Floodwoods Farm has a rich history that is deeply rooted in the tradition of sugaring, a craft that has been passed down through generations. Established in 1960, it proudly stood as the second Belted Galloway farm in North America. The farm’s verdant woods were familiar with the tapping of maple trees long before its official founding, as "sugaring" had been a local practice for many years, although it lay dormant for about three decades.
The reawakening of this sweet tradition came in 1980 when Martin Von Trapp, the grandson of the iconic Verner Von Trapp, whose family’s story inspired the classic film "The Sound of Music," decided to breathe new life into the woods. With a vision to revive the art his ancestors admired, Martin re-tapped the woods with the intention of supplying the Von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont, with a unique product - the Von Trapp syrup. This specialty syrup soon became a beloved staple at the lodge, enchanting guests with its rich flavor and authentic Vermont heritage. Martin continued this labor of love until a fateful accident in 2015, coupled with new health regulations, prevented him from using his sugarhouse. It was a setback, as the sugarhouse was crucial for processing the sap collected from the sugarbush on his farm, located 2 miles away.
However, the story of Floodwoods Farm and its sugaring legacy didn’t end there. In 2017, Geordy Richards and his family saw the dormant potential in the vast 20,000-tree sugarbush. While Geordy was still imparting knowledge and skills to young minds at the local ski racing academy, he and his family took on the ambitious project of restarting the sugaring operation. It was in fact Martin’s son Dan VonTrapp who cut the timber frame for the sugarhouse in his barn and then raised it with a local crew the following summer. Their dedication over the next five years was evident in the significant expansion and modernization of the sugaring facilities. From its historic roots as a prominent Belted Galloway farm to its present-day status as a bustling maple syrup producer, the farm remains a beacon of tradition, community, and the sweet taste of perseverance.
The Richards family not only rejuvenated the sugarbush but also infused new life into the farm’s involvement with the local community. The Belted Galloway cows are still there and they graze over the buried sap-lines in the back pasture. Geordy makes the hay for them during the summer and runs the farm year-long. They work meticulously to blend the old with the new, incorporating modern techniques with the time-honored methods that have been used on the farm for generations.
Today, Floodwoods Farm stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the land and the families who have nurtured it. From its historic roots as a community of subsistence hillside farms in the 1800s to a prominent Belted Galloway farm established in 1960 and now to its present-day status as a bustling maple syrup producer, the farm remains a testament to the ideals of land stewardship which puts the health of the natural environment above all else. As we look to the future, we invite you to be a part of our ongoing story, to taste the invigorating sweetness of our labor, and to share in that special Vermont flavor that history enhances.
Maple syrup's rich, natural sweetness and complex flavor make it a versatile ingredient for creative cooking and baking. Here are some delightful ways to use maple syrup in your culinary...
Maple syrup's rich, natural sweetness and complex flavor make it a versatile ingredient for creative cooking and baking. Here are some delightful ways to use maple syrup in your culinary...
Maple syrup, a cherished North American product, is often pigeonholed as just a breakfast condiment. However, its culinary versatility extends far beyond the morning meal. This natural sweetener can be...
Maple syrup, a cherished North American product, is often pigeonholed as just a breakfast condiment. However, its culinary versatility extends far beyond the morning meal. This natural sweetener can be...
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