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.