Hurley K-12 School Taps Maple Trees for Syrup Production

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The Hurley K-12 School in Wisconsin has begun its annual maple tree tapping program, with the fourth grade class helping to maintain the sap collection process. The collected sap is used to produce maple syrup, which is then sold to fund various school programs. The school's Board of Education received an update on the maple tapping at their latest meeting, along with approving several other policy and staffing decisions.

Why it matters

The maple tapping program at Hurley K-12 School is an important annual tradition that not only teaches students about the maple syrup production process, but also generates revenue to support the school's educational initiatives. In a time of tight budgets, this hands-on program provides a valuable source of supplemental funding.

The details

According to Elementary Principal Steve Lombardo, the initial installation of the sap collection bags took about an afternoon, but the daily maintenance only requires around 15 minutes per day with help from the fourth grade class. The school uses the collected sap to create maple syrup, which is then sold to fund various school programs.

• The maple tree tapping process began in late March 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The school will continue the daily maintenance of the maple tapping process throughout the spring sapping season, with the fourth grade class providing assistance. The collected sap will be processed into maple syrup, which will then be sold to fund various school programs.