Maple sugaring programs offered

Each year the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center conducts tours of its maple sugaring site in Marshalls Creek in February and March for schools, Scouts, homeschoolers, and other interested groups.

Two-hour tours include stops at stations providing information on the history of maple sugaring, the evaporating process used today and provides the groups with the opportunity to tap a maple tree whose sap will be used in the 2023 maple syrup production.

Also shown are methods of collecting maple sap, and finally, the cooking process that produces the sweet maple syrup.

Dates this year for organized groups, including students, Scouts and any organization, have been set for Feb. 27 through March 10. Call 570-629-3061 to schedule. Cost: $5 per participant and scheduling is done on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Scout programs may also be scheduled during the organization’s public day programs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 4 or March 11. The day will feature a tour of the sugar bush including stops to learn about Native American and early pioneer methods of making maple syrup, the evaporator process and methods of identifying and tapping a maple tree. Cost: $6, adults; $4, scouts and children under 12. Preregistration is required for your group to reserve a spot by Feb. 22.

For information, call 570-629-3061 or go to www. mcconservation.org.