Peter Smallidge
NYS Extension Forester
Arnot Teaching and Research Forest Director
PhD. State University of New York – College of Environmental Science and Forestry
M.S. State University of New York – College of Environmental Science and Forestry
B.S. Purdue University
Peter Smallidge’s overall goal is to integrate extension and research in support of productive and healthy forest ecosystems in New York and the Northeast. His research and extension activities focus on forest management impacts on landscape quality, forest regeneration and its limitations imposed through high-grading, and healthy and productive sugarbushes.
Stephen Childs
Cornell Maple Program Director
New York Maple Specialist
M.S. Horticulture, Cornell University
B.S. Horticulture, Cornell University
Stephen Childs is the New York State Maple Specialist providing educational instruction and resources to maple producers in New York State. His focus areas include sustainable forest sugar bush management, sap collection and processing technology, product quality improvement and grading, and value added product development.
Adam Wild
Henry Uihlein II and Mildred A. Uihlein Director of the Uihlein Maple Research Forest
Northern New York Maple Specialist
M.S. Forest Ecology and Natural Resource Management, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
B.T. Landscape Contracting/Plant Science, SUNY Cobleskill
Adam Wild is the Henry Uihlein II and Mildred A. Uihlein Director of the Uihlein Maple Research Forest in Lake Placid NY and a New York Maple Specialist providing support to maple producers in Norther New York and across the state. Adam has research interest in sugarbush management, production efficiency, forest health, sap collection and processing, quality of maple products, and syrup from other tree species.
Aaron Wightman
Maple Specialist
Extension Associate
M.F. Forestry, Virginia Tech
B.A. Biology, Cornell University
Aaron conducts research in all aspects of maple production, marketing and forest management. He also supports the operation of the 7,000 tap research sugarbush at the Arnot Forest, and participates in extension and educational programs. Aaron’s research interests include improved sap handling processes, maple-based nutritional supplements, sugarbush silviculture, and the development of maple beer, wine and distilled spirits.
Keith Otto
Maple Technician
Paul Smith’s College graduate
Keith Otto is the maple technician at the Uihlein Maple Research Forest. He began this role in 2017 after having worked seasonally for the forest in prior years. Keith has over five years of experience with all aspects of maple syrup production, from the tree to value added processing. He also has an extensive background in the brewing industry, having worked for multiple breweries around New York State. Keith teaches the craft brewing course at Paul Smith’s College in addition to his work at the Uihlein Maple Research Forest.
Matthew Millick
Maple Technician
Matt has over 15 years of experience in maple production in the Arnot Research Forest. His position emphasizes sugarhouse operations, system maintenance, sugarbush management and quality control. He has also worked as a forestry technician and assisted with agroforestry activities at the Arnot.
Ailis Clyne
Maple Technician
B.S. Environmental Science and Sustainability, Cornell University
Ailis joined the Arnot Forest research team in 2018. Her research interests include forest regeneration and maple-based ecology, as well as all things value-added. She works on maple-based fermentation, and has been producing recipes for kombucha, vinegar, and wine. She is interested in developing a range of other value-added products, from cosmetics to new confections. Additionally, she develops educational materials in text and video format, and makes improvements to existing media, including the Cornell Maple Program Website.