Maple Sirup Experience tours at Sugar Grove Nature Center March 1

[February 15, 2014]  McLEAN — It's the time of year when buckets decorate the sugar maples throughout Funks Grove. Have you ever tasted "sweet water" dripping from a spile? Here's your chance. Join the Sugar Grove Nature Center Maple Sirup Experience on March 1.

Gather around the fire at the sirup camp to learn how the Native Americans and early settlers collected and prepared sap. Visit the sugar shack, where the smell of maple sirup hangs in the air. Journey into the sugarbush to tap a tree. Stop inside the nature center to sample a variety of sweet treats made with maple sirup, including candy, cookies, fudge and more.

This program is suitable for adults, children, Scouts and other interested groups. It's a chance to experience an important part of Funks Grove heritage. (Funks Grove uses a traditional spelling for sirup.)

Tours will start at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.

Tour size is limited, so visitors are encouraged to reserve space now. Registration and prepayment are required. A registration form (PDF) is available at www.sugargrovenaturecenter.org.

The fee for members of the Sugar Grove Nature Center is $5 per adult, $3 per child 16 and under, and for nonmembers, $7 per adult, $5 per child 16 and under.

To learn more about the Maple Sirup Experience, call 309-874-2174 or email [e-mail].

For a map and directions to the nature center as well as updated program information, visit www.sugargrovenaturecenter.org.

[Text from file received from Sugar Grove Nature Center]