By Andi Anderson
Each February, participants brave the cold to attend the annual maple syrup workshop at Dixon Springs Ag Center. The event offered a fun and educational day for families, beginning with a 4-H fundraiser pancake breakfast, followed by interactive activities for local youth.
Hobbyists and experienced producers alike learned from Extension Forestry experts, touring the 100-tap sugarbush and observing live demonstrations. Attendees first learned to identify trees suitable for sap collection during the tenth annual event on Feb. 7.
Sugar maples, common in southern Illinois, provide the highest sugar content. Other maples, including silver maple, red maple, and box elder, also produce flavorful sap.
Chris Evans, Forestry Extension and Research Specialist, has presented for the program’s decade-long history. He notes, "One of the most rewarding aspects of this program over the last 10 years has been hearing from return attendees about how they are incorporating what they've learned at the workshop into their own syrup production."
During the outdoor sessions, participants asked questions while staff explained the equipment needed and the process of tapping trees and collecting sap. A live syrup evaporator demonstration showed the final boiling and finishing steps.
This year, attendees could view a variety of equipment, from low-cost turkey fryers for small batches to commercial-grade systems for large-scale production.
Kevin Rohling, Forest Management and Ecology Extension Specialist, also demonstrated advanced techniques such as reverse osmosis, which speeds up water removal from sap. For him, the goal is to make maple syrup production accessible to all.
“I enjoy sharing information with Illinois residents about the accessibility of making maple syrup. Whether you have a couple of trees or a whole forest, everyone should be able to experience the joys of making their own syrup, from sap collection to the breakfast plate.”
The workshop continues to grow, combining education, hands-on experience, and community engagement, ensuring the tradition of maple syrup making thrives for years to come.
Photo Credit: pixabay-johan1127
Categories: Illinois, Education