Morris Parks: Maple Sugaring Demonstrations on Weekends Starting Saturday Through Feb. 26

[Attachment] The trees are tapped and the firewood is chopped - it's maple sugaring season at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham Township.

Immerse yourself in the maple sugaring process from start to finish. Identify and tap maple trees, collect the flowing sap, and witness syrup making over a wood-fired evaporator.

Best of all, taste-test the finished product organically made at the Great Swamp.

Hour long Maple Sugaring Demonstrations will be held at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on the following dates: January 14, 15, 21, 28, 29 and February 4, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26

'People don't look at the maple syrup on their table the same way after experiencing the maple sugaring demonstration,' said Jenny Gaus-Myers, Assistant Director of Education and Interpretive Services. 'They begin to appreciate the quality differences, as well as the process required to make this tasty treat. The demos are a fun and educational experience for everyone.'

'This is just another example of the great facilities and programs we have in the Morris County Park System, which is the best in the state,' said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana.

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Admission is $3 per person age 3 and up. No registration is required, but it is first come, first served seating.

Celebrate the peak of the maple sugaring season at the annual Maple Sugar Festival on Saturday, March 4, from 12 noon to 4 p.m.

Head outside and watch steam billow from the evaporator, and become engulfed in the sweet smell of maple sugar. See maple cream making first hand and taste the final product. Enjoy a variety of crafts and games, and enjoy your own maple snow cone.

[Attachment]Bring your friends and family and take a guided 'Hike Through Maple Sugaring History,' to discover how sugaring has changed since it was started by the Native Americans hundreds of years ago.

Admission for the Maple Sugar Festival is $4 per person age 3 and up.

Maple Sugaring demonstrations and the Maple Sugar Festival are held rain or shine. For more information and directions to the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, visit morrisparks.net or call 973.635.6629.