Maple Syrup Try-It
Complete four of the eight requirements including the one starred.
1. Discovery of Maple Syrup*
Native Americans have several different legends about the discovery of the ‘water’ found in trees. Read
or listen to a legend.
2. Collecting the Sap
Early Pioneers improved upon the collection and reduction process. Learn about the way that early
European pioneers processed the sap. Taste sugar maple sap, if possible.
3. Knowing the Source
Learn how to identify a sugar maple tree. Learn how big a tree should be before it is tapped. Learn about
the sugar maple trees and how the weather affects when the sap will flow.
4. Maple Syrup Process
How many gallons of sap will it take to make one gallon of pure maple syrup? Listen to a talk or
demonstration on the past and present methods for making maple syrup or sugar.
5. Enjoying the Labor
Taste pure maple syrup. Set up a taste test with pure maple syrup and two other maple syrup brands.
How are they different and how are they the same?
6. Planting for the Future
Plant a sugar maple tree for future generations to enjoy.
7. Read about Maple Syrup
Read several books to someone younger than you along the theme of pancakes or maple syrup. Some
examples are: The Run Away Pancake by Joan Tate, Pancakes for Breakfast by Tomie DePaola, and
Pancakes, Pancakes! by Eric Carle.
OR
Make up a game using the idea of pancakes and/or maple syrup.
8. Cooking with Maple Syrup
Host a pancake breakfast for your families.
OR
Put together a recipe book with favorite recipes using maple syrup. Ask family members for contributions.
Publish the completed book for all the troop members.
For more information on tapping sugar maples, maple syrup or local maple sugar festivals:
• Go to your local library
• Contact your county extension agent
• Check cookbooks for recipes using maple syrup
• Contact your local forest preserve for programs on Maple Sugaring
• McHenry County Conservation District Festival of the Sugar Maples in mid March at Coral
Woods Conservation Area, contact 815-338-6223 for details
• Kane County Forest Preserve District Maple Sugaring Program in early March, contact 847-
741-8350 extension 10 for details
• Lake County Forest Preserve District Maple Syrup Program in early/mid March at Ryerson
Woods, contact 847-968-3321 for details
This Try-It was developed by Ann Murray, Co-Leader Brownie Girl Scout Troop 1128 with assistance from McHenry County Conservation District.
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