Visitors to Breakheart Reservation in Saugus will get a firsthand look at how to produce maple syrup Saturday.
Breakheart’s Maple Sugarin’ program has been held each year since 1988, according to the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
“Our annual Maple Sugarin’ program is a fun and memorable experience for visitors of all ages,” DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo said. “Events like these are a great way for families to get outside and connect with nature, as we grow the next generation of environmental stewards.”
For a $5 donation to the Friends of Breakheart Reservation, visitors will be able to learn about the history and process of maple sugaring at four different stations.
At the first station, they will be able to learn about how Native Americans began extracting maple sugar and how the process changed over time. The second station will show them how to identify and tap maple trees to extract sap from them.
The third station will give attendees a look at the evaporator, which boils the sap to produce syrup. Finally, the fourth station will show a demonstration of how to cut wood using a two-person saw.
The department described Massachusetts as one of the top producers of maple syrup in the country, producing more than 70,000 gallons each year.
The program is being held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday.
