Interested in Maple Sugaring? Enjoy maple sugaring with MDC Cape Nature Center on Feb. 5 Southeast Banner Enjoy maple sugaring with MDC Cape Nature Center on Feb. 5

 

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – As the weather changes, maple tree sap begins to flow and can soon be transformed into sweet treats. Find out how nature can satisfy your sweet tooth at Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) free Maple Sugaring event from 2 – 4 p.m. on Feb. 5 at Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

“Participants will learn the entire process of making maple syrup and take part in different activities along the way,” said MDC Naturalist Angela Pierce. “They will also learn why this time of year is the best time for collecting sap.”

Registration is not required.

This family-friendly event offers something for all ages and visitors will have the opportunity to sample some of the maple syrup made from the nature center’s sugar maple trees.

To ensure the safety of all, in-person programs require family groups to socially distance, and masks are recommended. Those interested are also reminded to follow current health recommendations which include stay home if you’re sick, wash hands with soap and water and/or use hand sanitizer, and be considerate of others.

Questions about this event can be emailed to MDC Naturalist Angela Pierce at Angela.Pierce@mdc.mo.gov.

Learn more about maple sugaring at mdc.mo.gov.

Champion black maple found in Harrison County

Gilman City, Mo. – A black maple tree in rural northwest Missouri has joined a list of giants.

The black maple growing in a field edge in southeastern Harrison County recently qualified for the list of Missouri State Champion Trees.

   The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) keeps a list of champions to celebrate the beauty and economic benefits trees provide in forests, fields and lawns. Trees are chosen by a formula that takes into account trunk circumference, height and crown spread.

   This new champ is 58 feet tall with a crown spread of 81 feet and a trunk circumference measurement of 115.8 inches. The tree is owned by John Milligan of rural Gilman City. Milligan was recently presented with a state champion tree plaque by Jason Severe, an MDC forester.

   Black maple trees are similar to sugar maples. But the black maples have leaves that are wider and more drooping. Leaf stalks are longer. Twigs greater than two years old have a waxy coating.

   For more information on Missouri State Champion Trees, go to http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/outdoor-recreation/missouri-state-champion-trees.

Labor of Love

Image via Wikipedia
By Shanna Raeker, Naturalist
Each January, I start to think about all the work that
needs to be done to prepare for the upcoming maple
sugaring season. It’s a never-ending to-do list which
includes cleaning buckets, tapping trees, collecting and
boiling sap, filtering and canning syrup, and preparing
for 3,000 visitors to come to Rockwoods Reservation
to learn about this process. Although this might be
overwhelming to most people, for me it’s a reminder
that maple sugaring truly is a labor of love.


From the moment we hang the first bucket, I eagerly
await the sound of sap dripping. The familiar rhythmic
pinging signals the start of the sugaring season. There’s
a lot of work to be done. The buckets have to be emptied
every day and sometimes twice a day if the sap flows
fast. I don’t mind carrying heavy buckets up and down
the steep hillsides of Rockwoods, because I know it
won’t be long before we can start a batch of syrup.


When enough sap is collected, the boiling process can
begin, which requires gathering firewood and setting up
the evaporator. Many hours are spent tending the fire that
cooks the sap. This is a tiresome task, but the intoxicating
smell of sap boiling over a wood fire makes it all
worthwhile. Soon, real maple syrup will be ready to eat.


As the syrup nears completion, I find myself becoming
more and more excited. My mouth waters in anticipation
of tasting the first syrup of the season. As I pour the
sweet liquid gold over my pancakes and take my first
bite, I am reminded that although making maple syrup
requires lots of work, it truly is a labor of love.

For more, visit http://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/resources/2010/12/conservation_connections_0211.pdf