Maple fests offer a sweet transition from winter to spring
It's time to spread a little sweetener over things.
This month, McHenry County Conservation District and the Forest Preserve District of Kane County are each hosting special events devoted to the art and history of collecting and making maple syrup.
MCCD's Festival of the Sugar Maples began last week and continues Saturday at 10 a.m. in Coral Woods Conservation Area, while Kane's Maple Sugaring Festival starts Saturday at noon in Tekakwitha Woods.
"Maple syruping marks the transition from winter to spring," said Valerie Blaine, nature program manager for Kane County. "It's a great way to spend an afternoon."
The tradition of maple syruping began with the Native Americans, who then passed it on to the Europeans. For years, syrup was the only source of sweetener in America, as there were no honeybees.
Originally the sap was collected using simple buckets. Over the years technology has helped the process become easier, but not faster.
"Maple syrup is the quintessential slow food," Blaine said. "You cannot hurry it, but the end product is so wonderful, it's worth the wait."
Both festivals will feature a variety of outdoor stations, where participants can learn historical and scientific facts and see demonstrations of tree tapping. Guests will also be able to try their own hand at helping the clear sap turn into sweet, dark syrup.
"We'll have recipes and various syrups from local vendors available for purchase," said Wendy Kummerer, communications manager for McHenry County Conservation District. "And of course, you'll get to taste the syrup."
After trekking the half mile walk at the McHenry festival, hungry guests can fill their stomachs at the village of Union's Lions Club pancake breakfast until noon, or stop by Flatlanders Market for more maple offerings.
Kane County festival goers will get to learn more about the Slow Food movement and discover tasty new recipes.
Both festivals are free and open to the entire family.
"If you've felt all cooped up this winter, this is a fun opportunity to get outside," Kummerer said.
McHenry County Conservation District's Festival of the Sugar Maples runs from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8, at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo. For information, call (815) 338-6223.
Kane County's Maple Sugaring Festival runs from noon to 4 p.m. two consecutive Sundays, but at different locations. The March 8 event will be at Tekakwitha Woods, 35WO76 Villa Marie Road, St. Charles; while March 15 will be at Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve, 41W650 Hughes Road, Elburn. For information, call (847) 741-8350.
Here's where to get your syrup samples and learn how maple trees are tapped. Both events are free.
If you go
Kane County
Kane County's Maple Sugaring Festival runs from noon to 4 p.m. two consecutive Sundays, but at different locations. The March 8 event will be at Tekakwitha Woods, 35WO76 Villa Marie Road, St. Charles; while March 15 will be at Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve, 41W650 Hughes Road, Elburn. For information, call (847) 741-8350.
McHenry County
McHenry County Conservation District's Festival of the Sugar Maples runs from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8, at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo. For information, call (815) 338-6223.