Ever want to make your own delicious maple syrup? Long Islanders will have the opportunity to learn maple sugaring at Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve in Commack.
According to an announcement by the Town of Smithtown, the unique educational program is available to the general public and teaches the ancient process of making maple syrup/sugar, which was passed down by the Native Americans to the Colonists.
Classes will run on Sundays; February 19th, February 26th and March 5th, from 1:30-3pm at Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve. Tickets are $5 per person (cash only.) The class is open to both residents and non-residents. It is recommended that guests arrive by 1pm to register for the class, as this is a very popular event.
“The techniques used to make maple syrup are a part of our history that should be treasured for all time,” said Snottown Town Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim in a statement. “It’s an unforgettable experience, which I highly recommend for the whole family.”
The maple sugaring program is a demonstration encompassing the history of Native American early life, how maple sugaring was originally discovered, all the way up to the modern day process. An interactive portion of the program enlists the help of younger students to teach the anatomy of the tree, the importance of chlorophyll, and the role of photosynthesis in making maple syrup.
The Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve maple sugaring program is unique in that Black Walnut trees are also tapped for sugaring, in addition to making maple syrup from Maple trees. Maple sugaring season is approximately three weeks out of the year. In order to produce the sweetest sap, weather conditions must be below freezing at night and over 40 degrees during the day. Hoyt Farm taps trees and conducts the maple sugaring program throughout the last two Sundays in February and the first Sunday in March.
The maple sugaring program began in the late 1970’s, and started with one class. It is now a full blown family-oriented interactive experience, available to the general public, (not restricted to Smithtown residents) appropriate for all age groups. School classes, Girl Scouts, Boy Scout troops, kids and adults of all ages are welcome and encouraged to take advantage of this unforgettable experience.
Did You Know? Sugar in the tree sap is made in the leaves by photosynthesis, which is the same process which green plants use to convert water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide into food.
Where: Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve, 200 New Highway, Commack, (631) 543-7804.