Whereas most people are familiar with maple syrup production, very few people know that birch and walnut trees can also be tapped for their sweet sap in the spring. The birch sap and syrup industry is well-established in Alaska and Europe, but there are opportunities for woodlot owners and forest companies throughout North America where birch grows. Similarly, walnut syrup is a small niche that is serving a new market of gourmet specialty syrups. Birch and walnut syrup have the potential to expand markets for existing maple syrup producers, and to provide economic opportunities for woodlot and forest owners not previously involved in syrup production. This webinar will cover the opportunities and challenges with tapping these alternative tree species for sap and syrup. Participants will gain an understanding of the timing of sap flow, expected yields per tap, processing differences when turning sap in to syrup, and marketing opportunities with these unique products. If you are an existing maple producer who has ever considered adding birch or walnut tapping to your operation, or if you have access to a sizeable birch or walnut resource, this webinar will help you decide whether this can be a viable option for you. Presented December 16, 2015 by Dr. Michael Farrell, Cornell University, Director Uihlein Sugar Maple Research Forest.