The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s annual Maple Syrup Magic just got sweeter.
This year’s free, family-friendly syrup celebration will include the same sap bubbling process but also more activities for visitors to experience.
Maple Syrup Magic will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township. Plan to stay for 1½ hours to 2 hours for the full experience.
“Even if you’ve been to Maple Syrup Magic in previous years, you haven’t been to this event,” said Heather Van Zyl, facility manager at Plum Creek. “We’ve added a bunch of interactive, fun and delicious activities, so you’ll get to do everything you’ve loved about the event in the past while trying new things too.”
Here are some of the fun activities that will be on tap at Plum Creek, which is located in Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve:
- Nasby Chainsaw Art will carve a special piece for the nature center. Stop by to watch the process as a tree becomes art. Use that inspiration to create your own wood and maple-themed make-and-take crafts.
- Slackline Chicago will set up slacklines.
- A themed obstacle course will be ready and waiting for you to challenge yourself.
“And of course, no maple syrup celebration would be complete without pancakes, so come hungry for a pancake breakfast served by the Crete Cadets and seasonal beverages from the Bean Wagon Coffee Co.,” Van Zyl said. “Don’t forget to stop in the nature center for some sweet maple treats to take home. Say ‘hi’ to our ambassador animals and explore the ever-changing exhibits while you’re inside.”
Van Zyl said Maple Syrup Magic attendees will leave the event knowing the history of maple syrup and the science behind the syrup-making process so they can try their hand at maple syrup sugaring at home.
Silver and sugar
The heart of the event remains the maple syrup-making process, and many people don’t realize what goes into it, Van Zyl added.
“Maple syrup may be poured over pancakes without a second thought, but it’s actually incredibly special,” she explained. “Real maple syrup gets its start as the sap from maple trees. But not just any maples — silver and sugar maples.”
The two types of maples grow in very few parts of the world, she added.
“But we’re lucky enough to live in the right region,” Van Zyl said. “As much as the freeze-thaw cycle at this time of year can make us yearn for warmer temperatures, it’s that cycle of freezing nights and warmer days that makes the sap flow — but only until the tree buds start to open.”
Once there are buds, the spiles used to tap the sap are pulled out until next year’s harvest.
“In short, the species are few, the region is small, the season is short, and Goodenow Grove is lucky enough to have all three,” Van Zyl said. “Of course we’re going to celebrate one of nature’s sweetest gifts!”
For more information on Forest Preserve programs and events, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.
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