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Nontimber forest products

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Description:

OSU Extension helps forest landowners explore and manage non-timber forest products such as mushrooms, floral greens and medicinal plants. We provide research-based information on sustainable harvesting, product development and market opportunities to support forest-based income and stewardship.

Making bigleaf maple syrup: A hobbyist's guide

Maple syrup is one of the oldest forms of sweeteners, its use dating back hundreds of years. This publication describes how to tap bigleaf maple trees for sap that can be boiled down to make maple syrup.

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Photo Credit: Studio Light & Shade - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Latest Resources

Procuring and processing maple and walnut syrup in compliance with Oregon’s Farm Direct Marketing Law

Oregon law allows farmers to turn maple and walnut sap collected on their property into syrup and sell the finished product. Learn how to collect sap, process it into syrup and bottle a true taste of Oregon.

Joy Waite-Cusic, Eric T. Jones, Kelly Streit, Peter Matzka | Sep 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Making bigleaf maple syrup: A hobbyist's guide

This guide explains how to tap bigleaf maple trees and make the sap into maple syrup. Includes tips on tree selection, sap collection, boiling procedures, and safe storage.

Peter Matzka, Sarah Cameron, Melanie Douville, Eric T. Jones, Carrie Berger, Tiffany Hopkins | Aug 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Agroforestry: 5 practices for adding trees to your farm or ranch in Oregon

Agroforestry combines trees, shrubs, forages, grasses, livestock and crops in innovative, flexible combinations tailored to the needs of landowners.

Sam Angima, Kidane Giday | Jul 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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Oregon Native Edible Truffles

Oregon provides ideal growing conditions for truffles. There are hundreds of native truffle species in Oregon, but only four are considered gourmet edible truffles. Learn more about these aromatic, highly sought-after fungi used as culinary delicacies in many dishes.

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Latest News

Podcast enables listeners to learn about forests on their own time

In the Woods helps listeners understand the connection between forest management and critical issues like water quality, wildfire risk, biodiversity and climate resilience.

Lauren Grand | Apr 2025 | Impact story

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Upcoming Events

Mar 21

Tree School Clackamas

8:15 am - 5:15 pm Oregon City, OR
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Meet Our Experts

Alicia Christiansen
Forestry & Natural Resources, Associate Professor of Practice
Ariel Cowan
Regional Fire Specialist, Central Region
Photo of Lorelle in the woods on a trail.
Lorelle Sherman
Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Forester, Assistant Professor (Practice)
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Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

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Are wood chips the best surface for our trails?

Q: I just purchased a home next to three separate trails. We just cleaned the overgrowth. We'd like to place wood chips on the trails. Is there a specific type recommended? Are there more sustainable options? Are there any ...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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