Isabella Gregory, Laura Richard, and James Manderlink working the evaporator in the Rogers Sugarshack. (Submitted photo)

SHERBURNE - The Friends of Rogers and the Community-based Study of Environmental Issues class at Colgate University have established a new partnership at the Rogers Center Sugarshack. Three seniors, Isabella Gregory, Laura Richard, and James Manderlink will be at the sugarshack every Thursday this spring, from 12-3 p.m., making maple syrup and engaging with the community.

While learning the trade of maple-sugaring and engaging the community members who come by to visit, the students will be running a research project on the role of reciprocity and gift-giving in the long term sustainability of maple syrup production at Rogers Center.

“James, Laura, and I truly appreciate this opportunity. Our goals for the research project are giving back to the community while collecting research, preserving tradition, and working sustainably,” said Isabella Gregory. “We’re collaborating with the Center to bring people together through maple sugaring, ensuring that maple syrup production thrives and contributes to the fundamental mission of Rogers Center.”

In order to further explore the elements and efficacy of the “Gift-Economy,” as outlined by Indigenous scientist and SUNY ESF Professor, Robin Wall Kimmerer, the students will be reading her most recent publication, The Serviceberry, while surveying and interviewing community members about their relationship with the new Maple Magic programming at Rogers Center.

“Nearly seven years ago, Bruce Selleck, a beloved husband, father, professor, and board member for the Friends of Rogers, passed away. As a dedicated and deeply involved professor at Colgate, he dreamed of a living laboratory at Rogers Center for students and the public to engage with the maple sugaring process. With this partnership, Bruce’s dream is becoming real, and we’re all lucky to be a part of his legacy. It is a great gift,” said David Carson, Executive Director for the Friends of Rogers.

All members of the community are welcome and encouraged to join the Colgate students on Thursdays, from 12-3 p.m., at the Rogers Center Sugarshack.

The mission of the Friends of Rogers is to provide outstanding educational opportunities that excite, inspire, and motivate people of all ages to enjoy, understand, appreciate, and protect our natural environment.

- Information from Friends of Rogers Center