Maple Day Draws Over 1,000 Visitors to the South Shore YMCA Nature Center
The sweet scent of maple filled the air as more than 1,000 visitors gathered at the South Shore YMCA Nature Center this past weekend to celebrate Maple Day, a beloved New England tradition. Families and community members enjoyed a day of hands-on learning, outdoor fun, and the chance to experience the fascinating sap-to-syrup process firsthand.
“Maple Day is truly one of my favorite events at the Nature Center!” said Sarah Kugel, Director of the SSYMCA Nature Center. “It’s amazing to see families come together to enjoy the outdoors and take part in the special New England tradition of maple sugaring. This year was extra special as we got to show off our renovation to Vine Hall and our main lobby. The community’s support was overwhelming at Maple Day!”
The day’s highlights included a live sap boil overseen by seasoned maple syrup producer and Y volunteer Jim Stewart. “Everyone I talked to, kids and adults alike, were excited to learn about the process to make maple syrup,” said Stewart. “It’s so great to have events like this and connect kids in the community to nature.” Leading up to the event, the Nature Center Preschool students took part in tapping the maple trees, setting the stage for an authentic sugaring experience.
Visitors enjoyed a performance from Big Ryan’s Tall Tales, live demonstrations from the South Shore Woodturners, and a fascinating Maple Lab with longtime South Shore YMCA volunteer Jim Spinale, who explored different methods of tree tapping and how sap flows throughout the maple tree. Pepin Sugarhouse, owned by a local South Shore family, sold syrup they make at their family sugar shack in Troy, VT. Hands-on STEAM activities engaged young learners, while s’more making, live music, and delicious offerings from the Mom on the Go food truck added to the festive atmosphere.
Throughout the event, Nature Center educators led guided walks along the trails, showcasing the sap-to-syrup process. Young learners dove into soil science, discovering the organisms and nutrients found in topsoil that are essential for the growth of sugar maples. They also participated in a soil conservation experiment, learning how leaving fall leaves can help prevent runoff and enrich soil. In addition, they explored antlers, animal tracks, and skulls from wildlife that call the sugarbush home. The sugar shack play area was a hit, where kids used real syrup bottles for pretend play and tree cookies as “pancakes.”
“It’s such an exciting time at the Nature Center,” added Director Sarah Kugel. “We’re renovating the Children’s Garden this spring and beginning to plan the next phase for the EcoZone. We can’t wait to keep growing as a place for environmental education and outdoor fun for families to enjoy for years to come.”
For more information on programs and upcoming events at the South Shore YMCA Nature Center, visit ssnsc.org/events.
Maple Day is supported in part by grants from the Hingham and
Weymouth Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported
by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
