People walking in the snow Give the gift of membership.
People walking in the snow Give the gift of membership.
A boardwalk cutting through tall green shrubs and trees.
Boston Nature Center, Mattapan

Maple Sugaring Festival at the Boston Nature Center

Special Event: Saturday, February 28

11:00 am-3:00 pm

There's nothing quite like the taste of pure maple syrup made from trees you tapped yourself. This sweet New England tradition comes alive at the Boston Nature Center, where you can experience the transformation from fresh sap into liquid gold.

What to Expect

Closeup of a bucket and tap on a maple tree in winter

The Art of Tapping Sugar Maples

Learn the proper technique for tapping trees and understand what makes Sugar Maples uniquely suited for syrup production.

Taste Fresh Sap

Sample the clear, slightly sweet sap directly from the tree and experience where the journey to syrup begins.

Watch the Transformation

Observe as heat and time work their magic, concentrating the delicate sap into rich, amber syrup through the boiling process.

Explore Traditional and Modern Methods

Discover how sugaring techniques have evolved while maintaining their connection to time-honored practices used throughout the region.

Self-Guided Storybook Walk

Follow our scenic trails featuring an engaging storybook experience that reveals the hidden connections between maples and forest creatures.

Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Explore the woods with our specially designed scavenger hunt that highlights the surprising ways animals interact with maple trees year-round.

Get in on the Action

From the first tap to the final taste, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for this beloved tradition and the forests that make it possible. Whether you're a longtime maple syrup enthusiast or experiencing sugaring for the first time, this program offers something special for visitors of all ages.

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