Springtime at Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary means it’s maple sugarin’ time! Hawthorn Hollow volunteers and staff are starting to tap sugar maples, harvesting and processing sap, and bottling syrup. Once again, Hawthorn Hollow will offer maple sugaring programs to both school groups and to the public, with adult and family workshops on Saturdays, March 7 & 14 at 10 am.
“Our maple sugaring program is special for us, as it really marks the beginning of the year here at Hawthorn Hollow” says Ryan Retzke, Naturalist and Education Manager at Hawthorn Hollow. “We’re thrilled to continue offering this unique, hands-on experience to school groups and families in our community. Our maple sugaring programs are a wonderful way to connect with nature and learn about this sweet process firsthand.”
A specific set of conditions is required to harvest sugar maple sap. When the temperature is below freezing, the sap is stored in the roots underground to keep it from freezing. When it rises above freezing, the sap moves up the trunk into the branches. The key to harvesting is to catch it while it’s moving back and forth. The freeze-thaw cycle we
experience during springtime is when this happens most often. During this time of year, it’s common to see buckets hanging from tree trunks all around the Great Lakes region.
However, collecting the sap is only part of the process. To render syrup, the sap must be boiled down until almost all the water is removed, leaving behind the thick, sticky substance we know as maple syrup. It takes 40 gallons of sap to produce just one gallon of maple syrup. Hawthorn Hollow uses a six-tray evaporator, which spreads the sap out on top of a large wood-burning stove to speed up evaporation. Once the syrup reaches the required consistency, it is immediately bottled. This whole process is completed in Mary’s Sugar Shack, a standalone building constructed in 2012 with funding from the Mary Frost Ashley Foundation.
To share this limited-time experience with the public, Hawthorn Hollow will be holding its popular “Maple Sugarin’ Time” adult and family program on Saturday, March 7th and 14th at 10 am. This program provides a history of Native American traditions and techniques for capturing and cooking maple syrup, also known as sugaring. The Sugar Maple and the history of maple sugaring are an important part of Wisconsin’s heritage. Participants will experience the art and traditions of maple sugaring through hands-on activities, such as tree identification & tapping, sap cooking, and a crafting session.
The Maple Sugarin’ Time program is designed for families and adults. Registration is required. This is a 2-hour outdoor program- please come dressed for the weather. There may be snow or mud on the trails, so boots are recommended. The cost to register is $15 per person; children three and under are free. For tickets, please visit https://hawthornhollow.ticketspice.com/maple-sugarin-2026
About Hawthorn Hollow
Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum is a place where nature, history, and community intertwine. Its mission is to inspire enduring stewardship of the precious Pike River land and its rich history for generations to come. Guided by a deep commitment to ecology, Hawthorn Hollow recognizes that every organism has a vital role to play. This belief fuels the organization’s dedication to stewardship, as it protects and maintains native ecosystems for all to enjoy.
Hawthorn Hollow honors the cultural and historical significance of its land, sharing stories that connect the past with the present. By cultivating strong community relationships, the sanctuary invites all visitors to find peace, solitude, and moments of serenity within its beautiful grounds. By providing immersive opportunities in nature, Hawthorn Hollow fosters a shared appreciation and a lasting commitment to protecting this special place.
