Legislator John J. Mills, R-District 13, reminds residents, schools, community groups or anyone who is interested that free tours of Erie County’s Sugar Shack and Sawmill are available. Tours are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and weekends through April 15 at the Sugar Shack, located at Genesee Road and Warner Gulf Road, Concord. 

“Not many students have an opportunity to get a firsthand look at how sap is turned into the maple syrup they put on their pancakes,” Legislator Mills said. “I recently toured the facility again and was very impressed with the operation and how the Parks Department has brought our great Sugar Shack back to life. I encourage everyone to take a tour of this facility.”

This year Erie County is selling pure maple syrup to the public in the following sizes: $10/pint, $18/quart, $28/ half-gallon and $52/gallon. Syrup is available for purchase in the Rath Building, 95 Franklin Street, 12th Floor, Buffalo.

The County has increased its production, adding an additional 700 taps for a total of 1,600. Improvements are also planned, including upgrading equipment for better quality and quantity. 

County Parks Commissioner Jim Hornung said, “The Parks Department is able to run the Sugar Shack with just three staff members, thanks to modern technology.  Weather conditions made 2010 a challenging year for maple syrup production.  We expect to produce far more syrup, earning even more revenue this year.”

The Erie County Parks Bureau of Forestry leads the tours which include a look at how pure maple syrup, lumber, and various wood products are made. Tours are free and open to the public. Please call the Parks Department at 858-7037 to reserve a time.

To contact Legislator Mills, please call his Legislative Office at 655-5650 or email jmills13@erie.gov.