Wellsville native Aaron Wightman heads up Cornell University’s Maple Program
The sugarbush is about to start flowing. Maple syrup production peaks from mid-February until late March and Aaron Wightman is at the forefront of the age old tradition of making maple syrup. As a co-Director of the Cornell Maple Program, he explained his job to the Wellsville Sun last March:
“In my role I provide leadership in planning, developing, coordinating and implementing state-of-the-art educational programs and innovative applied research projects. “
He just dropped the Maple Program’s latest podcast called, Sweet Talk with the Next Generation of Sugarmakers. The podcast sums up the work that Wightman and the Maple Program do: Create opportunities for those in the maple syrup industry. Last spring, Aaron gave us an in-depth look at this job and philosophy as NY’s “King of the Sugarbush:
Do you love to make syrup? Aaron and his team are on the hunt for some help:
“We have an opening for a maple syrup and forestry technician at Cornell University. The position involves work with my team in all aspects of maple syrup research at our 8,000 tap sugarbush and newly constructed maple lab. This position also includes substantial work related to forest health and regeneration with my colleague, Dr. Peter Smallidge. All work will take place within the 4300 acre Arnot Research Forest near Ithaca, NY. This is a great fit for someone who enjoys a combination of quiet time in the woods, and interaction with a team of smart but easygoing researchers. The Arnot Forest is remote with rugged terrain and cold winters. This kind of work can be mentally and physically challenging, but it all takes place against the backdrop of 6.5 square miles of beautiful forest land. Definitely better than sitting in a cubicle under the fluorescent lights.”
Interested? Visit Cornell online and apply today!
