Cumming Nature Center Brings Back Maple Sugaring Weekends

NAPLES, NY, March 2, 2021 — Maple Sugaring at the Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) Cumming Nature Center (CNC) is returning for a 43rd season.

During Maple Sugaring, visitors will explore the science and history of maple syrup production with volunteers along the Maple Trail after helping themselves to a locally-sourced pancake breakfast.**

Maple Sugaring takes place the last two weekends of March, March 20-21 and March 27-28. Tickets are $9 for children and $11 for adults. RMSC members receive a reduced admission rate of $8 for children and $10 for adults. Pancakes will be served from 9-1 p.m., and trail demonstrations will take place from 10-2 p.m. In-person dining capacity is limited, so tickets must be purchased in advance.

“We are so excited to be hosting Maple Sugaring this year. Making maple syrup is a longstanding tradition for many families across the region and we always look forward to sharing the science and history behind producing this springtime treat,” said Nathan Hayes, Director of the CNC.

Visitors will discover how a maple tree makes sap and learn more about different sugar processing techniques demonstrated through tactics used by Native Americans and early pioneers, as well as modern sugar bush managers. Visitors must follow social distancing measures and wear masks while indoors and in instances when social distancing from those outside of your household is not possible.

In addition to in-person dining options, CNC is offering a fun at-home alternative: Maple Sugaring To-Go buckets. Each bucket comes with pancake mix, maple treats, and materials for tapping maple trees in your own backyard.

Maple Sugaring To-Go buckets include:

1 quart of Maple Syrup

6-piece Maple-flavored candy & 4 Maple lollipops

Buttermilk pancake mix

1 Tree Tap

1 Sap Tube

1 Food Grade bucket with a lid

Instructions for tapping your own trees and making syrup

Paper placemats with activities for kids

Maple Sugaring To-Go buckets will be available for pick-up in the nature center lobby between Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 28 during regular open hours. Purchase of a bucket includes free admission to the Maple Trail on Maple Sugaring Days. Orders must be made in advance on the CNC webpage.

On Saturday, March 27, ASL interpretation will be available for the Maple Education Trail on select hikes at 10am, 11:30am, and 1pm. Capacity is limited so please email Sarah Jacoby Murphy at sjacobymurphy@rmsc.org to register for the hike.

Maple Sugaring is the CNC’s major annual fundraising event and helps maintain CNC operation costs. If you would like to become a sponsor or volunteer for Maple Sugaring at CNC, please call 585.374.6160 for details.

“We really couldn’t do this event without the support of our sponsors and our volunteer network. We’re so grateful for their commitment to this fundraising event,” said Hayes.

**Gluten-free pancakes and vegetarian options will be available. Please call in advance to ensure we have enough supply for everyone: 585.374.6160

The mission of the Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) is to inspire a better future for all through curiosity, exploration, and participation in science, culture, and the natural world. RMSC includes the Science Museum, Strasenburgh Planetarium and Cumming Nature Center. Offering experiences at the Museum with more than 200 interactive exhibits, the Planetarium with a 65-foot dome and the Nature Center on 900 acres, the RMSC stimulates community interest in exploration. In addition, the more than 1.2 million RMSC collection items tell the story of Rochester’s past including its rich history of innovation and invention. RMSC receives major funding from Monroe County, where it is one of the top five most visited attractions serving children and families.

For more information about RMSC, visit rmsc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.