FOR RELEASE: February 24, 2009

 

 

Maple Syrup Time Means Spring is on the Way!

 

(TROY, MI) – A sign that winter’s end is drawing near is the sweet sound of maple sap dripping into buckets at the Stage Nature Center in Troy.  The warming days and freezing nights that come with March start the flow of sap in the trees and the fun of maple syrup tours at the Nature Center.

 

On Saturdays, March 7 & 14, family members ages 4 to adult can see how sap is extracted and how syrup is produced on tours scheduled between 9 am - 3:30 pm.  On Saturday, March 21 between 9 am - 3:30 pm, scout groups and their leaders are invited to participate.  Tours are scheduled every 30 minutes.  Register for a tour time by calling 248.524.3567.  The fee is $4 per person at the door. 

 

“Maple syrup is one of nature’s greatest treats,” Nature Center Manager Stacey Yankee said.  “We want to show people how it is done and then give them a chance to taste the fresh syrup.  It’s a great way to take in the beautiful Nature Center in early spring.”

 

The program starts indoors with an introduction to maple syruping.  Participants will then hike the trails and see how sap is collected.  Afterwards see the wood-stoked sap evaporator in action in the sugar shed.  The tour ends with syrup tasting over warm mini-pancakes. 

 

While at the Stage Nature Center be sure to check out the Cattail Cove nature shop. There are a wide variety of great items for both kids and adults, including maple syrup and maple syrup candy.

 

Fees are payable at the door on the day of the event.  Walk-ins are welcome if space is available.  The Stage Nature Center is located at 6685 Coolidge Highway.  For more information, call 248.524.3567.

 

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