by Tom Sasvari
KAGAWONG—A large group of youngsters on Manitoulin Island had the opportunity to get a hands-on and knowledge-based demonstration of the maple syrup process last week. The Manitoulin Streams Improvement Association (MSIA) hosted another youth rangers event focusing on maple syrup at the Park Centre in Billings township March 16.
“There were about 45 youth that signed up and took part in the event,” said Liam Campbell, environmental technologist of MSIA. “Normally we hold our youth ranger nights programs beginning at 6:30 in the evening. I did this one during the day for the maple syrup process because of this being the March break and kids being out of school.” He noted that along with youngsters from Billings, kids from other areas like M’Chigeeng First Nation and Tehkummah took part.
“I will be running through the process of making maple syrup, from tapping trees,” said Mr. Campbell, prior to the event. “Everyone will learn how to identify maple trees, the size of the trees that you can tap and where on the maple tree is best for tapping. And everything will be hands on.”
“I will be teaching them about why we tap maple trees and why we do it when we do,” continued Mr. Campbell. “They will also be taught about the science of what is happening inside the tree to make the sap run.”
“We are also having an indoor session focused on teaching why the sap runs, why and how we make syrup out of maple tree sap and go over the temperatures that are required to tap the trees,” continued Mr. Campbell. “I will also be teaching the kids about the history of making maple syrup and tapping maple trees starting from when First Nations people were shown the maple syrup by a squirrel to the arrival of iron pots, the evaporator, the tin can and research into the unique qualities of maple syrup.”
“And hopefully we will be able to show them how to make maple taffy, pouring the maple syrup on snow, so they can get a taste of maple taffy,” said Mr. Campbell.
“I’m getting the kids out to make maple syrup because a lot of them might not have trees available or have experience making maple syrup, or having a hands-on experience carrying this out,” said Mr. Campbell.
As for the youth rangers program, “I started the program last November when we had a session learning about tree identification in the fall and winter,” said Mr. Campbell. “The second session for youth was held in January and focused on animal track identification, and in February we held a program on animal strategies for surviving the winter.”
“We have seen an increase in the number of kids participating, from 13-14 at the first event to 20 plus kids for the sessions ever since,” continued Mr. Campbell. “I have a lot of fun. I enjoy putting on these sessions for youngsters.”
“Hopefully we will be able to provide the youth ranger programs indefinitely,” said Mr. Campbell, who said part of the reason the program was initiated was on a request from parents. He is looking for more funding initiatives to continue the program for awhile. “I would eventually like to hold these youth ranger events around the Island. Billings graciously offered the Park Centre to have the sessions held so far, here.”
