Wayne County Parks maple-sugaring program offers sweet time

March is maple-sugaring month in Michigan and Wayne County Parks has a sweet Saturday program available for the entire family March 15 and 22. Bundle up and join park naturalists for the annual maple-sugaring program at the Cass Benton Park picnic shelter in Northville, where a historic “sugar bush” still exists. Learn the history of maple sugaring and take a short hike into the woods for an actual tree-tapping demonstration. In celebration of this early spring ritual, the group will enjoy pancakes with the “real thing” afterward. “The maple-sugaring program is another example of the diversity of activities available to the public through Wayne County Parks,” Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano said. “I encourage everyone to see, taste and experience the maple-sugaring program first-hand.” The practice of maple sugaring dates back to when Native Americans taught early settlers how to collect and boil sap during this time of year. The freezing nights and warm sunny days create pressure and force sap out of the maple tree. The duration of the program is approximately 90 minutes. Register for either March 15 or March 22 and choose a start time of 10 a.m., 11 a.m. or noon. Dress accordingly, as this is an outdoor program and the trail may be muddy. All ages are welcome. The program fee is $6 per child and $2 per adult for Wayne County residents. Add $1 per person for non-Wayne County residents. Advance registration and prepayment is required at the Wayne County Parks office, 33175 Ann Arbor Trail, Westland, or by phone at 734-261-1990. Cash, credit card or check payable to Wayne County Parks is accepted. For more information, call 734-261-1990 or visit www.parks.waynecounty.com. As read on: http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20140307/NEWS12/303070021/Wayne-County-Parks-maple-sugaring-program-offers-sweet-time