Sat, 02/03/2024 - 10:58

Aaron Englander helps volunteer Michael Leonard load his vehicle with jars of maple syrup to donate to Come Spring Food Pantry. (Photo courtesy MCHT)

Aaron Englander, Associate Director of Stewardship at Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields, demonstrates how to tap a sugar maple. (Photo courtesy Matsu Hikida)

Aaron Englander helps volunteer Michael Leonard load his vehicle with jars of maple syrup to donate to Come Spring Food Pantry. (Photo courtesy MCHT)

Aaron Englander, Associate Director of Stewardship at Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields, demonstrates how to tap a sugar maple. (Photo courtesy Matsu Hikida)

ROCKPORT — “Cabin fever setting in?” said Maine Coast Heritage Trust, in a news release. “Looking for a sweet pick-me-up?”

This March, MCHT invites all ages to learn about making maple syrup from scratch (sap) at Aldermere Farm’s Sugar Shack, 70 Russell Ave, in Rockport.

Individuals may register for one or more hands-on sessions to learn about the syrup-making process: identifying sugar maples, tapping trees, collecting sap, and running the evaporator.

Sessions will run from 3:30-4:30 p.m., on March 7 and March 14; and from 2 - 2:45 p.m. and 3 - 3:45 p.m. on March 29. Those who are looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience, and who don’t mind a little heavy lifting, may sign up to assist as needed (hauling buckets of sap, tending the evaporator, boiling, and finishing the syrup). The finished product will be donated to area food pantries.
 
Participants must dress to be outside for an extended period in the cold. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
 
Space is limited. Registration is open until March 5 and is available by phone (207-236-6372) and online (aldermere.org/sap-to- syrup/).
 
Aldermere Farm is a preserve of Maine Coast Heritage Trust, a statewide land conservation organization. Sap-to-Syrup and other community programs at Aldermere Farm are free to participants thanks to generous support from donors.