For Immediate Release:      

February 2007     

For More Information Contact:
Carmel Dorn 845-985-2291 ext 205 or reservations@frostvalley.org

Maple Sugaring Weekend Set March 24-25 at Frost Valley YMCA

CLARYVILLE, NY –A free Maple Sugaring Weekend Open House will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 24 and 25 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day at Frost Valley YMCA in Claryville, NY.

At Frost Valley's Maple Sugar House, guests can learn about the process of identifying a good sugar maple tree, tapping the tree and boiling the sap to make delicious maple syrup. No check-in or reservations are required. Visitors are simply invited to stop in and enjoy the festivities. The sugar house is located at 1920 Frost Valley Road (Ulster County Route 47) and is located approximately a half-mile east of the Frost Valley Main Camp entrance, which is 2000 Frost Valley Road.

Frost Valley is in the heart of sugar maple country. Northeastern North America is the only place in the world where sugar maple trees grow and where Maple Syrup is made.

March is height of the magical Maple Syrup Month! As winter winds down and spring begins, cold nights followed by warming daytime temperatures cause sap to flow through the maple trees. Pioneer farmers would call this process “the unlocking.” Triggered by the approaching equinox, nutrients stored in roots flow with sweet sap up the tree trunk, to nourish branches and buds for the growing season ahead. Native Americans were first to discover the secret and since then tapping sugar maples has evolved from a pioneer cottage industry to a modern, renewable and important part of the Catskill  regional economy.

“Visitors at the Maple Sugaring Weekend will experience all the elements of sugaring. including a snowy forest hike, brisk mountain air, sun melting snow, the scents of good soil, swelling buds, tapping trees, collection of sweet sap, the heat of a good wood fire, the steam of evaporating water and the sweet taste of arriving at 67% sugar content maple syrup,” remarked Natural Resources Director Mike Larison.

Established in 1901 as one of the nation's first summer camps, Frost Valley YMCA is located in the heart of the Catskill Mountains and provides four seasons of outdoor, experiential and educational opportunities. Frost Valley YMCA is a 6,000-acre facility offering summer camping for children, environmental education, year-round activities for families and conference and retreat facilities for groups and businesses.

Additional information and reservations for the Maple Sugaring Weekend, may be made by calling  (845) 985-2291, ext. 205.