Maple Sugar Workshop @ Institute for American Indian Studies February 19, 2022

 

Maple Sugar season is around the corner. If you want to get a jump on the season along with helpful tips on how to tap trees and boil the sap down yourself don’t miss the Maple Sugar Workshop on Saturday, February 19 at 11 a.m. at the Institute for American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut. 

Cedar Spile

This workshop is a sweet foretaste to the Institute’s annual Maple Sugar Festival that will be held this year on Saturday, March 5. Conducted by Museum Educator and Ecologist, Susan Scherf this workshop gives participants an overview of the history of maple sugar production and how it has evolved over the centuries. Traditional Native American techniques used to collect and boil sap into maple syrup and modern methods will be explained giving participants a perspective on the variety of techniques that can be used. 

A highlight of this workshop is learning the basics of collecting and boiling sap down. It is perfect for backyard hobby producers that want to start producing maple sugar for their own enjoyment. During the course of this workshop participants will watch how traditional sumac spiles are made. Among the many topics discussed will be proper tree identification and how to prepare the tree for the tapping season. Participants will learn about tree health and why and when sap flows. The workshop will also focus on what to look for, and what to avoid in regard to the tapping process as well as examples of the different methods of collecting and boiling sap. The workshop concludes with a talk about the impact of climate change on maple syrup production. 

Pre-registration for this workshop is required. Please visit the website to register at eventbrite. If you have questions, please call 860-868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org. The price of participation is $15 for non-members and $5 for museum members. 

About Institute for American Indian Studies 

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.