Cunningham Falls State Park Offers 38th Annual Maple Syrup Demonstration

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THURMONT, MD - Cunningham Falls State Park will hold its 38th annual maple syrup “sugaring” demonstrations for two weekends in March, 8-9 and 15-16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the William Houck (Lake) Area.

“As the early spring days grow warmer and longer, tree sap flows freely, beginning the long held tradition of making maple syrup or “sugaring”,” said Cindy Ecker, Cunningham Falls State Park Manager. “Spring sugaring time is a great time to visit our state parks in Western Maryland.”

Park staff will demonstrate the process of making maple syrup from tree tapping through boiling and packaging, and explain the history and current status of one of America’s first agricultural products. Kids can enjoy free games, stories and crafts in a large heated tent. All attendees can warm themselves beside a roaring fire while listening to live music in the lakeside pavilion. A donation of $2 per person is requested. A sign language interpreter will be available on March 9 & 16.

A piping hot sausage and pancake breakfast will be served from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. for an additional charge. Visitors may also purchase Maryland made maple syrup, maple candy, and related souvenirs. Proceeds will benefit the Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks.

Cunningham Falls State Park’s William Houck Area is located at 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, just west of Thurmont, MD. Take Rt. 77 west from Thurmont and turn left on to Catoctin Hollow Rd. Turn right into the park and follow the signs to the demonstration area. Please leave all pets at home as pets are prohibited in the William Houck Area of Cunningham Falls State Park. For additional information call 301-271-7574 or visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/cunninghamfalls.html.

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February 25, 2008

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov