A passion for creating high-quality maple products drives Master Sugarmaker Mark Leonard, who also oversees woods operation—as the two go hand in hand. Being organic to Leonard is recognizing the harmony between a healthy sugarbush and producing a healthy product for the consumer, done through maintaining a clean, chemical free environment. Before coming to Meridan Hill Maple, Leonard was manager at the world’s largest sugar operation in Island Pond, Vermont. There he learned the trade, mastering boiling, tubing, installation and vacuum production, among other techniques. Responsibilities at MHM include maintaining the sugarbush and equipment used in the sugar house to ensure an optimal product and a productive season, which he does while enjoying raising his family here in New Hampshire’s Great North Woods.