The sweet scent of spring is in the air at Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary as staff and volunteers kick off their annual maple sugaring operations. The sanctuary is busy tapping sugar maples, harvesting sap, and preparing to bottle freshly made syrup.
Hawthorn Hollow is once again offering its popular maple sugaring programs to the public and school groups. Adult and family workshops are scheduled for Saturdays, March 7th and 14th, at 10:00 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. “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.”
The tradition hinges on the perfect spring weather: temperatures must dip below freezing at night and rise above freezing during the day to encourage the sap to flow. This essential “freeze-thaw cycle” prompts the sap to move up the trunk, making collection possible—a tradition seen across the Great Lakes region.
The process requires dedication; it takes approximately 40 gallons of raw sap to produce just one gallon of pure maple syrup. At Hawthorn Hollow, the sap is boiled down in Mary’s Sugar Shack, a dedicated building funded by the Mary Frost Ashley Foundation, using a six-tray evaporator to speed up the process before the syrup is bottled immediately upon reaching the correct consistency.
Public Program Details:
The “Maple Sugarin’ Time” program on Saturday, March 7th and 14th at 10:00 AM delves into the history of Native American traditions related to sugaring—an important part of Wisconsin’s heritage. Participants will engage in hands-on activities including tree identification, tapping, sap cooking, and a craft session.
• Duration: 2 hours (Outdoor Program)
• Attire: Guests are advised to dress for the weather, as snow or mud may be present (boots recommended).
• Cost: \$15 per person; children three and under are free.
• Registration: Required. Tickets are available at: https://hawthornhollow.ticketspice.com/maple-sugarin-2026