Maple tree sap starts running early
Warmer weather prompts Sault Ste. Marie syrup maker to tap his trees sooner than expected
CBC News Posted: Feb 23, 2012
Northern Ontario maple syrup lovers may get their sugary fix sooner than expected.
Mild temperatures have caused the syrup to run early and some sugar shacks have already begun tapping their trees.
One of these shacks is Thompson's Maple Products on St. Joseph Island near Sault Ste. Marie. Owner Doug Thompson said weather is a key factor when it comes to a successful season.
"This winter has been very mild and no snow,” Thompson said. “I've heard of people saying that they had no snow 50 years ago and they tapped earlier then, so it was a poor run. But you don't know until May, when the season's done"
Thompson started to tap his trees on Monday, the earliest date in 35 years.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/s ... early.html
