[3] The township was named from groves of maple trees within its borders.

Interstate 75 runs north–south across the west side of the township, providing access at Exit 264.

As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 498 people, 201 households, and 156 families residing in the township.

The racial makeup of the township was 97.79% White, 0.60% Native American, 0.20% Asian, and 1.41% from two or more races.

17.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.