When most of us think of maple sugaring, we think March. But the fun actually starts in February, out in the woods with tree tapping. In our area, most maple producers will begin tapping trees this month, and then next month, when the days begin warming up, the sap will really start to flow.

So for anyone who wants to learn how to make maple sugar, now’s the time to sign up for a class or event. Spaces fill up quickly. 

Muscoot Farm, located at 51 Route 100, in Katonah, will get the sugaring season started on February 6, when individuals or families can go there to tap the maple trees. Preregistration is required. 
 

For anyone who would like to try this traditional craft at home, Muscoot is offering Sugaring 101 on February 12. During this class, which will take place at the farm’s sugar house, participants will learn the history of sugaring and how to practice the craft in their own backyard.

Both these events are popular, so early registration is recommended. 

The Westchester Area Maple Open House is set for February 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Cross River. It will take place at the Trailside Nature Museum, located on the 4,400-acre Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. (For more info, visit FriendsOfTrailside.org.)

That weekend, Trailside will be one of many nature center sugar houses that will be hosting demos and tastings for the public. 

Muscoot’s Sugaring Open House, for example, will take place February 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors are invited to stop by the sugar house to learn how maple sap is turned into maple syrup. No registration is required for either open house. 

Later in the month, Muscoot Farm is offering its annual maple sugaring tours as a private family experience. Tours are available February 27 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The cost is $20 for a family of four.  

The fun continues into next month with Maple Weekend 2022, which will actually take place two consecutive weekends: March 19-20 and March 26-27. 

During this annual spring event, hosted by members of the New York State Maple Producers’ Association, maple lovers can visit sugar houses at some 180 farms and museums across the state to take part in tours, samples and other activities.