Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-Utica/Rome) partnered with the New York State Maple Producers Association (NYSMPA) to host the Maple Experience at three Mohawk Valley schools this week to bring New York’s maple agricultural market to the forefront of student’s educational curriculum.

“It’s critically important that we provide our children with a well-rounded education that sparks their curiosity, broadens their perspectives and gives them fulfilling experiences they’ll never forget, especially in the wake of this difficult year,” Buttenschon said. “The Maple Experience embodies just that and offered Mohawk Valley students a unique insight into the history and process of maple production and allowed them to learn hands-on about this exciting industry that’s right here in our backyard. Our young minds deserve a positive learning environment where they can grow and thrive, and I’ll always help bring interactive and fun programs like this to our local schools.”

Buttenschon kicked off the program at Frankfort-Schuyler Elementary School on Monday, May 24, followed by George R. Staley Elementary School in Rome on Tuesday and N.A. Walbran Elementary School in Oriskany on Wednesday. Here, the mobile educational exhibit, complete with local high school and middle school FFA volunteers, rolled out information on the early discovery of maple syrup and the impact early settlers had on the expansion of the industry. Students received interactive tree tapping demonstrations, which included modern power drills and plastic tubing syrup lines, and enjoyed a tasting of real maple syrup and maple syrup products.

“Frankfort-Schuyler Elementary school is grateful to Assemblywoman Buttenschon for bringing the Maple Experience to us. Since we have been unable to take field trips this school year, it was wonderful to have a field trip come to us. The students enjoyed the presentations, and of course the tasting finale. Everything was well planned out and just the perfect amount of time for each grade level," said Principal Welch of Frankfort-Schuyler Elementary School.

“We appreciate all the time and commitment that went into the Maple Experience. We are always looking to give our students a positive, hands on experience. Our elementary students had an opportunity to learn something new from high school students. The passion the presenters had for the Maple Experience showed and made it interesting for our students. I know our students will remember this day every time they sit at the table and have pancakes or French toast. The best part is that our students will be able to share the information they gained today with their family at the breakfast table and spark a new and interesting conversation,” said Principal Davis of George R. Staley Elementary School.

“The Maple Experience was a fun way for our students to learn about the rich maple syrup tradition in our area and to get a first-hand look at different elements in the process. Our students had fun and it was a unique hands-on learning opportunity. We are grateful to Assemblywoman Butttenschon for reaching out and supporting our students in this way," said Principal Ranieri of N.A. Walbran Elementary School.

As a member of the Agriculture and Education Committee, and Chair of the Export Trade Subcommittee, Buttenschon fought to secure funding for the Maple Experience in the 2021-22 State budget. This funding provided NYSMPA with the opportunity to bring the Maple Experience to schools across the state as part of its mission to promote the maple industry and educate youth about the sweetest agriculture industry. As the second leading state in the nation’s maple production, and first state in value-added maple products, the Maple Experience highlights New York’s maple production, which hit a 75-year record in 2019, producing over 820,000 gallons.

“The Maple Experience is truly a unique opportunity to educate students in an interactive, hands-on setting right at the school.The student’s excitement is evident as they tour the exhibit, participate in the presentations and expand their understanding of the different factors of making maple syrup. We are delighted to bring this experience to the Mohawk Valley thanks to the efforts of Assemblywoman Buttenschon,” said Keith Scheibel, Special Projects Coordinator of the Maple Experience.

For more information and calendar of locations, the Maple Experience may be found at:https://nysmaple.com/the-maple-experience/