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This
color comparison scale will help the volunteers grade the
syrup and determine when it’s ready.
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Preparations
begin for Maple Sugarin’ at the Prairie
Early next week, many Darke County Parks’ volunteers will attend
training to gear up for the upcoming maple sugaring season! Then
they’ll wait for the weather to cooperate, so the sap can flow.
Freezing nights and thawing days will cause the sap to move, bringing
the sweetness one step closer to the table. Volunteers will learn the
process of boiling sap down to syrup on the Parks’ evaporator. For some
it will be a refresher, for others it’s an opportunity to learn a new
skill and help out the Park District at the same time.
The Maple Sugarin’ at the Prairie Festival will be held on Saturday,
March 5th, from 8am-4pm. This late winter day at Shawnee Prairie offers
guided tours through history and science learning the process of
turning sap into syrup. After the tour through the woods, visit the
sugar shack, and warm up in the steam-filled evaporator room as the sap
spends countless hours on a boil to reduce it down to syrup. Then head
out to the log house and blacksmith shop to visit with the early
settlers and discuss life on the frontier. There will also be a 50/50
raffle. Finally, complete the day at the Nature Center where the
gift shop will be full of maple goodies fit for any sweet tooth!
The Friends of the Parks will once again be serving up a hearty
breakfast of waffles, sausage, juice, coffee, and of course pure Ohio
maple syrup! Carry-out is available, and extra sausage can be purchased
for $1 more. Breakfast will be served from 8:00am-12:00pm. Tickets will
be available at the door on the day of the breakfast, for a $6
donation, or presale tickets may be purchased at the Nature Center
beginning on Monday, February 8th. Call (937) 548-0165 for more
information!
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