Luke Judge

Sugar Camp Days at Bendix Woods promises to be a delicious experience

By KAREN RALLOTribune Staff WriterThe next time you reach for a bottle of maple syrup, you’ll realize all the effort that went into processing the golden elixir if you experience Sugar Camp Days at Bendix Woods County Park March 20 and March 21.

“Sugar Camp Days have been going on for over 30 years,” says Leslie Witkowski, St. Joseph County Parks interpretive services assistant manager.

Making syrup in Michiana goes back even further, according to Witkowski. “Back to the time when Native Americans collected sap in wooden troughs made from hollowed logs and heated rocks to use for cooking the sap.” After all, there were no stoves or even metal containers back in those days.

Witkowski says that through the years one thing hasn’t changed, our dependence on the weather when it comes to collecting sap.

“The ideal weather for sap to flow is above freezing in the day and below freezing at night. The temperature changes will cause the sap to flow in the tree. But, when its been in the 60s during the day and 40s at night, it’s not the best conditions for sap collecting.”

Since March 1, naturalists at Bendix Woods have collected enough sap to make about 20 gallons of syrup. Witkowski says syrup available for sale this year might be a little lower than in the past. Half-pints sell for $5 and pints for $9.

“When you consider all the work that goes into the final product – it takes a lot of manpower and firewood to make all that – it’s a good deal. Visitors have to just see it for themselves (to realize the value),” she says.

Those visiting the park can partake in a guided tour through the sugar bush to see sap being collected from the trees, observe the sap being made into syrup and even sit down to a pancake breakfast.

The breakfast, sponsored by the New Carlisle Lions Club, costs $7 for adults, $3.50 for ages 6-11 and free for ages 5 and younger.

Artisans will be on hand to demonstrate crafts made similar to the way they were made in the 1800s, including carving, spinning, quilting, candle-dipping and more.

In addition, horse-drawn wagon rides will be available, weather permitting.

Hiking trails and the playground will be open, but Witkowski advises that folks should dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.

While there will be plenty of events going on outside, there will be just as much going on indoors.

In the Nature Center, families can learn the history of maple syrup manufacturing, play with pioneer toys and make a craft to take home. This is also the place to shop for unique sweet treats, like maple-baked goods, maple cotton candy and syrup.

Located at 32132 Indiana 2 in New Carlisle, festival hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. A vehicle entrance fee of $5 will be charged.

To learn more, call (574) 654-3155 or visit sjcparks.org.

Fishing like a pioneer

Families will learn what it was like to fish during the pioneer era, when the program “Rustic Fishing” is offered from 1 to 3 p.m. March 27 at Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park, 57057 Ash Road, Osceola.

Children (ages 4-11 must be accompanied by an adult) and adults will make a fishing pole from tree limbs and twine and then try their skill at catching carp, bass or blue gill.

Fee for the program is $5. To register, call (574) 654-3155 by March 25.

Homegrown birdhouse

The program, “Gourd Bird House Workshop” will be held 10 a.m. March 20 at Ox Bow Haus Shelter, Ox Bow County Park, 23427 County Road 45, Elkhart.

Gourd craftsperson Carole Mitchell will talk about the history of gourds and their various uses and then demonstrate how to create a useful bird house from an ordinary gourd.

Cost is $5 per gourd bird house. Register by Thursday, by calling (574) 535-6458.

Mysterious magnets

Children, ages 6-10, will learn how magnets work when the program Science and Stories takes place 2 p.m. March 27 at Elkhart Environmental Center, 1717 E. Lusher Ave., Elkhart.

Scientists and University of Notre Dame graduate students Michelle Bertke and Melanie Bunda will help with the hands-on program. All supplies will be provided.

A donation of $3 per child will be accepted. Call (574) 293-5070 to register by March 26 for the program.

Learn about birds

Sarett’s Spring Birding Bunch will begin meeting 8 a.m. March 20 at the nature center, 2300 Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor.

This spring program will meet again at Sarett March 27, April 3, May 1 and 29 and birding events scheduled to be held April 24 and May 22 will involve a day-long excursion.

Cost for the 2010 season is $30 for Sarett members or $40 for others or $5/$7 per session.

Call (269) 927-4832 to register in advance.

South Bend-Elkhart Audubon Society will present the program Berrien County Waterfowl