NJ maple sugaring 2020 season events listing, Union County and beyond

The season of maple sugaring, when maple sap is collected to be made into syrup, is unique to North America, most common in the northernmost United States and in Canada.

Locals who want to experience maple sugaring firsthand don't need to travel to upstate New York or Vermont, however. New Jersey maple trees are more frequently being tapped in this syrup-making process that colonists first learned from Native Americans.

 

Maple sap is now collected by various methods, including vacuums, before being filtered and boiled down to syrup. There are numerous opportunities in New Jersey to see  how sap is collected, what equipment is used, and how sap is evaporated to make syrup. Most events offer a chance to have a taste, too. Here's a list of upcoming programs in Union County and nearby locations.

Trailside Nature and Science Center: Late winter is peak maple sugaring time as sap begins to run in February and March when the maple trees are "waking up," according to Trailside Nature and Science Center, which will be among the earliest to host events, from noon to 1 p.m. on Feb. 15 and 17. Participants will see how pure maple syrup is made and have a taste test to see if they can identify the real thing. Admission is $5 per person for Union County residents and $6 per person for others. Pre-registration is required UCNJ.org/Trailside.  Trailside Nature and Science Center is within Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside. For more information, call (908) 789-3670.

Van Vleck House and Gardens: Last year's program at Van Vleck sold out, so it's a good idea to reserve now for one of the four Feb. 22 tours. This indoor-outdoor program focuses on a tapped sugar maple in Mother's Garden, on the property at 21 Van Vleck St., Montclair. The hourlong sessions start at 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m. 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Admission is $15 per person or $40 for a family. Registration is required. Call (973) 744-4752, ext. 3, email education@vanvleck.org, or purchase tickets here.

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge: Ongoing demonstrations have already begun, and are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays, from Jan. 25 through February. (Dates are likely to be added in March, so check the events calendar.) Participants will learn to identify and tap maple trees, collect sap, and make syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. Taste different syrups, including syrup made at the Great Swamp. Registration is not required, but seating is first come, first served. Demonstrations are held from 1 to 2 p.m. or 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Admission is $4 per person. The Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center is at 247 Southern Blvd. in Chatham. For more information, call (973) 635-6629.

Somerset County Environmental Education Center: The Environmental Education Center's 90-minute maple sugaring demonstrations will be held Saturdays and Sundays from Feb. 22 through March 15. Saturday programs are at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.; and Sunday programs at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. The outdoor demonstration begins at the Sugar Shack, which is a half-mile hike from the education center. Participants will see how trees are tapped, learn about past and present sap-collecting methods, and watch the boiling process that produces maple syrup.The process of making maple syrup often begins with the collection of tree sap in covered containers. The program is free, with a suggested donation of $1 per person. The Somerset County Environmental Education Center is at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge. For more information, call (908) 722-1200, ext. 5002.

Reeves-Reed Arboretum: On March 1, from 1 to 4 p.m., Maple Sugaring Fest will cover how early settlers tapped maple trees and turned the sap into maple syrup. Includes a "Maple Syrup Challenge" family scavenger hunt and sampling of maple syrup made at the arboretum. Admission is $5 per person or a $25 maximum per family. Payment is taken at the front gate, and pre-registration is not required. This program has a snow date of Sunday, March 8. For questions, call Jackie Kondel at (908) 273-8787, ext. 1515, or email j.kondel@reeves-reedarboretum.org. Reeves-Reed Arboretum is at 165 Hobart Ave. in Summit.

Events are subject to change or cancellation. Please confirm before traveling.