Each spring we dedicate the month of March to learning about the centuries-old tradition of maple sugaring.

We invite you to join us for an exciting adventure in learning as we explore

THE HISTORY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY OF MAPLE SUGARING

March 2008

• School programs
• General public day programs
• Family weekend
• Homeschool programs
• Scout programs

Programs will focus on how maple sugaring was first done by the Native Americans to the modern methods used today. Hands-on activities will engage young and not-so-young in exciting scientific explorations of sap and trees. A special exhibit area as well as craft activities and Book Nook, all focusing on maple trees and maple syrup, can be enjoyed as well. Most programs will conclude with a special all-you-can eat pancake and sausage meal!

Explore the history, science and technology of maple sugaring. Naturalists will present an historical "how to" program focusing on how maple syrup is produced today as well as in the 18th & 19th centuries. A walk in the woods will take you to Native American and early settler sugaring camps with costumed interpreters before moving on to learning about the modern day process of sugaring with a visit to the sugar house. Indoors, visit our maple sugaring display, children's craft area and Book Nook. After your tour, hungry maple syrup lovers will enjoy pancakes and sausages, included with your fee! Allow at least two hours for the tour and pancakes!

Fee: $12 for adults; $6 for children 4-10; 3 and under free.

A packet of information will be sent to all registrants. To register, or for more information on either program, please call 479-9190.

Here is your opportunity to spend a day exploring the social studies, history, science and technology of maple sugaring with your scouts. Naturalists and educators from Nature Ed-Ventures will present a "how to" program demonstrating how to tap trees, the procedure for boiling the sap down to syrup, and give background into the traditions behind maple syrup's production. Other hands-on activities dealing with sap and trees will be explored as well.

You will spend 1 –1/2 hours indoors doing investigations on the science of sap. Another 1 –1/2 hours will be spent outdoors visiting different camps staffed by period costumed interpreters. A delicious pancake, sausage and hot chocolate lunch will be served.

Weather permitting, scouts will venture out into the sugar bush to help collect sap!

N.B. Dress for the weather. Much of the program takes place outdoors on possibly snowy or muddy trails.

This program fills quickly. Reserve your troop's space now! Maximum of 50 persons

A Special Maple Sugaring Weekend for Families, Friends...Everyone!

Snow might be on the ground, but Spring's in the air! Time for you and your family to make fresh maple syrup, perfect for pancakes! We'll familiarize you with the people – from the Native Americans to the early settlers to the modern day syrup producers through visits to our sugar house and sugar camps with costumed interpreters. Hikes to the sugar bush, indoor science experiments, nature programs, making maple treats, a campfire and nature crafts will round out this year's fun-filled weekend. Ideal for families with children ages 4 and above.

The cost of $75 per person (ages 5 and above); $35 for ages 2-4; free for under 2 includes lodging, three home-cooked meals and all program activities. Each family is housed in their own heated room and showers and bathrooms are located in the same living quarters.

Select dates are set aside each year to accommodate community groups such as senior centers, garden clubs, service organizations, etc. Dates for 2008 are March 10, 11, 12.

The program includes an all-you-can-eat pancake lunch (including sausages and hot beverages) followed by an indoor presentation by costumed interpreters who will take you though the history of maple sugaring using props and a slide presentation. A visit to a 1940’s working sugar house will complete your visit.

All inclusive fee is $13 per person. Allow approximately 2.5 hours for lunch and program.