Friday, February 5, 2010

Tap into a sweet new Vancouver Island industry at the West Coast Maple Syrup education program!

The BC Forest Discovery Centre is offering a new intermediate program for grades 4 – 7 that encourages students to explore the growing local maple syrup industry.

In a mini-workshop format, students will learn how to tap a Bigleaf Maple, experience the sights and smells of the syrup making process at the evaporator, and explore how the industry works.  Each student will have an opportunity to taste local maple syrup and talk to the people who produce it themselves.  Students will discuss the maple tree’s role in the local ecosystem and find out which ones produce the best syrup.  The train is not running for this education program due to time constraints.

The West Coast Maple Syrup education program is delivered in partnership with the Sapsuckers, a group of Vancouver Island maple syrup producers.  The program was developed in response to requests made by educators from the south central island region in late 2007 and early 2008.

The program is approximately 80 – 90 minutes long and will be offered on Friday, February 5, 2010.  The cost is $5.00 per student.

Space is limited so book now to ensure your students have the opportunity to explore a new forest resource!