Free programs at Minnesota state parks teach families how to make maple syrup

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Free programs at Minnesota state parks teach families how to make maple syrup
(Released March 1, 2012)

Six Minnesota state parks are offering 18 free maple syrup programs in March and April, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The first program, where participants can learn the step-by-step process of making maple syrup, is from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 3, at Wild River State Park in Center City, about one hour north of the Twin Cities.

The programs are free, but vehicle permits are required to enter state parks ($5 for a one-day permit or $25 for a year-round permit). Some programs require advance registration. See additional details about maple syruping including the 2012 schedule of events: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/maple_syruping.html

All equipment will be provided by the park. The activity will take place outdoors, so participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

Also posted online are:

■A video of a maple syrup program.
■Printable instructions on how to make maple syrup at home.
■A link to an article from the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer on the history of “Sugar From Trees.”
To register for a program, call the park. For more information, call the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

2012 Maple Syrup Programs

Saturday, March 3
Wild River State Park, noon-2 p.m.               
651-583-2925

Sunday, March 4
Wild River State Park, noon-2 p.m.
651-583-2925

Saturday, March 17
Fort Snelling State Park, 1-2:30 p.m.
612-725-2389
*Whitewater State Park, 1-3 p.m.
507-932-3007

Sunday, March 18
Fort Snelling State Park, 1-2:30 p.m.
612-725-2389

Saturday, March 24
Fort Snelling State Park, 1-2:30 p.m.
612-725-2389
Lake Maria State Park, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
763-878-2325
*Sibley State Park, 2-3 p.m.
320-354-2055
*Whitewater State Park (call for times)
507-932-3007
*Wild River State Park, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
651-583-2925

Sunday, March 25
Fort Snelling State Park, 1-2:30 p.m.
612-725-2389
Lake Maria State Park, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
763-878-2325
*Whitewater State Park (call for times)
507-932-3007

Saturday, March 31
Maplewood State Park, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
218-863-8383
*Sibley State Park, 2-3 p.m.
320-354-2055
*Wild River State Park, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
651-583-2925

Saturday, April 7
Wild River State Park, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
651-583-2925

Sunday, April 8
Wild River State Park, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
651-583-2925

*Registration required. Call the park to register.