Can you smell it in the air? It’s maple sugarin’ season! Every year, local nature centers gear up for their annual maple sugaring events, enabling kids and families to learn about the process in a hands-on, interactive way. It’s the perfect time to explore nature with your kids. So head to one of these local events and learn how nature is turned into that sweet stuff that we love so much – maple syrup!
Events in Central NJ
Duke Farms (Hillsborough, NJ)
Sugar Maple Time Storytime
February 15, 2018 at 10am-11:30am
Children ages 3-6 and their adult caregivers are invited to join us for a 90-minute nature themed monthly program. Each month our “sprouts” will use their senses to connect to the natural world through nature stories, short hikes, songs and nature crafts.
Event Details
Duke Farms (Hillsborough, NJ)
Sugar Maple Celebration
March 3 & 4 at 10am – 2pm
Come celebrate the Sugar Maple and the magic it brings to your table. Tap a tree and enjoy the maple sugaring process with Duke Farms Executive Director Michael Catania. Participate in activities and nature hikes focused on wildlife, tree identification, best forestry practices, and climate change as it relates to the Sugar Maple and our native forests. Experience the flavor of New Jersey maple syrup, visit live demonstrations, and have fun!
Event Details
Environmental Education Center (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Maple Sugaring
February 17, 18, 24, 25
March 3, 4, 5, 10, 11
Saturdays – 10:00am, Noon, and 2:00pm
Sundays – Noon and 2:00pm
Maple sugaring is a tradition in the Northeast that began centuries ago with the Native Americans and colonists. People of all ages are invited to see this tradition brought to life at the Environmental Education Center (EEC). You will see how trees are tapped, view sap-collecting methods past and present, and see the boiling process that produces delicious New Jersey maple syrup. This 90-minute program is conducted at our Sugar Shack, a ½-mile hike from the EEC. Please arrive at the EEC 20-30 minutes before the program start time and dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Boots are recommended as the trails can be wet, muddy, and/or covered by snow. Organized groups (such as schools) may schedule weekday demonstrations by calling the EEC at 908 766-2489, ext. 332. Suggested donation: $1 per person
Event Details
The Watershed Center (Pennington, NJ)
Maple Sugaring Brunch and Hike
March 3, 2018 (2 sessions: 9:30AM – 11:30AM OR 11:00AM – 1:00PM)
Join us at the Watershed Center for this popular annual event. Hike with the Teacher-Naturalists to our tapped trees, learn about the process to convert maple sap to syrup and visit the evaporation station. The highlight of the morning is a delicious pancake brunch, served with our homemade maple syrup made from trees on the Reserve! Part of this program is conducted outdoors – winter gear, including boots, is necessary. Sign up for one session – registration and prepayment are required.
Event Details
Events Beyond Central NJ
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center (Chatham, NJ)
Maple Sugaring Demonstrations
January 20, 21, 27, 28
February 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25
March 3
Experience the fascinating process of maple sugaring from start to finish. Identify and tap maple trees, collect sap, and make syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. Taste-test different, delicious syrups, including syrup made at the Great Swamp OEC. Rain or shine.
Event Details
Tenafly Nature Center (Tenafly, NJ)
Maple Sugaring
February 18, 25
March 4, 11, 18, 25
Learn how to identify a maple tree. Discover the history of syrup making and how technology has changed the way we gather sap over the centuries. The group will check Tenafly Nature Center’s tapped tree and boil down sap to make fresh, warm maple syrup, a sweet treat for all to taste. All ages are welcome.
Event Details
Van Vleck House & Gardens (Montclair, NJ)
Garden Discoveries: Maple Sugaring
February 21, 2018 at 1pm-2pm
Our Garden Discoveries classes are designed to inspire children about the natural world around them. Since each child learns in a different way, every class examines one topic through stories, outdoor exploration, and hands-on activities and specimens. Each program will include a guided hike, hands-on activities and a story. Rain or shine.
Event Details
Howell Living History Farm (Lambertville, NJ)
Tree Tapping
February 24 – March 3, 2018 (occurs on Saturdays) at 10am – 4pm
The time of freezing nights and thawing days has come … and the smell of maple syrup is in the air! Help us collect sap in the woods, make syrup in the sap house, and taste pancakes in the farmhouse kitchen.
Event Details
Reeves Reed Arboretum (Summit, NJ)
Tap That Tree
February 25, 2018 at 1pm – 4pm
Learn how early settlers tapped maple trees and turned the sap into delicious maple syrup! Take part in our family scavenger hunt and see whether you can successfully complete the “Maple Syrup Challenge.” Round out the day with a sampling of maple syrup made here at the Arboretum!
Event Details
Lusscroft Farm (Wantage, NJ)
Maple Sugarin’ Open House
March 24-25, 2018 at 10am-3pm
Live demonstations on how syrup is made from sap. Fresh syrup available for purchase.
Event Details
Echo Hill Park (Flemington, NJ)
Maple Sugaring Living History Programs
- Public Open House – March 3
- School Field Trips and Other Organized Groups – February 28 to March 2
- Maple Sugar to Go – Call for Schedule 908-782-1158
- Maple Sap Collection for Groups – Weekends in February
- Maple Sap Collection Public Program – February 23
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