Poughkeepsie… A series of maple-syrup-themed events and educational programming are scheduled this spring to celebrate the annual sap harvest from maple trees throughout Bowdoin and Wilcox Parks to make Dutchess County Parks Pure Maple Syrup, as well as the local history behind the syrup-making process.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Spring is almost here, and that means the syrup-making season is in full swing! Come enjoy the great maple syrup events we have on ‘tap’ for a fun way to celebrate the warmer weather, try our house-made maple syrup, learn the history of the syrup-making process and spend a fun day with your neighbors!”
The schedule of events includes:
Residents of all ages are invited to the Maple Open House on Saturday, March 21st to join Parks Naturalists and learn about how ancient civilizations made maple syrup with primitive tools compared to modern techniques. Free sessions will be offered at 10am, 11:30am and 1:30pm and will be held outside near Pavilion 5 at Bowdoin Park in the Town of Poughkeepsie. Sessions are rain or shine, so participants should dress for the weather. Registration is not required.
Senior Pancakes in the Park, in partnership with the County’s Office for the Aging, will offer older adults, ages 60 and up, a free pancake breakfast at 10:30am on Thursday March 26th at Bowdoin Park and at 10:30am on Tuesday, April 7 at the Pavilion at Brookmeade in Rhinebeck. Registration is required by calling the OFA during regular business hours at 845-486-2555. Participants can choose one date to attend.
The Community Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, March 28th at 9:30am will be in the Community Auditorium at Bowdoin Park and will feature pancakes made by Parks staff and Dutchess County Parks Pure Maple Syrup. Tickets are $5 per person (cash only at the door, no large bills, please); children 6 and under are free. Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Abbreviated, walk-up Maple Education workshops with the Parks Naturalists will also be held (weather depending) and are included with pancake breakfast entry.
Event information, including registration and updates are available on the Dutchess County Parks Facebook page and at dutchessny.gov/parks.
Other group Maple Education experiences are available at Bowdoin and Wilcox Park by appointment. For more information on these or other Parks Naturalist programs, please call (845) 298-4600.
