March not only makes of think of spring, but it’s also known as the sweet maple syrup season. Did you know that it takes 30 to 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup?
Learn more about this valuable commodity (and taste!) at these family fun events, many hosted by Chicagoland nature centers. Read some of our picks below and find the most updated list on our calendar.
Virtual Samplin’ Syrup
Feb. 24; March 3, 10, 17, 2022
- Hosted By: River Trail Nature Center
Join the River Trail Nature center virtually on Facebook Live as they taste and talk about maple syrup.
Sap’s Rising
Feb. 26-27, March 5-6, 12-13, 19, 2022
- Address: River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook
Walk in the sugar maple forest at River Trail Nature Center to learn about the sweet process of maple syrup making.
Maple Sugaring
March 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, 2022
- Address: Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago
Using tools from the 1890s, experts will demonstrate how to tap a tree, check collection buckets and thicken sap over the fire. No registration required. Everyone over the age of 2 must wear a mask.
Maple Syrup Harvest
March 5, 2022
- Address: The Preserve of Highland Park, 1207 Park Ave. West, Highland Park
Hear how maple syrup was discovered and made. For ages 6 and up. There are two different sessions to choose from. Registration required.
Maple Syrup Hike
March 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 2022
- Address: Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area, 21950 Riverwoods Road, Deerfield
Learn how trees work and about the sweet sap of sugar maples. Everyone gets a taste of the syrup. Dress for the weather. Adult supervision required. Registration required.
Maple Tree Tapping
March 12, 2022
- Address: Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest
Join Trailside Museum of Natural History on a short walk as they discuss the history of maple tree tapping, and tap a maple tree to taste some fresh sap and some finished syrup. Registration required.
Maple Fest
March 19-20, 2022
- Hosted by: Red Oak Nature Center, 2343 S. River St., Batavia
Enjoy a short presentation on maple trees before heading out into the woods for a short hike to learn how people through the years have tapped maple trees and collected the delicious treat.
Sugar Bush Fair
March 19-20, 2022
- Address: Spring Valley Nature Center and Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg
Fill your plates with pancakes and sausage and learn about the longtime practice of making maple syrup. A limited number of breakfasts will be served each morning. Pre-registration is recommended because the event sells out fast.
Maple Syrup Festival
March 20, 2022
- Address: River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Avenue, Northbrook
- Cost: Free
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a special day of activities including crafts, games, tree tapping and maple syrup history.
Self-Guided Maple Syruping
March 21-31, 2022
- Address: Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area, 21950 Riverwoods Road, Deerfield
Hike along the self-guided trail to learn the science behind how trees make sap and how it’s turned into real maple syrup. There are informational signs placed along the trail.
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