#95 - Maple Sugaring at Hoyt Farm

As members of a consumer culture, we use many things, but rarely do we take the time to understand how they're made. Luckily, each year in the late winter, gives residents that very opportunity, with their maple sugaring sessions.

If you've never heard of maple sugaring, you're probably not alone. This process, taught to Colonists by Native Americans, involves drilling holes into trees with a small pipe and tapping it to access the sweet sap stored inside. Back in the day, Native Americans used tomahawks to tap the trees.

At the preserve, strating in February and into March, three sessions are held on consecutive Sundays. During each session, park personnel demonstrate both native American and Colonial techniques for maple sugaring, and produce real syrup which guests can taste.

Visitors will also learn how to choose the proper tapping tools, and how to identify the ideal weather conditions and trees for tapping. Open to all ages, these classes are a great way to introduce new generations to an ancient process and put them in touch with Commack's Native American history.

Who said you had to go to Vermont to taste fresh maple syrup? It's right here in Commack.

Category: Outdoors, Nature
Price: $
Season: Winter
Note: Classes are outdoors, so dress warm

Stay tuned for #94 next week, same time same place. And if you missed #96.