Temperatures are Rising and Maple Syrup is Flowing!

Spring is truly on its way. All the signs are here. Daylight Savings time began Sunday, March 8, and that extra hour of daylight in the evening lifts our spirits. Warmer temperatures and the thaw are forecast to start this week. And, one of the first signs of spring is Maple Syrup season, which has just begun!

When daytime temperatures rise above freezing, maple sap begins to flow in sugar maple trees. Best sap flow takes place when temperatures drop below freezing at night, followed by above freezing temperatures during the day. This is exactly the temperature forecasts beginning this week!

Maple syrup production hasn’t changed much over the years. The sugar maker drills a hole and taps the maple tree, the sap is collected in a bucket, and it is boiled down to syrup. It is a labor intensive and weather dependent undertaking. But the results are luscious maple syrup and maple candies.

You can take part in this annual natural event at our Maple Syrup Walk and Tasting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, when the daytime high is forecast to be in the mid-40s. In this customer experience, you can experience the entire production process, and enjoy a taste of the final product!

The Maple Syrup walk takes place at Ryerson Woods and Conservation Area in Riverwoods, one of the few local areas where climate conditions are right for maple syrup production and where trees grow to a diameter and height that allows for tapping. Meet at the Ryerson Woods Welcome Center at 10 a.m. The entrance to Ryerson Woods is on Riverwoods Road south of Half Day Road and west of the I-94 tollway.

Registration is required and is $10 for NSSC members and $13 for non-members and includes a guided walk and tasting. To register, contact Lifelong Learning at NSSC at 847.784.6030 or visit www.nssc.org and Browse for Classes. For more information contact LifelongLearning@nssc.org.