Traditional Maple Sugaring Back at the EEC [VIDEO]

How does the sap from a maple tree turn into maple sugar, used for maple syrup and other sweets? Each year, the county's in Basking Ridge holds more than a month of weekend demonstrations to show that maple sugar can be tapped in New Jersey, too, not only New England.

Continuing a tradition in the Northeast U.S. begun centuries ago by Native Americans and colonists, the Somerset County Park Commission is again inviting children and adults to a 90-minute program to witness how maple trees are tapped, learn about sap collecting methods from the past and present, and experience the boiling process that produces delicious New Jersey maple syrup. The program is scheduled annually, and is led by an EEC naturalist.

Free public programs are scheduled to take place at the sugar shack each Saturday and Sunday starting Feb. 4 and continuing through March 11. Dates are set for Feb. 4 and 5, 11 and 12, 18 and 19, 25 and 26, and March 3 and 4; and March 10 and 11.

Saturday maple sugar program times are at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Sunday maple sugar program times are at noon and 2 p.m.

Participants should allow at least twenty minutes to walk from the main center at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, to reach the sugar shack.

The ”Sugar Shack,” run by the Somerset County Park Commission Naturalists, is a half-mile walk through the forest from the EEC building. Along the way, visitors will witness the Great Swamp in a setting that summer visitors never see. Trails are well marked and easy to follow. The site is accessible to mobility impaired individuals with forty-eight hours notice providing that weather and ground conditions permit.

Organized groups, such as Scouts, may schedule demonstrations during one of the time blocks by contacting the EEC at 908-766-2489, ext. 332.

Naturalist Rich Hoffman, coordinator of the annual program, said of the demonstrations, “Not only do people learn about the manufacture of maple syrup, but they also learn about history, technology, food production, trees, and wildlife. But, what I like most about the program is that it is fun to be in the winter woods, smelling the sweetness coming from the sugar house and being near the warmth of the fire.”

Patch took video and photos at the EEC, held on a weekend when the ground was covered in snow.

Maple sugar farm now is township park

A farm where maple syrup was manufactured is part of Bernards Township history, and is now the Sons of Liberty Farm park off Allen and Somerville roads. The late Irwin Richardt, who prided himself on living off the land, lived on the woods there, and tapped the maple trees that remain on the 23-acre property.

Information on the EEC program and on trail conditions may be obtained by calling 908-766-2489. Individuals with hearing impairments may call NJ Relay at 711.
Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found online at the county parks website.