Sugaring Off Tours

Saturdays and Sundays: March 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, & 18Tours at 10:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:30 pmSpring celebrations begin early at the sanctuary with the age-old tradition of maple sugaring. The warm days of late winter awaken the flow of sap in the maples, causing buds to swell and resulting in sweet-smelling, billowing clouds of steam rising from the sugarhouse. On our naturalist-guided tours, learn how to identify a sugar maple, observe tapping and sap collection methods, watch the sap being boiled down in the sugarhouse, and get a sweet taste of the final product. Afterwards, warm up in the Barn by the woodstove, indulge in a hot dog cooked in maple sap, sample delicious soups and desserts made by our volunteers, or browse through our gift shop. Our syrup is available for sale (quantities may be limited). Tours last about an hour and run rain or shine. Sugaring tours will also be running on Saturday, February 25 in conjunction with our February Flapjack Fling (you can register for just a tour, or just the pancake breakfast, or breakfast and a tour for a discounted fee.) Please see the program listing for our February Flapjack Fling for more information.We also offer tours for schools and scout/youth groups, Tuesday through Friday, February 14-17 and February 28-March 9. Complete information on these programs can be found in our school and scout brochures. Download them from our website or call our office to request a copy.Instructions and Directions: Dress warmly and wear warm waterproof boots because the walk is entirely outdoors. Children under 3 are free and should be in a backpack.Registration is required.Register by mail: program registration form. (PDF 66K)Register by phone: with a credit card by calling (978) 887-9264.For your own security, DO NOT send credit card information via email.