Weekend “Sugaring Off Tours” at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in March. YUM.

Spring celebrations begin early at the sanctuary with the age-old tradition of maple sugaring. The warm days of late winter awaken the flow of sap in the maples, causing buds to swell and resulting in sweet-smelling, billowing clouds of steam rising from the sugarhouse.

On the naturalist-guided tours, learn how to:

  • Identify a sugar maple
  • Observe tapping and sap collection methods
  • Watch the sap being boiled down in the sugarhouse
  • Get a sweet taste of the final product
  • Warm up in the Barn by the woodstove
  • Indulge in a hot dog cooked in maple sap
  • Sample delicious soups and desserts made by our volunteers!

Don’t forget to visit their gift shop to browse a selection of maple products, and be sure to bring home a bottle of our own freshly-made maple syrup.

Tours last about an hour and run rain or shine. Dress warmly and wear warm waterproof boots because the walk is entirely outdoors.

Event:
Sugaring Off Tours

Dates & Times:

Saturdays & Sundays, February 29–March 21
Tours between 10:30am-12:30pm (except 3/3 tours only between 10:30am-11:30am)

Cost:
Members: $11 adult, $9 child
Nonmembers: $12 adult, $10 child

Location:
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
87 Perkins Row, Topsfield MA

Registration:
Advance registration is required. Register online or call 978-887-9264.

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