Matanuska Experiment Farm to host birch tapping class

Birch sap runs into a bucket. (Photo courtesy Julie Cascio)

A good opportunity to learn birch sap tapping is coming to Palmer Saturday, April 20, actually two opportunities, one from 10 a.m. to noon and the other from 1 to 3 p.m.

UAF Cooperative Extension Service and UAF School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences are hosting the workshops, to teach how to select the right trees, tap trees while caring for them and collect sap and cook it for syrup. The same course is taught at two separate times.
There will be free activities for youths ages 8 to 14 who come with an adult.

The cost is $10 per person. Handouts and taps will be provided. Dress for the outdoors. Registration and payment are required by April 19. Call 745-3360 or visit tinyurl.com/birchtreetapping.

Instructors are Valerie Barber, director of the UAF Forest Products Program, and Julie Cascio of CES Health, Home and Family Development.

The farm is located at 1509 S. Georgeson Drive.