Maple syrup programs offered in Lake County

LIBERTYVILLE – For the past 40 years, educators and volunteers at the Lake County Forest Preserves have led the wildly popular maple syrup hikes through the Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods. Each March, families, school groups and Scout troops learn about the process of converting sap from the preserve’s towering maple trees into sweet syrup.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s programming will be different.

“COVID-19 has made us rethink how we can safely offer our maple syrup programs,” Nan Buckardt, director of education, said in a news release. “Though there will be no in-person programming this spring, people will be able to go on self-guided maple syrup hikes through Ryerson, as well as take part in a variety of related virtual programs.”

There will be plenty of opportunities to learn about the sweet science of tree physiology and maple sugaring through virtual experiences,” environmental educator Jen Berlinghof said.

At 7 p.m., March 10, “Ask an Educator Live” will be on Zoom and Facebook. Participants can ask questions about backyard syruping.

“This should be a popular program. We’ll be showing participants how they can do this historic tradition themselves,” said Berlinghof, who has been running the maple syrup program for 17 years.

Throughout March, teachers and Scout leaders are encouraged to reserve a virtual maple syrup field trip in which “we use the maple syruping process to meet science learning standards and enhance classroom curriculum,” Berlinghof said.

“If your family is ready to hit the trails, we are providing self-guided maple syrup hikes for the entire month of March,” Berlinghof said. “Through informational signs, you’ll learn the science behind how trees make sap and how we turn that sap into real maple syrup as you walk along the designated trail at your own pace.”

The temperature dictates what you will see along the trail. The timing for tapping maple trees comes down to temperature – above freezing during the day but below freezing at night, plus precipitation and the hours of sunlight in a day, Berlinghof said. Changing temperature is what causes the sap to surge upward from the roots toward the branches, where it helps the leaves grow and the buds bloom. In the summer, the leaves produce more sap, which settles back down in the roots in winter.

Browse virtual education offerings and register online at LCFPD.org/calendar. Follow the Lake County Forest Preserves on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @LCFPD for educational resources, webinars and videos.