Maple Education Tours Feb. 23 to March 27, 2015

With all of this snow and cold, do you feel like spring may never arrive? Not to worry, the first sign of spring will soon be here - maple syrup season! But it won’t last long, so don’t miss your chance to learn about the springtime ritual of maple syrup and sugar making. The John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area is now booking its popular maple education programs and group tours, offered from February 23^rd until March 27^th.

 

Costumed guides will be making maple syrup and sugar the pioneer way and you are invited to get involved at every stage. Discover the tradition that began with the First Nations. Outdoors, get up-close and see the trees tapped and the sap boiling in a large iron cauldron.  Come inside to help with the finishing of the syrup on the 1850s’ kitchen fireplace.  At the modern visitor centre, knowledgeable staff will teach you the science behind maple syrup. Children can participate with various hands-on activities; try a brace and bit drill, carry pails of sap using an old-fashioned yoke and taste some pure maple sugar.


New this year, ERCA will be celebrating the 50^th anniversary of Canada’s National Flag. The Homestead will host an original maple leaf flag which flew on Parliament Hill in February of 1965, the year it was officially adopted as Canada’s national symbol.

 

The Homestead’s maple programs are appropriate for any age, explains Curator Kris Ives: “We tailor our program to meet the appropriate grade level and curriculum links, or special interests that the group may have. The sweet subject matter is interesting to everyone. This program often attracts Girl Guide and Scout troops, seniors’ groups, day camps, church groups, New Canadians and many others. Our maple programs are also available en francais on select days.”

 

Bookings are available for half day (1.5 hour) or full day (4 hour) programs. The maple syrup experience can also be combined with one of the Homestead’s other popular pioneer or nature programs.  Pure local maple syrup, maple butter and maple sugar are offered for sale in the Homestead gift shop. 

 

Spaces are limited for this program, as the season only lasts a few weeks. To ensure your group is able to attend, contact the Homestead to reserve a date; call: (519) 738-2029, or email jrph@erca.org. The Homestead is located at 915 County Road 50, at the corner of Iler Road on the lake shore.


To find out more about the Homestead’s maple offerings, check out www.erca.org/maple

 

More upcoming maple events:


Essex County’s Only Maple Syrup Festival!

Learn about a true Canadian tradition at the Homestead’s Maple –First Taste of Spring event, on Sunday March 1st from 11 am to 4 pm at the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area. Admission is $6 for adults; $4 for children (3-16), and a family maximum of $20.

More maple fun through March Break!

 Attend one of the Homestead’s popular “Maple March Break for Families” programs on Tuesday, March17^th and repeated again on Friday March 20^th at 1:30 pm sharp.  Get hands-on in this fun and educational program for the whole family to enjoy. Family admission is $20.. 

 

Maple Moon

    Join the exciting Maple Moon evening program on Tuesday March 17^th at 7:00pm. Pre-registration is required for this sugaring-off party by candlelight including taffy making on snow.  Special maple activities are in store for this magical maple evening, $15 per person.  Register online at: maplemoon.eventbrite.ca  

 

Since 1973, the Essex Region Conservation Authority has served as a community-based organization dedicated to protecting, restoring and managing the natural resources of the Essex Region.

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by Richard Rosenthal

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