Explore how tree sap is transformed into sweet maple syrup by attending DuPage Forest Preserve District’s March programs: “Maple Sugaring” at Kline Creek Farm or “DIY Maple Sugaring: The Basics” at Fullersburg Woods.
Group size is limited to 10 in each session and will follow current health guidelines regarding COVID-19. Participants must wear masks that cover the nose and mouth and practice social distancing.
Maple Sugaring
Discover how sap becomes syrup as you examine a maple tree, check the collection buckets, see a tapping demonstration, and observe sap thickening over a fire. These 20-minute tours are a great way to spend time with your family in nature on Saturdays and Sundays, March 6-28, at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago. The tours begin at 1, 1:30, 2, 2:30, 3 and 3:30 p.m. You must wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Cost for this all-ages program is $5 per person. Register online at www.dupageforest.org or by calling (630) 876-5900.
DIY Maple Sugaring
Learn how to tap maple trees at home and make your own syrup with just a little know-how and a few tools in “DIY Maple Sugaring: The Basics.” You must wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. This program for ages 18 or older costs $10 per person. Register online at www.dupageforest.org or by calling (630) 933-7248.
The program will be on Saturday, March 13, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Fullersburg Woods, 3609 Spring Road in Oak Brook.
Some fun facts about maple syrup:
• Maple syrup is made by boiling sap to remove excess water until it reaches a syrupy consistency. Maple sugar is made by continuing to boil the syrup until all of the water has evaporated, leaving a dry sugar.
• It takes 40 gallons of sugar maple sap to make one gallon of syrup. Other species of maple trees require even more.
• Maple syrup is one of the lowest calorie natural sweeteners at 54 calories per tablespoon. And it has a number of nutritional advantages, providing important minerals like manganese, riboflavin and zinc. It’s also packed with antioxidants, which are linked to cancer prevention, increased immunity and lower blood pressure.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for more than 100 years. More than 6.2 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, six education centers and scores of programs each year. For information, call (630) 933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the district’s e-newsletter, blog, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.