Alums use organic maple syrup business to support forests, pollinators

Eric and Laura Sorkin’s story is as sweet as it gets. After meeting at the Nicholas School, where they studied for their Master of Environmental Management, the couple has used their passion for sustainable landscapes to rise to the top of the organic maple syrup industry, all while navigating the intersection of agriculture and conservation. 

The Sorkins have not always been organic maple farmers. Prior to pursuing a master’s degree, Laura completed a bachelor’s degree in Chinese language and history before earning a culinary degree from the French Culinary Institute. Eric attended Boston University for his undergraduate studies and earned a graduate degree in environmental law from the Vermont Law and Graduate School.

During their time at the Nicholas School, Eric focused on resource ecology (and simultaneously earned his JD from Columbia University) while Laura studied coastal environmental management. They found themselves surrounded by peers with common virtues, developed valuable relationships, and even found love. Today, Laura’s love for the culinary arts can be seen in every package of maple syrup delivered; they come with their very own recipe cards.

After graduating from Duke, Laura and Eric moved to Washington, D.C., where Eric pursued a public law career with the Community Rights Counsel and Laura joined the Wildlife Habitat Council. With Laura’s strong desire to transfer their careers outdoors, they soon relocated to Vermont in 2000, where they started an organic vegetable and flower farm. Several years later, Eric tapped into a maple tree on the property, and soon thereafter, their maple syrup business, Runamok, was born, first selling on the bulk market then, in 2016, launching their retail line.

The Sorkins didn’t just start a business; Laura and Eric also created a working landscape that reflects their deep concern about the fragmentation of forests in New England. At Runamok, they use their land to promote biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, and support healthy trees. They’re among the first to become certified Bird Friendly by the National Audubon Society. By protecting intact forestlands with a diverse array of trees (not just maple trees), Runamok provides suitable habitats for migrating birds.

And as if saving the trees and birds weren’t enough, Eric and Laura invest in protecting bees by purchasing American honey from producers in Montana, North Dakota, Florida, and New York. This year they have started buying from a Vermont producer as well. Part of their mission is to promote pollinator habitats in all their marketing efforts.

The Runamok plant in Fairfax, Vt. boasts 525 solar panels on its roof. The Runamok brand also comes in glass bottles, reflecting the Sorkins’ commitment to incorporating sustainable practices wherever possible in the production and packaging of their products.

Laura and Eric never imagined themselves as forerunners in the maple syrup industry, but the duo are proud of their achievements stemming from a passion for their land with their deep commitment to environmental initiatives. From beginning their individual environmental careers at Duke to becoming the sustainable business owners they are today, the Sorkins are just one example of the many alumni stories the Nicholas School is proud to share.