This time of the year, whether we have snow on the ground or experiencing more balmy temperatures, behind the scenes, maple trees are doing their magic. It’s maple sugaring season in our area and it is a fascinating process that you and your family can see firsthand at many of the area’s environmental centers.
A few years ago, my kids and I attended a local event which included a short hike through the woods to see the trees that were being tapped and then a brief demonstration of how sap is turned to syrup as well as a tasting. The waffles were probably their favorite part, but it truly is a fascinating process. Maple sap is actually a clear and watery substance with barely a trace of sweetness when it exits a maple tree. The sap gets boiled to make syrup and on average it takes over 40 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of finished maple syrup.
Learn more about the interesting maple sugar process and view live demonstrations at nearby environmental centers. Be sure to check each destination for registration requirements and safety protocols before you go and enjoy this fun and educational activity.
Woodford Mansion, Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia, PA
February 18, 2023, 2pm-3:45pm, and 4pm – 5:45pm, Trees on Tap
Jethro Heiko, founder of Oak Lane Maple leads this maple sugaring workshop at Woodford Mansion which starts with a short hike to some nearby sugar trees to learn about the sap tapping process. After learning about the boiling and refining process and the sessions end on a tasty note with a pancake party with REAL PA made maple syrup. Two sessions being offered on Sunday, February 18th. Appropriate for adults and families with children ages 6 & up. Minors must be ticketed and accompanied by an adult.
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Wissahickon Environmental Center, Philadelphia, PA
February 25, 2023, 11am-3pm Sugar Saturday
It’s that sweet time of year when we venture out into the forest to find our very special sugar maple trees, and make syrup! Meet at the treehouse!
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Peter Wentz Farmstead, Lansdale, PA
February 25th, 2023 – 10:00 – 3:30 Maple Sugar Day
March 4th, 2023 – 10:00 – 3:30 Maple Sugar Day
Join the farmers as they create maple sugar from trees right at the Farmstead! Watch as they tap the trees, collect the sap, and create the syrup. Learn about the origins of maple sugaring and how the process has continued through to today. Philly Waffle Cabin’s food truck will be on site both days where you can enjoy one of their delicious Belgian waffles! NOTE: This program is weather dependent, if the temperature isn’t just right the sap may not flow! See additional date of March 5th, in case the weather isn’t right. All ages and free, no registration needed.
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Churchville Nature Center, Churchville, PA
March 5, 2023 – Maple Sugar Day
Visitors to Churchville’s Maple Sugar Day can expect a fun day learning and seeing all of the steps that are taken to create maple syrup. This year you can register for the Maple Sugar Program ($6) from 1pm-3pm or the Pancake Breakfast ($13) from 11am – 1pm.
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Peace Valley Nature Center, Doylestown, PA
March 5, 2023 – Maple Sugar Day
At Peace Valley Nature Center, participants will walk to collect sap and can see how it is boiled to create syrup. There will be tastings of both the sap and syrup as well as waffles and ice cream with syrup available for purchase.
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Pennypack Environmental Center, Philadelphia PA
March 4, 2023 – Maple Sugar Festival
It’s the annual Maple Sugar Day at Pennypack is fun for all ages. Learn the process of maple sugaring, watch the making of maple candy, and sample pancakes with pure maple syrup. There will also be vendors, food trucks, games, and more!
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Dutch Hill Preserves, Canadensis, PA
March 11th -12th, 2023 10am-3pm – Maple Sugar Open House
Located in the Poconos, this event offers continuous tours of the sugarhouse, and a portion of the tapped woods, between 10 am and 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Wear sturdy shoes if you wish to head into the woods. Foods made with syrup to sample and purchase.
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Warwick County Park, Pottstown PA
March 12, 2023 10am – 12pm, 1pm – 3pm, Maple Sugaring at Warwick County Park
Maple tree sap begins to flow as the weather warms. Participants can Learn how a maple tree is tapped and how the sap is boiled to make real maple syrup. Best for families and kids ages 6 and up – free admission.
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