By Blake Jackson
Late winter marks the peak season for maple sugaring in Missouri, and residents can learn more about this time-honored tradition during an upcoming educational program hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Boone County Nature School in Columbia.
The hands-on program will explore the history of maple sugaring and explain how sap is collected from native maple trees. Participants will receive step-by-step instruction on identifying suitable trees, properly setting taps, and collecting sap.
Following the tapping demonstration, instructors will walk through the process of cooking sap into syrup, including the equipment and techniques commonly used.
The program is open to participants of all ages and is designed to be both educational and interactive. Advance registration is required and can be completed online. Those with questions about the event may contact Conservation Educator Jenna Stiek at jenna.stiek@mdc.mo.gov.
The Boone County Nature School is located at 8989 South Tom Bass Road in Columbia.
Photo Credit: istock-jeff-baumgart
Categories: Missouri, General