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Events celebrate maple syrup season in northern Minn.

People sit around a campfire on benches in winter gear on a sunny day, with lots of snow on the ground.
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Forest History Center Facebook page
John Beltman, historian at the Forest History Center in Grand Rapids, plays accordion as others sing along. The center celebrates maple syrup season with music around the fire while the sap boils.

Maple syruping season has arrived in Minnesota, and nature centers around the state are hosting events celebrating the sugar bush.

GRAND RAPIDS — Maple syruping season has arrived in Minnesota, and nature centers around the state are hosting events celebrating the sugar bush.

John Beltman, woodworker and historian with the Forest History Center in Grand Rapids, joined Morning Show hosts Heidi Holtan and John Latimer to discuss the science and traditions of maple syruping. Beltman’s appearance comes ahead of the center’s own maple-focused event Saturday, March 25.

From sap to syrup

“It takes a tremendous amount (of sap) to make a gallon of syrup,” Beltman said.

“I think the average would be around 40 to 1 if you’ve got a good supply,” Latimer clarified.

Due to the amount of sap needed to produce syrup, syrupers must transport vast quantities of sap to a boiler to condense the sugars. At the Forest History Center, a draft horse is a great help in transporting heavy sap buckets from tree to boiler.

For smaller home operations, treacherous ice, deep snow and uneven terrain can make the process a grueling and occasionally dangerous one.

The undiluted sap is useful for making delicious coffee, Beltman suggested.

Upcoming events

In addition to observing the maple syruping process, attendees to the Forest History Center’s 2 p.m. event will enjoy live music, a guided phenology walk and a presentation on the sugar maple by master naturalist and storyteller Terry O’Brien. Participants are encouraged to bring instruments to join a fireside jam session.

Another maple syruping event Saturday will be Lake Bemidji State Park’s Maple Syrup: A Gift from the Trees event from 1-3 p.m.

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