Wild Voices: Krista Powers

Stepping into her family’s sugarhouse in Vermont, Krista Powers is enveloped by a flurry of activity and warmth. The air is thick with the tantalizing scent of maple, while the rhythmic bubbling of boiling sap fills the room. Amidst the bustling atmosphere, her family members work in harmony, each playing a vital role in the syrup-making process.

Her father, the backbone of the operation, meticulously oversees every aspect, from monitoring gauges to tasting the syrup for perfection. Aunts, uncles, and cousins dart in and out, hauling sap and ensuring that the syrup doesn’t overcook. It’s a scene of organized chaos, fueled by the collective effort of everyone involved.

For Powers, the sugarhouse is more than just a place of work; it’s a sanctuary of cherished memories and family bonds. Growing up amidst the sprawling sugarbush of their 300-acre property, she spent her days immersed in nature’s embrace, surrounded by the sights and sounds of rural life.

Despite now residing in Crested Butte, Colorado, Powers remains deeply connected to her roots in Vermont. Each spring, she embarks on a pilgrimage back home, trading the rugged peaks of Colorado for the rolling hills of the Northern Kingdom. Here, she eagerly lends a hand in the sugaring process, honoring her family’s legacy with every drop of sap collected.

While her friends chase powder on the slopes, Powers finds solace in the rhythmic pulse of the sugarbush, where the anticipation of sap running fills the air. With each season, she reaffirms her commitment to preserving her family’s tradition, carrying forward the timeless art of maple syrup production.