|
 |
|
Are you one of those people who just can’t say no to syrup’s natural sweetness? If so, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks have you covered! Check out the maple sugaring programs offered at five Metroparks, then get ready for a sweet adventure!
The fifth largest producer of maple syrup in the United States, Michigan’s maple sugaring history dates back to American Indian times. Discover the maple sugaring process, including how trees are tapped and sap is collected, along with a history of maple sugaring, from historic American Indian times to present, during a maple sugaring program. The process of boiling sap to maple syrup is demonstrated during most programs.
“Maple’s Sweet Story,” Kensington Metropark Farm Center near Milford/Brighton, Saturdays and Sundays in March from noon to 3 pm. Stop in for a pancake breakfast from 9 am to 2 pm at the Farmhouse Grille, and then head out on a guided tour to the sugar bush to see the maple sugaring process, including tapping trees and boiling down the sap. Guided tours begin at noon; the last guided tour leaves at 2:30 pm. A re-enactment of an Algonquin winter camp is also located within the woods from noon – 4 pm. Registration is not required for the weekend programs. Fee: $5 for adults; $3 for seniors and children 3 to 12 years old; children under 3 are free. Separate charge for breakfast. Weekday programs (Monday through Friday) during March are available by appointment to schools and organized groups. For additional information or to make an appointment, contact Kensington Metropark at 248-684-8632.
"Maple Sugaring," Indian Springs Metropark near White Lake, Saturday & Sunday, March 23 and 24 at 11 am, noon, 1 pm and 2 pm. Learn the history of maple sugaring and hike out to the sugar bush. Discover how to choose and tap a sugar maple, then go to the sugar shack to see how the collected sap is boiled down to make maple syrup. Sap collection starter kits are available for purchase at $15 each. A pancake and sausage breakfast, with a separate fee, will be served at the Golf Course Starter Building on weekends the programs are offered. Preregistration is required for all programs. Weekday programs (Wednesday through Friday) during March are available by appointment to schools and organized groups. Weekend program fee: $3 per person. For more information/registration contact Indian Springs Metropark at 248-625-7280.
"Maple Sweetness," Historic Center of Wolcott Mill Metropark in Ray Township, Saturdays and Sunday, March 23, 24 and 30 at 12:30 pm and 3 pm. Learn the basics of making maple syrup, from identifying trees and how to tap them, to boiling down the sap into syrup. Dress for the weather as part of the program will be outdoors. Preregistration with payment of $5 per adult and $3 per child is required. Times fill quickly! Programs during March are available by appointment for school groups. For additional information or to register, please call the Historic Center at 586-749-5997.
|
|
|
|
|
|