Producing other kinds of syrup could be a natural way for farmers to safeguard their harvest against warmer weather and pests. But maple experts say, the most famous syrup is here to stay. CONCORD, ...

Q: We are curious to know the identity of a tree we saw in a park, surviving the Southwest climate that has leaves that look like a maple and a round spiky seed pod. Can you tell us?

The annual tapping of regional trees is going on now. Two local growers share learned wisdom about how it’s done combining old and new techniques.