PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
MAPLE SYRUP SEASON … Seventeen Stryker FFA members enjoyed visiting Mike Fraley’s maple farm in Montpelier on March 3, 2026. Students learned how trees are tapped and spiles are placed in trees to collect sap into collection bags. Students helped collect sap bags from trees and then learned about the several filters that are used, including a reverse osmosis system. There must be 250 gallons of sap collected before Mr. Fraley’s evaporator can be started. The sap enters the evaporator where water is evaporated out of the sap at a speed of 60 gallons of water per hour. The sap is boiled until it becomes syrup. Students were amazed to learn that it takes 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of maple syrup. Everyone had fun and enjoyed tasting fresh maple syrup with strawberries. Thank you, Mr. Fraley, for having Stryker FFA come learn about how to make maple syrup, and Mr. Arnos for taking us. Pictured above are Stryker FFA members collecting maple sap.