Maple Syrup part 1: Tapping Maple Trees

It's an annual family undertaking: making maple syrup. This year the entire family was present for tapping trees. The equipment and supplies were collected, the crew bundled up and set out on the 1/4 mile hike across the field to the woods where we have maple trees.

Often when we tap trees we have to use snowshoes to be able to get around due to the deep drifts of snow. This year we had it easy since there is only a few inches of snow on the ground.

The demonstration on how to secure the bags on their holders.

Then while some of us worked on getting the bags ready to hang the others headed out to start tapping.

First you drill the hole:

Then you pound the tap in:

And hang the bag holder with a bag on the tap

Now wait for the sap to run when the sun comes out and it warms up just a little!

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