Rustic cabin group photo with three dogs in snowy forest setting.

Meet a Sugar Maker

Sappy stories — meet our sugar makers

Meet the hard working members behind the maple. Every grade of syrup from individual sugarhouses has distinctive character, just like our wonderful community of sugar makers.

Two people in orange hoodies working with metal equipment in a workshop.

Meet a Sugar Maker & Instructor: Sam Nijensohn

As part of our Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association member spotlight series, we join North Country Career Center’s Natural Resources students as they welcome local second graders for their annual spring maple education program, sharing Vermont’s sugaring traditions with the next generation.

Two people in winter clothing beside a sign about bird-friendly habitats in a forest.

Meet a Sugar Maker: Chaska Richardson & Matt Menard

VMSMA Membership Manager Heather Winner shares the story of Couching Lion Maple Sugar Farm—a family-run operation blending stewardship, creativity, and community spirit. Discover how a simple email about the Maple Meander led to a deeper look at Vermont’s passion for maple and the people behind it.

Man standing in workshop beside a large wooden barrel.

Meet a Sugar Maker: Don Deflorio

Meet Don DeFlorio of Macintosh Hill Maple Works in Randolph, Vermont, in this Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association member spotlight—part of our series celebrating the dedication and craft of Vermont’s sugar makers, large and small.

Smiling couple posing together indoors.

Meet a Sugar Maker: Mary Jane & Mario Fradette

Discover the story of Mary Jane and Mario Fradette, Vermont sugar makers from East Hardwick, featured in the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association member spotlight series highlighting the people behind Vermont’s maple tradition.

Two men smiling in a rustic wooden cabin, embracing each other.

Meet a Sugar Maker: Matt Wamsganz

As part of a new series highlighting our members, we’re starting short interviews with Vermont’s sugar makers, large and small, near and far. Our first conversation was with Matt Wamsganz of Snow Hill Farm in Westford, Vermont.

Man in a plaid shirt sits in a rustic cabin with bottles and jars on shelves.

Meet a Sugar Maker: Ed Smith

Discover Vermont’s maple community through member spotlights. Read VMSMA’s interview with Ed Smith of Smith Family Maple in Cambridgeport, Vermont.

Two people lean against a wooden cabin with a metal roof, trees in the background.

Meet a Sugar Maker: Don Gilbert

From engineering theory to maple mastery, Don Gilbert’s journey began at the University of Vermont in the 1970s and led to founding Sherman Hollow Organic Farm in Hinesburg. Discover how his lifelong passion for efficiency and innovation shaped a unique path through Vermont’s maple world.