Transition to Organics (NWTOPP), partner spotlight & events
September 30, 2026
Lyndaker Forest Products: Building Family, Food Security, and Opportunity Through Birch Syrup
Our blog is a space for sharing and learning about various food systems topics across Alaska. We occasionally have Guest Blogs that highlight particular issues and stories of interest. The views in our Guest Blogs are not reflections of APFC positions. If you are interested in writing a Guest Blog, please contact info@alaskafoodpolicycouncil.org to discuss your idea!
By Alex & Matt Lowber, LOBO Brand Shop
On 440 acres in Trapper Creek, Alaska, Lyndaker Forest Products is turning one of the state’s most abundant natural resources into a growing family business. Owned and operated by Wade and Leslie Lyndaker and their family, the operation produces birch syrup while embracing values of stewardship, self-sufficiency, and community.
For Wade, the inspiration for birch syrup began with memories of making maple syrup as a child. When the Lyndakers established their property in Trapper Creek, surrounded by thousands of birch trees, the opportunity to create something uniquely Alaskan felt like a natural fit.
Now in their second season of production, the family has learned firsthand that birch syrup is not for the faint of heart. The harvest window is fast and furious, typically lasting just three to four weeks. Once the sap begins flowing, the work becomes nonstop. Unlike maple trees, birch trees rely on warming soil and root activity before sap begins to run. When conditions are right, every day is spent tapping trees, collecting sap, and boiling it down into syrup. “It’s very intense,” Wade says. “Once you start tapping, it’s all hands on deck.”
The Lyndakers process their sap using a wood-fired evaporator that requires constant attention. During peak production, the fire must be stoked approximately every four minutes, often resulting in long days and short nights. But for the family, the effort is worth it. “I love building something off of what’s already provided,” Wade says. “Look how many birch trees are in Alaska.”
The business is deeply rooted in family. Wade and Leslie work alongside their children, sharing responsibilities and learning together as the operation grows. Both Wade and Leslie grew up in family-centered businesses and wanted to create a similar environment for their own children. “We all have to work as a team,” Leslie says. “Otherwise, it doesn’t work.”
The Lyndakers see local food production as an important part of strengthening Alaska’s resilience and food security. “Community sufficiency is very important,” Leslie says. “Especially in Alaska, being so removed from the Lower 48.” Organic certification became another way to support that mission. The family pursued certification through Oregon Tilth, viewing it as an opportunity to demonstrate accountability and build trust with customers. While there was a learning curve, the Lyndakers found the certification process manageable and valuable, noting that the certifiers are there to help support every step of the way. The certification provides assurance that their products meet recognized standards while helping them reach customers seeking high-quality, transparent food products.
For the Lyndakers, organic certification is about more than marketability; It’s about integrity. When customers purchase their syrup, they hope people understand the care behind every bottle. As Lyndaker Forest Products continues to grow, the family remains focused on producing wholesome food, creating opportunities in Alaska, and demonstrating the potential of one of the state’s most abundant natural resources.
