brought forward through the Agriculture Committee, of which Buttenschon is a member.

Cornell Cooperative Extension has brought the Maple Experience to schools across the state as part of its mission to ensure all communities have access to the resources to tackle social, economic and environmental challenges.