Tapping Trees and collecting sap to make syrup is a springtime activity for many people. The activities start when the sap begins to flow and mother nature controls that part of the fun. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a free virtual maple sugaring program from 6:30 to 7:30 pm on Tuesday, February 15th.
Hard maples, also called sugar maples, are favored because their sap has a higher sugar content than other species, therefore taking less sap to make syrup. Other tree species can also be tapped. They have differing flavors, and they also require higher amounts of sap to be boiled into a quart of syrup. Yet, some people do tap a variety of trees to make syrup.
MDC’s virtual program, Sap to Syrup, features Steve Jacobsen, MDC assistant manager at the Gorman Discovery Center, who will cover tree selection, equipment, and techniques for turning sap into syrup.
The program is open to those ages 8 and older. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4k4.
