March is the month associated with the end of winter and the beginning of early spring weather. This combination of warming days and nights still falling to around or below freezing temperatures, allow the sap to begin rising from the roots of Maple trees. This is why there are so many opportunities to attend Maple Sugaring events in the Midwest during the month of March.
Maple sugaring events and festivals are great fun for the entire family. Most events offer an educational program about the process of gathering and harvesting the tree sap and explain the process of boiling the sap down into the tasty maple syrup and candies we all know and love. Not only are these events educational, they also provide a unique outdoor experience for the entire family. Back in pre-Civil War times, maple sugar was used as the primary sweetener in America. The process of harvesting and making maple syrup and sugar played a large part in American life in the 1800’s.
My children and I attended a maple sugaring program a few years ago, where we all went on a nature walk. We then chose a tree to tap, and the children were allowed to use the drilling tools and participate in the tapping of the tree under the supervision of the guide. After you do the actual tapping, you head back to see the process of boiling down the sap that has already been collected. Most maple sugaring events offer a small sample of finished syrup or other maple goodies, and there is usually the opportunity to purchase additional maple items.
If you happen to reside in Chicagoland, the Western suburbs offer many maple sugaring events, including those offered at Naper Settlement and Red Oak Nature Center. Be sure to pick up a guide to local events in your area for more information on maple sugaring events. Some programs are offered free of charge, while others require admission fees.