Sap collectors like Bill Roethle at Hillside Apples in Casco are starting to experience the sweet taste of success after another season comes to a close. The sap begins to flow in maple trees beginning in the middle of February and continues until the beginning of April. The 2,000 gallons of sap collected by Roethle this year went towards the production of 65 gallons of maple syrup for his own use and even more for area wholesalers. He credits gravity and a new system for helping him make about 20 more gallons of syrup this year.

Roethle says good weather also helped in the process as he was able to get to the trees quicker and the sap flowed faster.