OUR STORY

Kahiltna Birchworks began soon after Dulce and Michael met in 1988 when they were both working as field technicians for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. In 1980, Michael had staked a remote homestead in Alaska’s Susitna Valley, and it soon lured the couple to a new life at Quiet Lake, 30 miles off Alaska’s road system.

In 1990 they harvested the sap from 200 birch trees near their cabin, and they had their first child. Thus began the first birch sugarbush and a great Alaskan adventure. They raised their two daughters on the homestead, lived off the land, and gradually grew their business and an Alaskan industry.

Collecting Alaskan Birch Syrup from Paper Birch Trees

Much has changed since those first 200 trees were tapped and bottled on the homestead. Over the years the Easts tapped more trees, built a commercial kitchen and expanded their product line.

In 2009 the Easts purchased property near Talkeetna and built a new production facility. In the spring of 2010 Michael and Dulce harvested birch sap along Alaska’s road system for the first time in. The move was pivotal. It gave them access to an almost infinite number of road-accessible birch trees and it better connected with visitors and the local community.

In 2017 they tapped 11,000 trees, a huge change from those 200 trees they tapped in 1990.

Dulce & Michael - Owners of Alaskan Birch Syrup Company 'Wild Alaska Harvest'

Reverse Osmosis Machine used for evaporating water on the Alaskan Birch Syrup making process

In 2010, the Taste and Tour production facility and gift shop opened near Talkeetna. Kahiltna Birchworks– the heart and soul of their business–became a part of the more all-encompassing Alaska Wild Harvest, LLC.

While the Easts no longer live off the land at Quiet Lake, they still enjoy harvesting their food and bringing the bounty of the land to others. The homestead is now their retreat– to relax, hunt, ski and enjoy the northern lights. It is their time to be with family and friends, and be inspired again by their love for Alaska.

Wild Berries growing in the forests where Alaskan Birch Syrup sap is harvested

Passing on the Torch

As of July 31st, we sold our business to Ted and Alex Hammers, and their partner Chris Sorensen, of Hammers Family Birch. These young men have the energy, enthusiasm, and vision – along with our support – to take Alaska Wild Harvest into the future with knowledge rooted in the past.