METROPARKS: SWEET ON MAPLE SUGARING

Cure cabin fever this March with a taste of sap dripping from a maple tree during one of the maple sugaring programs offered at five Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

The sixth largest producer of maple syrup in the United States, Michigan’s maple sugaring history dates back to Native American times. Discover the maple sugaring process, including how trees are tapped and sap is collected, along with a history of maple sugaring, from Native American times to present, during a maple sugaring program. The process of boiling sap to maple syrup is demonstrated at most programs.

“Maple Sugaring: Journey to the Sugar Bush,” Hudson Mills Metropark, near Dexter, at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon, Saturdays and Sunday, March 22, 29 and 30. See how to tap trees, collect sap and boil it into maple syrup. All-you-can-eat pancakes will be served at the Activity Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the days the tours are offered. Guided tour: $2 per person. Pancake breakfast: $3.50 per child/$5 per adult. Reservations required for the guided tour. For more information/reservations, call Hudson Mills Metropark at 734-426-8211 or 800-477-3191.

“Maple’s Sweet Story,” Kensington Metropark Farm Learning Center, near Milford/Brighton, Saturdays and Sundays, March 1 through March 30. Stop in for a hot breakfast, from 9 a.m. to noon, then head to the sugarbush to see the maple sugaring process, including boiling down the sap, from noon to 3 p.m. A Native American sugaring camp is also located within the woods. Michigan maple products will be for sale while supplies last. The breakfast menu includes pancakes, waffles and more. Registration is not required for the weekend programs. Weekday programs (Tuesday 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 1-800-477-3178 or 248-685-1561.

"Maple Sugaring,” Indian Springs Metropark, near White Lake, Saturday and Sunday, March 29 and 30. See the maple sugaring process, including boiling sap, and hear the history of maple sugaring. Pre-registration is required; call for times. Weekday programs (Wednesday through Friday) during March are available by appointment to schools and organized groups. Weekend program fee: $2 per person. For more information/registration contact Indian Springs Nature Center at 1-800-477-3192 or 248-625-7280.

“Maple Sweetness,” Historic Center of Wolcott Mill Metropark in Ray Township, Saturday March 29 and Sunday, March 30 at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., with a special scout program March 1. See how Native Americans and early settlers collected sap, and how early settlers processed it. Learn tree identification and make a craft. Pre-registration required. Fee: $3 per person. School group appointments for maple sugaring programs are available Wednesday through Friday during March. For additional information or to register, please call the Historic Center at 1-800-477-3175 or 586-749-5997.