Adam Wild is a specialist with the Cornell Maple Program, Director of Cornell University's Uihlein Maple Research Forest in Lake Placid, NY, and overall maple enthusiast. Cornell’s Uihlein Maple Research Forest is a 350-acre forest within the high-peaks region of the Adirondack Park dedicated to applied research and education for the maple industry. As director, Adam oversees all research operations including sugaring from a 7,000-tap commercial maple operation. In addition to maples, Adam also taps other species including birch and beech trees for research and syrup production. The Uihlein Maple Research Forest educates visitors from around the world in all aspects of the tree sugaring process while visiting the charming Olympic village of Lake Placid.
Adam is also Co-Director of the Cornell Maple Program, a state-wide outreach effort with region-wide impacts oriented towards supporting and sustaining growth within the maple industry. Cornell Maple Program is a world leader in maple research and extension housed within the department of natural resources and the environment at Cornell University. As Co-Director, Adam works one-on-one with maple producers and presents at workshops and conferences across NY and the entire maple producing region including New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Mid-West. Additionally, Adam co-hosts the maple industry podcast “Sweet Talk: All things Maple,” regularly writes articles for industry news outlets, and teaches an online maple course through the Cornell Small Farms program.
Prior to joining the Cornell Maple Program, Adam was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Science at SUNY Cobleskill teaching courses in dendrology, botany, soil science, and maple production. Adam lives in picturesque Lake Placid with his wife where he enjoys exploring all the outdoor activities the Adirondack’s offer including, skiing, biking, hiking, and paddling.
Recent Research
Adam focuses his research work on providing applicable outcomes for supporting and growing the maple industry while sustaining health of native forests stands where sap is collected. Through his research and extension work, Adam promotes the consumption of maple as the smarter sweetener with rich cultural history utilizing sweet sap from in-tact forests that provide ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, stabilizing soil, filtering water, and wildlife habitat. In addition to maple, Adam explores other non-timber forest products including other tree syrups and understory plant crops for producers to utilize in expanding their product offerings. By working with producers, Adam strives for his efforts to support individuals to be efficient, productive, and financially sustainable.
