Our Practices
As responsible stewards, we are committed to preserving and maintaining natural resources to promote biodiversity. We will attain a more biodiverse ecosystem by implementing sustainable conservation practices to manage wildlife, water, and soil.
Apiary
We built an on-farm apiary in support of our local ecosystem through increased pollination and biodiversity. The resulting honey is just an extra bonus.
Before we even think about harvesting honey, we invest time in supporting the bees in building their hive. As beekeepers we take responsibility for provide the bees with a safe home (beehive), access to water and pollen or other food sources (if necessary).
As the bees produce more honey, the hives are expanded through addition of “supers”. Before harvest, we ensure the bees have sufficient honey in their “pantry” to ensure their survival. Next, we remove the frames from the hives to uncap and extract honey from the wax comb. We use a centrifugal extractor to force the honey out of the comb and into a collection bucket. Our honey is preserved in its raw, crystallized form so we can preserve the essence of nature's sweetness.
Wood-Fired Maple Syrup
Developing our sugarbush to produce maple syrup in a sustainable manner has been a priority for us. Maple sap is collected on site and processed with a wood-fired evaporator. The fire needs to be fed every fifteen to twenty minutes to maintain a constant temperature.
The syrup cooks at a high temperature (1200-1800 degrees F). The resulting syrup has a unique and subtle flavor including notes of caramel and a subtle, yet delicious, smokiness.
Our small batch wood fired has a complexity of flavor that really sets wood-fired syrup apart. There are no additives used in the making of Pure Vermont Maple Syrup. Although this process is labor intensive, it is our firm belief that the benefits of wood-fired syrup clearly outweigh the costs. We are passionate about preserving our forests and creating a product that we are proud of.
Conservation Projects
We're committed to conservation projects that contribute to our land's sustainability.
Projects include: Maintenance of existing timber roads for recreational use, Brushhog of fields with a plan to bring them back to viable hay production, annual Stocking of pond with 500 Rainbow trout, more than 350 balsam pine trees planted for Christmas tree harvest, installation of trail cameras for wildlife monitoring, and completion of property survey and submission of conservation plan to state.
Capital Improvements
Through farm renovations and improvements, we're able to continue working on our land and providing our community with a space to enjoy year-round.
Projects completed include: Updates to 1800s farmhouse to restore windows, siding, and steel roof; Replacement of pole barn deemed structurally unsafe; Renovations to the primary barn that will serve as a home for Red Truck woodworking, greenhouse, workshop/meeting space, artists studio, and guest quarters; Addition of Apiary; Reclaimed fields to add vegetable gardens, cut flower gardens; Implemented schedule of field mowing.