Sugaring Off

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Hours:	10am-2:30pm
Ages:	Infants, Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults
In/Outdoor:	Indoor, Outdoor
Cost:	$ see below
Category:	Special Events

Spring celebrations begin early at the sanctuary with the age-old tradition of maple sugaring. The warm days of late winter awaken the flow of sap in the maples, causing buds to swell and resulting in sweet-smelling, billowing clouds of steam rising from the sugarhouse.

On our naturalist-guided tours, learn how to identify a sugar maple, observe tapping and sap collection methods, watch the sap being boiled down in the sugarhouse, and get a sweet taste of the final product.

Afterwards, warm up in the Barn by the woodstove, indulge in a hot dog cooked in maple sap, sample delicious soups and desserts made by our volunteers, or browse through our gift shop. Our syrup is available for sale (quantities may be limited).

Tours last about an hour and run rain or shine. Dress warmly and wear warm waterproof boots because the walk is entirely outdoors. Children under 3 are free and should be in a backpack.

COST

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Adults $8.00m / $9.00nm, Children 3 years and older: $7.00m / $8.00nm

WEBSITE

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www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Ipswich_River/news.php?id=1865&event=no

LOCATION

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87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA, 01983 map
Phone: 978-887-9264

From Boston and the south: Take Rt I-95 north to exit 50 and follow Rt 1 north. At the junction of Rt 1 and Rt 97, turn right onto Rt 97 south (toward Beverly and Danvers). Follow Rt 97 south and take the third left onto Perkins Row. Follow Perkins Row for 1 mile, and the sanctuary is on the right.

From the north: Take Rt I-95 south to exit 53A and follow Rt 97 south. At the junction of Rt 1 and Rt 97 in Topsfield, stay on Rt 97 south and take the third left onto Perkins Row. Follow Perkins Row for 1 mile, and the sanctuary is on the right.

TIPS

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Pre registration is required. Register early. Time slots are 10am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm