That’s according to figures released by the United States Department of Agriculture.

For those wanting to learn more about the magic of maple syrup, mark your calendars with two upcoming events.

Little Buffalo State Park in Newport is holding a two-hour crash course, “Backyard Maple Sugaring,” from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

“In a time when DIY and homesteading skills have become wildly popular, backyard maple sugaring is a fun and easy way to ensure your family never goes without maple syrup,” explained Mindy Wilt, environmental education specialist at Little Buffalo State Park.

Photo courtesy of DCNR
Learn about the basics of making maple syrup with a crash course, ‘Backyard Maple Sugaring’ at Little Buffalo State Park in Newport.

“In our programs, we teach you several different methods of sap collection as well as tips and tricks to process it at home without the use of fancy equipment.” Wilt added. “One of my favorite things about maple sugaring season is that it gives us something to look forward to in an otherwise gloomy and gray time of year.”

The program includes a 40-minute presentation inside the park office classroom, located at 1579 State Park Road, reviewing the basics of making maple syrup. An optional walk is then held to the park’s maple trees to compare different species, gain confidence in identification skills and check out a tap.

“We only make a small amount of syrup at this time, but we want to eventually expand and offer maple syrup in our gift shop,” Wilt said.

Maple tour

The River Valleys Maple Syrup Producers Association, based in Mount Joy, Lancaster County, invites folks to visit six area sugar shacks during its annual Maple Tour, which takes place from Friday, Feb. 28, through Sunday, March 2.

Photo courtesy of DCNR
Learn about the basics of making maple syrup with a crash course, ‘Backyard Maple Sugaring’ at Little Buffalo State Park in Newport.

Learn how the sap is extracted from the trees and tour the sugar shacks to see how it is turned into tasty maple syrup and other products. Enjoy free samples during the process, while maple syrup, candy, sugar, cream and more will be available for purchase from the producers. There is no charge for the tour.

The following area businesses are participating as a stop on the tour, along with their hours:

Blacklog Maple Products, 251 Maple Lane, Mifflintown. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 1.

Laurel Lodge Pure Maple Syrup, 3570 Laurel Lodge Rd., James Creek. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 1.

Minehart Gap Maple, 30 Old Goss Lane, Lewistown. Hours: 4 to 8 p.m. Feb. 28 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 1-2.

Photo courtesy of DCNR
Learn about the basics of making maple syrup with a crash course, ‘Backyard Maple Sugaring’ at Little Buffalo State Park in Newport.

Paddy Mountain Maple, 1385 Paddy Mountain Rd., Millmont. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 1-2.

Shade Stone Farm, 282 Markley Lane, Beaver Springs. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 1-2.

For more information about either of these events, find them on Facebook.