Maple Sirup
Programs & Field Trips
It’s coming soon! The time of year when buckets decorate the
sugar maples throughout Funks Grove. Sugar Grove Nature Center
is pleased to offer the Funks Grove Maple Sirup Experience to
students throughout central Illinois and share this important
part of Funks Grove Heritage.
School Field Trips
Sugar Grove Nature Center is pleased to continue offering the Funks Grove Maple Sirup Experience for 4th-6th grade classes and invites your school to take part in this unique educational experience. The program provides a unique opportunity for students to actively engage in the production of maple sirup as they explore its history from pre-settlement to current day through demonstrations and hands-on activities. Every student will have the opportunity to tap a sugar maple tree and take home a small bottle of Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup.
The four-hour experience costs $5/student.
Registration is underway and dates are filling fast. Currently,
remaining dates are February 24, 25, 26, & 27, or March 4, 10, &
11. Call or email for the most up-to-date availability. Your
field trip can be reserved with a $100 deposit by check or money
order and a completed registration form.
Click here
for a registration form (pdf).
Homeschool Classes
We have set aside two days especially for homeschool groups, March 3 & March 5. The program will be similar to the school field trips. It runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and participants should bring a sack lunch. The fee is $5 per student (for all students over the age of 2) & parents are $2/each. Registration will begin on December 3.
Click here for a registration form (pdf).
For the Whole Family!
Maple Sirup Experience Tours
Saturday, February 28
Tours begin at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for adults, children, scouts, and other interested groups.
Have you ever tasted 'sweet water' dripping from a spile? Here's your chance! Please join us for the Sugar Grove Nature Center Maple Sirup Experience on Saturday, February 28. Gather around the fire at the sirup camp to learn how the Native Americans and early settlers collected and prepared sap. Visit the sugar shack where the smell of maple sirup hangs in the air. Journey into the sugarbush to tap a tree. Stop inside the nature center to sample a variety of sweet treats made with maple sirup including candy, cookies, fudge and more! Tours will start at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Dress for the weather, as you will be outside for a major portion of the program. Tour size is limited so reserve your space today by calling 309.874.2174 or emailing sugargrovenc@earthlink.net. Tours last approximately 2-1/2 hours. This program is suitable for adults, children, scouts, and other interested groups. Experience an important part of Funks Grove heritage! Fee: Members - $5/adults, $3/children (16 & under), non-members - $7/adults, $5/children
Maple Sirup Seminar
Wednesday, March 11, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Suitable for adults, children, and groups. This primer gives the maple sirup basics from tree to table. We’ll tap trees and taste the finished product. Fee: Members $3, non-members $5, registration required.
For Preschoolers
Little Tappers - Maple Sirup
Saturday, February 21, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
This program is designed especially for children 3-5 years with an adult chaperone. We will sing songs while learning how to make maple sirup and listen to a fabulous sirup story. Then, each child will get a turn at tree tapping and taste the real thing! Fee: Members $5/child, non-members $7/child; adult chaperone & registration required.
Your Group or Organization
Call or email us to arrange a program for your preschool, scout group, or other organization.
Purchasing Maple Sirup
Maple sirup, candies, and other related items will be available for purchase at Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup, located 1/4 mile south of Funks Grove Road on Route 66. Call 309.874.3360 for availability. Please visit Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup's website at http://www.funkspuremaplesirup.com/ .