John Silloway fixes maple sap lines in Randolph, Vt., in February 2011.

Melody Bodette

Melody is a Producer for But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids.

She was formerly VPR's deputy news director, Morning Edition producer and a reporter covering Addison and Franklin counties. She began at VPR as a part-time production assistant and was promoted to full-time in 2007. She has also served as a news and editorial assistant for The Burlington Free Press.

By Any Other Name, Does Vermont's Maple Syrup Taste As Sweet?

Melody Bodette

Forget "Grade A" — Vermont has a new system for grading maple syrup. The state hopes names like "Delicate" and "Robust" will educate consumers, but some residents are just plain confused.
Vermont Finds High-Tech Ways To Sap More Money From Maple Trees

Melody Bodette

Technological advances now allow Vermont's maple syrup producers to get twice as much sap per tree, meaning more syrup and more money. Statewide, the crop brought in $40 million last year, double its value from just six years ago.