Time to tap the Maple trees
We purchased 4 spiles (the thing in the photo) from our local feed store and some pails with lids. After researching it for a long time, we have to decided to take the plunge.
During the summer, we identified our trees and made a "tree map" so we could remember where each tree was once it lost its leaves in the winter.
An interesting website is http://www.tapmytrees.com/ which promotes backyard maple tree tapping.
We visited a sugar shack last spring and the kids got to taste maple sap, see the sap being boiled (it's called sugaring off) and then taste the syrup at the end. It was fun and not too cold.
Did you know maple sugaring only happens when day time temperatures rise above 0 degrees Celsius and drop down below freezing at night?