The Delaware Nature Society is introducing the area’s first Maple Sugar Festival, a family-friendly community event recognizing the tradition and education of maple sugaring. Maple sugaring at Ashland brings this practice to life through hands-on experiences, from tapping a maple tree to seeing, smelling, and tasting sap as it transforms into syrup. The festival celebrates the history, science, and simple joy behind one of nature’s sweetest traditions with delicious pancakes and live music from The Sugar Maples. 

The Maple Sugar Festival will take place on Saturday, March 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ashland Nature Center at 3511 Barley Mill Road in Hockessin.

Highlights will include hands-on maple sugaring demonstrations as educators take groups for hands-on demonstrations of tree tapping and collecting sap. There will be fresh maple syrup tasting and a pancake breakfast is included with a ticket. Guests will enjoy a performance by the Sugar Maples, an Americana and soulful folk trio with a strong emphasis on tight, sister-like harmonies and strings. The event is also an opportunity to visit with local community vendors, as local artists will be selling their crafts.

There will be a nature scavenger hunt, crafts and activities for children, and a campfire with s’mores.

There are two timed entries available—one at 9 a.m. and one at 11 a.m. Registration is required.

Maple Sugaring demonstrations take place throughout the day, with sessions announced in person.

About the Delaware Nature Society

The Delaware Nature Society was founded in 1964 and connects people and nature to create a healthy environment for all through education, conservation, and advocacy.  As the state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation, the society supports local communities in protecting the environment through land preservation, wildlife conservation, and watershed stewardship. The Delaware Nature Society manages more than 2,000 acres of land, including four nature preserves, and operates four educational sites. With the support of thousands of members, volunteers, staff, and interns, there are year-round programs in education, conservation, and advocacy that continue to thrive and expand.   

For more information about the Maple Sugar Festival, visit: https://DelNature.org/events.