Learn how maple syrup is made at Sugar Bush Fair

Posted February 25, 2019 10:00 pm

Submitted by Schaumburg Park District

Taylor Corrales, 6, of Roselle learns how to tap a stylus into a maple tree while attending a previous Sugar Bush Fair with her mom, Stephanie, at Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg. The annual event, set for March 16-17, includes demonstrations, a pioneer sugar camp, puppet show, hay ride and pancake breakfast. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com, 2017

Fill your plates with pancakes and sausage and learn about the longtime practice of making maple syrup at Schaumburg Park District.

Sugar Bush Fair is set for 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17, at Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road.

A pancake breakfast with real maple syrup will be served in a tent outside Merkle Cabin. Sausage, juice and coffee also will be served.

"Sugar Bush Fair is a fun event that celebrates the tradition of gathering sap from maple trees in early spring to make maple syrup," said Dave Brooks, manager of conservation services for Spring Valley.

"Families can enjoy the taste of authentic maple syrup while spending time outside in nature learning how the tasty treat is made."

The event features demonstrations of maple syrup production, a pioneer sugar camp, children's puppet show and a hay ride. Dress for the weather. Transportation will be provided between the Nature Center and Merkle Cabin.

Admission to the fair is free, but tickets are required for breakfast and available for purchase at the Nature Center. Pre-sale tickets are $4.50 for half stack and $6.50 for full stack. Day-of prices are $6 for half stack and $8 for full stack.

For information, call (847) 985-2100 or visit parkfun.com.

Susan Champagne of the Schaumburg Park District shows visitors, including Joseph Basile, 9, of Schaumburg, center, and Jesus Vences, 10, of Hanover Park, the visual difference between syrup made from corn sweetener, left, and real maple syrup during the Sugar Bush Fair at Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com, 2017

Redhawk of the Potawatomi Tribe chops wood for the fire as he and Agi Hason of Lansing, Illinois, boil sap during the annual Sugar Bush Fair at Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com, 2017

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