Hillsborough Maple Sugar Festival Offers Sweet Treats for All

Duke Farms in Hillsborough is gearing up for the annual Sugar Maple Celebration, a free event dedicated to the sugar maple tree. The nature-centric fest will feature activities and nature hikes focused on wildlife, tree identification, best forestry practices, and climate change as it relates to the Sugar Maple and Hillsborough’s native forests.

“Maple sugaring has as much to do with winter fun as showcasing the conservation of natural resources,” Executive Director, Michael Catania explained. “The health of our forests provides us with many sweet benefits, such as maple syrup. We are thrilled to share both the fun and learning experiences with our visitors.”

>> Related: County 5K Race to Take Place at Duke Farms In Hillsborough

Last year’s celebration drew the attention of nearly 2,000 visitors during one day. The demand was so large that this year Duke Farms added an additional day of festivities to accommodate festival-goers. This year’s festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 28 and March 1.

An array of activities will occur throughout the two-day celebration, such as:

• Demonstrations of a sawmill cutting Sandy-salvaged trees, accompanied by talks about the importance of sustainable forestry. 


• Sugar Maple Hikes that provides an opportunity for visitors to assist with tree tapping and while learning about sugar maples on the property. 


• New Jersey Maple Syrup Tastings, highlighting Duke Farms Maple Syrup. A limited offering of the property’s own syrup label will be for sale while supplies last. 


• Educational stations regarding the Asian Longhorned Beetle, a pest that destroyed many maple trees in the Northeast. There will also be discussion of the state’s history of combating the beetle and preventive measures to take against the insect. 


• A very special menu featuring delicious local food prepared with Duke Farms Maple Syrup, including such items as maple barbecue pulled chicken sandwiches, quinoa with roasted squash and maple dressing, and many maple bakery items.

About Duke Farms

Duke Farms, located on 2,740 acres in Hillsborough, Somerset County, N.J., is one of the largest privately owned parcels of undeveloped land in the state.

Owned and supported by Duke Farms Foundation, an operating foundation of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Duke Farms is rich in ecological, horticultural and agricultural resources.

Through the beauty of its natural setting, the diversity of its wildlife, and the scope and quality of its educational programs, demonstrations and research, Duke Farms inspires people to transform their approach to conservation and to start building a more sustainable future.

Click here to learn more and to register for the festival.

Photos courtesy of Nora Wagner

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