Maple syruping demonstrations – an annual event at Lake Maria State Park – will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 27-28, at the park’s environmental center. “We will begin by learning tapping technique at the center,” said Park Manager Mark Crawford. “Then, participants will hike into the woods to identify maple trees, tap the trees and collect the sap. After collection, we’ll show how the cooking process works and how the syrup is prepared. This program is educational for persons of all ages, but it’s especially fun for children. It’s a great family event.” According to Crawford, the same tapping and collection method used by Native Americans and later by European pioneers for maple sugar, maple syrup and candy, is still practiced today. “Best conditions for maple syruping occur when daytime temperatures are in the 40s, and nighttime temperatures are in the 20s,” Crawford said. There is no charge for the demonstrations, but a $7 park entrance fee will be necessary for those without an annual permit. For more information and directions, call the park office at (763) 878-2325.
