Hands-on sugaring workshops every Saturday through March at Prescott Farm

LACONIA ― As the days grow longer and the nights remain crisp, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center is inviting the community to celebrate one of New England’s oldest and sweetest traditions. Their annual “Tap Into Maple” program returns this February and March, offering hands-on, multigenerational experiences that take participants from the trunk of a maple tree to the final delicious drop of syrup.

Led by expert environmental educators, the Tap Into Maple programs provide a deep dive into the science, history, and craft of sugaring. Participants will learn to identify maple trees, use both modern and historical tools to tap them, and explore the physics and math behind the boiling.

“Education is at the core of what we do at Prescott Farm, and we love being able to teach people of all ages every step of the maple sugaring process,” says Sophie Acampora, communications and events director. “It gives people the opportunity to not only learn something new, but to connect with their community and the natural world around them.”

Program highlights and dates:

• Weekday Sessions: Tuesday, Feb. 17 & Thursday, Feb. 19
• Saturday Sessions: Every Saturday in March (March 7, 14, 21 & 28)

Programs are 90 minutes long and start on the hour from 10 a.m. to noon. An indoor-only accessible Tap Into Maple Program is offered at 10 a.m. each Saturday in March to ensure nature-lovers of all abilities can participate.

For those with an extra sweet tooth, special workshops will be held on Feb. 17-19, and April 4, where participants can craft two styles of maple candy.

Participants should be prepared for a 20-minute walk to the Sugar House and are encouraged to dress in warm layers with sturdy boots. Prescott Farm provides snowshoes or traction cleats as weather conditions require.

To register or learn more about volunteer opportunities in the Sugar House, visit prescottfarm.org/service/public-programs/maple-sugaring or call 603-366-5695.