ChicagoVeg» Chicago area Raw Food, Vegan & Vegetarian Living

March 14, 2010 1:00 PM - 25 attended

Maple Syrup Sunday

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Let's take advantage of a sweet spring-time annual event to see the maple syrup process from tapping the tree, collecting the sap, and tasting real maple syrup.

Maple syrup is a sweetener made from the sap of some maple trees. In cold climate areas, these trees store sugar in their roots before the winter and the sap which rises in the spring can be tapped and concentrated. Canada produces most of the world's supply of maple syrup. The United States is the only other major producer and the leading consumer.

Many people wonder if tapping the tree and taking away so much of the tree’s sap might harm the tree. In fact, when producers follow tapping guidelines, and tap only healthy trees, no damage to the tree results. It has been estimated that tapping removes only 10% or less of the tree’s sugar, an amount too small to hurt a healthy tree under normal environmental conditions.

Take a stroll through the woods and discover the secret of turning tree sap into syrup.

Free and for all ages with ongoing activities. We may take an optional short hike afterwords.

This event is a joint event with Chicago Green and Eco-Living Meetup (http://www.meetup.com... ).

If you have any considerations or questions please post them in "Talk about this Meetup" area (below the event description) or contact Cara directly at http://www.meetup.com...

Lydia Krupinski
This looks fantastic!

Posted March 1, 2010 at 11:37 PM
Cara
Naturalist Volunteers will guide groups explaining the history, tapping, collecting, sap per gallon ratio, and the boiling down of the maple syrup process.

Posted March 2, 2010 at 7:56 AM
Cara
RE: CARPOOLS - Demeter (Edgewater) and Leah (Chicago) are looking for rides. If anyone can help out, please post a note and your location here. Thanks!

Posted March 5, 2010 at 9:39 AM
Pamela
I live near Ohare right off the Blue line/Cumberland stop. If you think you can make it there, then, I could pick up and give you a ride. Let me know.

Posted March 5, 2010 at 10:39 AM
Laura L.
I'm coming up from Crest Hill and can drive others, if you're along the way.

Posted March 5, 2010 at 2:27 PM
Jeff
I live in Edgewater near Bryn Mawr L, so I'll drive you Demeter. I think you're also close to me Leah. jeff@jflickerlaw.com

Posted March 5, 2010 at 5:55 PM
Anupam Jindal
I live on Diversey/Clark. PLease let me know if anyone can provide a ride to the event.

Posted March 6, 2010 at 7:43 PM
Jacqueline
NO I cannot make it I am working, have a great hike!

Posted March 9, 2010 at 6:45 PM
Wendy Elizabeth
Are dogs allowed? (on leash)

Posted March 11, 2010 at 5:11 PM
Vadim
Wendy - I am believe they should allow dogs but please call the Fullersburg Woods Center at 1-630-850-8110 just to make sure.

Posted March 11, 2010 at 10:32 PM
Cara
All Dog Owners: Sorry but pets are NOT ALLOWED for this particular event only. On a normal visiting day, dogs are allowed on leashes only.

Posted March 12, 2010 at 2:55 PM
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25 attended

4.5010 (10 ratings)

Event Host

Cara

It was a slightly chilly day but thankfully no rain. We had a guided hour-tour visiting different stations and learning about the process. We sampled the sugary water and the final end product - the maple syrup. Overall an interesting, educational and fun experience.
Vadim
Organizer

+15 guests
Pamela

The crowd was very friendly and inviting. I enjoyed the hike and the informative maple syrup tour with the free samples.
Regina a.k.a Banshee

+1 guest

for whatever reason, our group of three couldn't find "the" group and we ended up on a huge tour with a bunch of kids and parents. Regardless, we all had an educational and enjoyable time. and the trail walks along the creek were nice too. tour guides were great!
Raji

It was a nice to meet some fellow meetup members, and to taste fresh, refreshing maple syrup and the process of making it.
Minerva

+1 guest
Kevin Cooney
Brock Treybig
Kristen Kaseeska

+1 guest
Vinay
Marlen Ortega Cruz

+1 guest
Joseph
Patrick
Megan
Jeff
Anupam Jindal
Laura L.
george westlund
Saurabh Sharma
A former member
+1 guest
A former member
A former member