Maple Sugaring Days returns with sweet treats, anniversaries and exclusive beer

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County will host Maple Sugaring Days from noon to 3 p.m. March 1 and 2, at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, located at 37W700 Dean St. in St. Charles.

Forest Preserve naturalists will demonstrate how to tap a maple tree, and attendees will have the chance to drill and set their own taps. Participants can also watch sap simmer over an open fire as it transforms into syrup.

Outdoors, attendees can learn about the history of maple tapping, while inside Creek Bend Nature Center, they can visit the Maple Café to sample pure, local syrup.

Syrup will be available for purchase, while supplies last.

As part of this popular spring festival, the forest preserve district will also celebrate two anniversaries — the Forest Preserve District’s 100th anniversary and Maple Sugaring Days’ 30th anniversary.

To mark the occasions, Riverlands Brewing Company has created an exclusive Maple Replay Imperial Stout, brewed in collaboration with the Kane Forest Preserve Foundation. It will be available for purchase inside the event’s beer tent.

The craft brew features the same maple syrup that’s offered at the festival, sourced locally from Funks Grove, Ill.

A portion of proceeds will benefit nature education and other initiatives supported by the Kane Forest Preserve Foundation.

Maple Sugaring Days will also have the usual goodies available for purchase inside the nature center, including maple sundaes (ice cream drizzled with syrup), hot chocolate and maple-glazed donuts.

Event sponsors include Culver’s in St. Charles and Elgin’s Original Country Donuts.

No registration is required for Maple Sugaring Days, and admission is free.

For more information, call 630-444-3190, visit kaneforest.com or find the Forest Preserve District of Kane County on social media by searching @forestpreserve.