# CAREER: Understanding the production of maple syrup and carbon cycling within trees

> **NSF 01003031DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Vermont & State Agricultural College (VT) · $807,699

## Abstract

This project improves understanding of how trees store, move, and use carbon by focusing on sugar maple (Acer saccharum). Sugar maple is an important tree species in northeastern North America and it is the foundation of the region’s rapidly growing maple syrup industry. Trees play a vital role in Earth system function by storing carbon, yet key aspects of how carbon is allocated within living trees—especially during periods without leaves—remain poorly understood. Sugar maple offers a unique natural system to address these knowledge gaps because sap extraction removes stored carbon during late winter. This creates an opportunity to directly observe how trees react to removal of some internal carbon reserves. This research advances fundamental knowledge about a longstanding question in plant physiology while supporting sustainable land management, rural economies, and STEM education. The project integrates research with education and public engagement focusing on sugar maple trees in a region with significant maple syrup production. Educational activities engage audiences ranging from K–12 students to professional maple producers through hands-on field experiences, a mobile sugarhouse, a new university course, undergraduate research opportunities, and continuing education programs. The project actively supports workforce development for a growing, forest-based industry. This project advances NSF’s priorities in Biotechnology.

The goal of this project is to develop a detailed understanding of within-tree carbon cycling in sugar maple across seasonal and interannual timescales. The research pursues three integrated objectives: (1) quantifying seasonal patterns of carbon pools and fluxes using physiological measurements of processes, such as of growth and the evolution of sap composition and nonstructural carbon reserves; (2) experimentally testing controls on carbon allocation through field manipulations that alter carbon sources and sinks, including controlled sap

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2543476
- **Awardee organization:** University of Vermont & State Agricultural College (VT)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** Z94KLERAG5V9
- **PI:** Tim Rademacher
- **Primary program:** 01003031DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, Biotechnology, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $807,699
- **Funds obligated:** $719,114
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 08/01/2026 → 07/31/2031

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2543476

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2543476, CAREER: Understanding the production of maple syrup and carbon cycling within trees. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-05 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2543476. Licensed CC0.

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