PENFIELD – March is maple sugaring season at Parker Dam Sate Park and you can come to the park to learn how real maple syrup is made.
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.
Learn how to identify maple trees in the winter, how to choose the right trees for tapping, where to place the taps and how to collect sap.
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.
A few lucky participants will get to tap a maple tree, gather in the sap and help out. Free taste samples of pure maple syrup will be available for all visitors.
Educational programs will be held each Saturday and Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., throughout March. Meet at the park’s Sugar Shack, near Pavilion 7, just past the Cabin Road in the day-use area. Come discover the tradition.
Schools and organized groups may schedule a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday Maple Sugaring program (March only) by calling (814-765-0630) or e-mailing the park’s Environmental Education Specialist at: cahuber@pa.gov.
In addition, schools and educators, including homeschool coordinators, can inquire about the park’s Maple Sugaring – Distance Learning virtual program, where student groups can learn about maple sugaring from their classroom or current learning environment.
Educators should contact park Outdoor Programming Services staff at 814-765-0630, or parkerdamsp@pa.gov, to discuss setting up this virtual program for their students.
You can keep up on what is happening at the park by liking “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 website at www.visitPAparks.com, and clicking on “Events”.