GET STICKY DURING MAPLE-SYRUP SEASON

At one time, maple sap was one of the few sweeteners available in much of North America. To make syrup, sap is gathered from trees and then reduced down until the remaining liquid has the right sugar content. Home cooks may make small batches in pans, and large-scale commercial producers use specialized equipment. Depending on the initial sugar content of the sap, 40 to 50 gallons of sap are needed to make one gallon of syrup.
      In late winter the sap starts to flow, and two of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s education centers offer ways to experience the secrets of syrup.
      Head to Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, the District’s nature center for all ages in Oak Brook, for “Get Sticky! Maple-Syrup Sundays” on March 10 and 17 from noon to 4 p.m. Visitors will stroll through the woods on self-guided tours to see the many steps of making maple syrup. “Get Sticky! Maple-Syrup Sundays” is free for all ages, and registration is not required.
      Fullersburg Woods will also offer “Sap Collectors” on March 3 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will hike to the sugarbush to collect the sap from maple trees. “Sap Collectors” is open to those ages 6 and older and costs $5 per person. Those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
      Fullersburg Woods is located at 3609 Spring Road. To register for “Sap Collectors” or get more information on programs at the center, call 630-850-8110.

      At Kline Creek Farm, the District’s living-history farm in West Chicago, shop at the visitor center for natural maple syrup and maple candies. And, get tips on making maple syrup at home and purchase supplies for tapping trees. If weather conditions permit, the farm may offer free demonstrations of old-fashioned methods of making maple syrup and maple sugar.
      Kline Creek Farm is located at 1N600 County Farm Road and is open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call the farm at 630-876-5900.