Plant of the Week: Sugar Maple

From delicious table syrup to basketball court flooring to bridges this tree is a New England favorite.

Worldwide appreciation of the delicious syrup provides a source of pride and opportunity for the North East section of North America.

Canadian production dwarfs New England but the nature of the climate and soil
type there increases the viability for lumber use. Early settlers brought nails from Europe and started production of metal connectors that allowed construction of homes, churches and notable bridges. Spanning narrow steep gullies and stream ways left by glacial retreat they played a major role in creation of viable economies in the 13 Colonies and the expansion West.

Connecticut’s location between the major ports of New York and Boston and its viable agriculture and forest yield helped many prosper. Infamy brought on by peddlers selling Red Cedar cut and grated to be thought of as Nutmeg did some harm, but pride of place has and should prevail. As visitors enter the State on the famous Route 1 they are entering New England. Gateway to New England Project will include a covered bridge to accommodate safe passage over the busy road for non-motorized transport. This highly visible signal as “The Gateway to New England “ will also host an opening to an area that celebrates the architecture of the region and active sports venues as well as Senior Housing. Being adjacent to a major Middle School and in a densely populated area celebrating the heritage of New England can provide a glimpse of the past present and future for all ages.

Ironwood, red oak and sugar maple combined forest in the area provided and provide the near perfect palate for building structures from the ultimate renewable resource. The steady humid climate influenced by proximity to large water bodies and reliable annual precipitation made the growing of livestock and production of fruit stock will be included. Sheep and Apple trees thrive together. Nearby Lyon Farm continued production of same until the 1970’s when it was converted to the first cluster housing project in the region.

With a number of unique structures under threat of demolition these modest sized buildings could be moved to the site and maintained as teaching venues with some museum qualities embedded. Pride of place and high yield per square foot provides opportunity for residents to live on and off their own land. The multi layered approach to knowing and understanding our resources can provide learning opportunity for all agemgroups. Add in modern technology to combine ice rink and swimming pool energy needs to decrease needs of each and centuries of technology can be felt all in the same public venue.  

Pride of place and sense of connectedness has benefits both financial and emotional. To recognize the unique aspects of a sub region from the Poles to the Equator provides a learning experience that can continue for a full life. Modern era digital reality has enhanced billions of lives. Knowing the physical realities of a sense of place was the only option for centuries, now the best of both worlds can be part of life.

Maple trees are examples of the best Nature can bring to us. The beauty of the flowers, the strength of the timber, majestic autumn color and delicious syrup are obvious.  The delight of the subtle shade during summer and wafting essence from fireplace make it truly a year ‘round performance star.