Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center is offering a unique opportunity this March for the general public and groups. The class will be repeated each Thursday during March, from 4:00 to 5:00 PM. Individuals and families need not call ahead.
Organized groups who wish to take part, such as scout groups, are asked to call at least one week in advance to reserve a time slot.
Participants will engage in the entire maple sugaring process from sap to syrup, as they watch the crystal-clear sap drip from the tapped trees, smell the sap boiling in the evaporator, touch the rough bark while they twirl a drill and pound a spile, and of course, taste the final product-maple syrup!
The program encourages an appreciation of forest resources and an understanding of how people depend on, and affect, the natural environment. Participants will appreciate why the sugar maple has been named New York’s official state tree.
This program is free. All ages welcome. Meet at the Manor House Visitor Center. Classes take place completely outdoors. In the event of inclement weather, some of the class may be taught indoors, but participants will still go outdoors to inspect the trees.
For more information about Stony Kill Farm please call 845-831-8780, ext. 300. Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center is operated by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and is located on Route 9D in Wappingers Falls, about 2 miles north of the Beacon-Newburgh bridge (I-84). Visit Stony Kill’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/education/1833.html for a listing of more programs and activities you and your family can take part in. From the website, you can also join a listserve and be among the first to learn about special programs and events at Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center.
Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center is a designated New York State Watchable Wildlife site, where wildlife viewing opportunities abound. Learn more by visiting “Watchable Wildlife” at www.dec.ny.gov
