Tap, Gather, and Boil: The Sugaring Process

Tap, Gather, and Boil: The Sugaring Processugaring Process

Maine Coast Heritage Trust's Aldermere Farm in Rockport will teach about tapping, gathering, and turning sap into maple syrup throughout the month of March. Tree tapping takes place at the beginning of the month, gathering the sap and a little more tapping happens mid-month, and the boiling of the sap will take place toward the end of the month. The community is welcome to attend one or more dates to learn and help with this fun and educational process. The weather is a big factor in how the sap flows through the trees, and ultimately how much is gathered and boiled, so even though there are set dates for tapping, gathering, and boiling, please contact the Aldermere Farm office to register incase changes need to be made.

Tapping dates are Saturday March 2nd at 2pm, and Tuesday the 5th at 4 pm.

Gathering dates are Saturday March 9th at 2 pm, and Tuesday the 12th at 4 pm.

Boiling dates are Saturday the 16th at 2 pm, and Tuesday the 19th at 4 pm.

The final product is bottled and then given to volunteers, so the farm does not sell the syrup. Aldermere Farm, however, encourages folks to visit other local farms in the area on Maine Maple Sunday which is on Sunday March 24th this year. Locate one of these farms by visiting the Maine Maple Producers website or MOFGA.org. Purchasing maple syrup directly from local farms or from stores who purchase their syrup truly helps keep these farms as a viable part of the community.

To register for any of the Aldermere Farm events, please call 236-2739 or email asabaka@mcht.org. These events are free and open to all ages. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Visit www.aldermere.org for all upcoming events at MCHT's Aldermere Farm and the Erickson Fields Preserve.