Staff Writer- Amelia Dewberry
The Arboretum is excited to host its annual Maple Pancake Brunch & Learn on Saturday, Feb. 28 in the Interpretive Center. The event will feature a full pancake breakfast buffet including pancakes, eggs, bacon, real maple syrup, fruit, and juice. After brunch, participants will learn how to make maple syrup in their backyard.
Maple syrup production happens every year in the Arb in early spring. When daytime temperatures are above freezing, and nighttime temperatures are below freezing, chemical reactions occur in maple trees that allow sap to be collected. Warmer temperatures during the day allow sap to drip out.
Here in southern Minnesota, that usually happens between late February and early April. Once it begins, sap will flow for about two weeks. One tap can usually produce about 10 to 20 gallons of sap per year. According to Arboretum Director Scott Moeller, sap collection will begin in the Arb in the next week or two.
Two or three maple trees will be selected for tapping. Staff will “drill 2 or 3 holes in each, tap in some spouts, hook up some hoses and collect sap in large buckets,” Moeller said. Any tree in the maple family can produce good syrup, but sugar maples have the highest sugar content.
“The sap is mostly water with just a bit of sugar,” Moeller explained. “We boil the collected sap to get rid of the water, and what remains is sugary maple syrup.”
The excess water means that it takes 40 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup.
The Arb staff seal the syrup in canning jars to be used throughout the year for events, activities, and gifts for volunteers.
After the Maple Pancake Brunch & Learn, the Arb will be hosting several more events throughout the semester. Friday, Feb. 20 is S’mores & Stars from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Attendees can enjoy hot dogs and s’mores while admiring the night sky.
Additionally, Cabin Ghost Stories, a treasure hunt, Harry Potter Wizard Wand Whittling and a wildflower walk are all planned. People may even get another chance to try the maple syrup on an ice cream sundae.