PENFIELD – March is Maple Sugaring Season at Parker Dam Sate Park and you can come learn how real maple syrup is made.
You’ll learn the sweet story of maple sugaring, how it was discovered, how it was made years ago and how you can make it yourself today. You’ll learn how to identify maple trees in the winter, how to choose the right trees for tapping, where to place the taps and so on.
You’ll find out how large, modern sugar operations produce syrup and other maple products and how Parker Dam State Park’s small operation produces this tasteful treat. Several upgrades to the park’s Sugar Shack have been started, so if you haven’t been out in a while, you’re invited to come see the changes.
A few lucky participants will get to tap a maple tree, gather in the sap and help out. There will be free pure maple syrup taste samples for all visitors. You’ll discover the tradition.
Programs will be held each Saturday and Sunday throughout March, except March 30 and March 31, at 2 p.m. You should meet at the park’s Sugar Shack, near Pavilion 7, just past the Cabin Road. Schools and organized groups may schedule a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday maple sugaring program in March only by calling 814-765-0630 or e-mailing: cahuber@pa.gov.
On March 23, the Friends of Parker Dam, a park volunteer and booster organization, will be sponsoring a Soup and Sandwich Sale from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the park’s Beach House. You can come for a variety of homemade soups and sandwiches, as well as hot chocolate, cookies and your own copy of the Friends’ cookbook.
Soup and sandwich combos will be $3 and individually $1.50 each. You can come support this park volunteer organization and get information on how you, your family or your business can become a member.
You can keep up on what’s happening at the park by following “Parker Dam State Park” on Facebook; and, you can find more information about state park programs and special events by logging on to the Bureau of State Parks Web site at www.visitPAparks.com and clicking on “Events Calendar.”
Access for People with Disabilities
If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks:
888-PA-PARKS (voice)
717-558-2710 (local or international voice)
888-537-7294 (TTY)
717-558-2711 (local or international TTY)
711 (AT&T Relay Services)
