Maple Sugaring Program For All Ages Offered In Somerset County

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Get to the root of the maple sugaring process and participate in an intriguing Maple Sugaring program to be hosted by the Naturalists at the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center (EEC). Participants will learn how to tap a tree, collect sap, and make syrup. Hour-long demonstrations will be held on Saturdays and Sundays at 12 and 2 p.m. throughout February. The EEC is located at 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. Participants can purchase tickets at the door only.

Native Americans and colonists began the tradition of maple sugaring centuries ago in the Northeast. Now, people of all ages can see this tradition brought to life and learn how to tap trees, discuss sap-collecting methods from the past, and learn modern-day techniques as well as the boiling process, which is the final step in creating New Jersey’s maple syrup.

About the Program
The outdoor program is sixty minutes and conducted at the EEC’s Sugar Shack, which is a half-mile hike from the EEC.

Purchasing Tickets
Tickets are for sale at the EEC on the day of the event only. Participants should arrive thirty minutes before the start of the program to purchase tickets and allow time to hike to the Sugar Shack to meet their Naturalist. Maple Sugaring tickets are non-refundable unless the EEC cancels the class. Participants must also complete a waiver.

Dress Appropriately
Participants should dress appropriately for the weather, such as wearing boots for wet, muddy, and snow-covered trails and layers of clothing to stay warm.

Program Schedule
The program will take place on Saturdays and Sundays on Feb. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17,18, 24 and 25 at 12 or 2 p.m.

Cost of Program
The program costs $7 per adult and $6 per student and senior citizen.

Inclement Weather
To check for cancellations due to weather, call 908-722-1200 ext. 5002.

For more information about the program or if groups are interested in attending, contact Kurt Bender at [email protected] or call 908-722-1200, ext. 5332.

The Environmental Education Center (EEC)
The EEC at Lord Stirling Park offers approximately nine miles of hiking trails, Naturalist-led programs, school field trips, fun festivals, nature-themed exhibits, facility and classroom rentals, a resource library, science and conservation research, and more. The goal of the EEC is to improve environmental literacy in Somerset County and beyond.

This press release was produced by the Somerset County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.