Bigleaf Maple Field Trip

About this event

Winter is when the sap runs, and we invite you to visit the Oregon Maple Project (OMP) to learn about this fascinating process. Groups visit for 3-4 hours and tour our maple sugaring operation, taste Bigleaf syrup, and hike through the forest near our sugar shack.

We spend all of our time outdoors, no matter the weather, so visitors are asked to come prepared with proper footwear and clothing. Students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are welcome. Maximum group size is 30 humans (including adult leaders). OMP staffs each field trip with one maple educator.

Depending on the group size, interest, and weather, we can craft a field trip that fits your needs. Groups can stay together or break out into smaller groups, with an added self-guided hike through the forest led by your teachers/chaperones. Because mapling depends so heavily on the weather, the OMP educator will suggest the best option for the day of your trip.

Sample field trip schedule:

10:00 Arrival

10:10 Introductions

*10:30 All About Maple (learn about sap and sap collection, Bigleaf botany, process of turning sap to syrup)

12:00 Break for lunch/snack

12:30 Weather-dependent options may include: checking buckets, forest exploration, evaporator tour, working in the sugar shack

1:30 Bigleaf tasting and good-bye

*Groups that would like the self-guided hike will break into two at this time. These groups will switch after lunch so that everyone has the same experience.