Community Corner
Teaching Kids the Science of Sap
The annual event celebrates spring and the time to collect sap from maple trees.
Families escaped the indoors on Saturday and ventured to for the annual Maple Syrup Days in Northbrook. The Forest Preserve District of Cook County hosted the event to teach families and kids about the science of sap.
The event marks the one time of year when sap can be collected from maple trees. Kids were able to watch live demonstrations at the “Sugar Shack” to see how sap travels from the trees in the forest to the table at home.
“So many people just don’t get outside anymore,” said John Elliott, education manager for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Elliott explained that fun events like these hook residents into coming out and once they’re at the nature center, the district can teach residents about the world around them.
Saturday’s weather drew people outdoors and both parking lots were packed with cars. “It’s our first time and it’s a perfect day,” said Ryan Edley from Buffalo Grove. Edley was in line for the free syrup and french toast with his wife and two kids. They spent the day tasting, listening and watching the demonstrations.
Karen Holmes, an outreach naturalist at the center, was dressed up for one of those demonstrations to help explain to kids how the first settlers of the region collected sap. Before pots and pans were available, Holmes explained that Native Americans would hollow out a log and put the sap from the maple trees in the log. Then the Native Americans would place a searing hot rock straight from a fire in the hollow log along with the sap. That process caused steam, forcing the water to leave the sap so it was a more concentrated and sweeter sugary substance known as syrup.
Along with the demonstrations and free treats, residents were able to enjoy puppet shows, storytelling and were able to take in the beautiful day and scenery during the trail hikes.
“We love it here and it’s really fun,” said 8-year-old Sophia Fine from Buffalo Grove.
Cook County Board President and President of the Forest Preserve District, Toni Preckwinkle even participated in Saturday’s events, which marked her first trip to the Northbrook nature center. “I’ve never been out here and it’s beautiful,” said Preckwinkle.
