Maple trees tapped for sap

The 5th annual Maple syrup event returned, March 16, to Olander Park in Sylvania. The afternoon featured stations staffed with volunteers who led demonstrations on the techniques used in the 1800's to harvest Maple sap and create syrup as well as other aspects of life from that period. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE PHOTO, START SLIDESHOW.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Annie Doerr, left, laughs as her fellow volunteer Colleen Nagel jokingly demonstrates the width of a Maple tree that is ... THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Jason Phillips, of Sylvania, left, takes a stroll with his daughter, Aubree, 2, in between educational stations. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Sophia Jewell, 5, center right, lifts her hand to test the heat of a Maple sap evaporator. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Visitors gather around a Maple sap evaporator to learn about the syrup-making process. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Tony Take, of South Toledo, center, holds his daughter Naomi, 1, as they listen to Bob Schell, of Swanton, left,... THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Locally-made Maple syrup sits for sale. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Maureen Schell, of Swanton, left, talks about various forms of sugar with visitors. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Johanna Neugesbauer, of Sylvania, stirs a vat of boiling Maple sap as volunteer Debbie Haubert, right, explains the refining process.... THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Tammy Spillis, of Napoleon, explains a Maple sap tap created from carved bone during a demonstration of Algonquin sap refining ... THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Tammy Spillis, of Napoleon, laughs as she discusses her demonstration of Algonquin Maple sap refining techniques. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Tammy Spillis, of Napoleon, uses tools made from bone to lower a heated rock into a carved bowl of Maple sap for cooking. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Tammy Spillis, of Napoleon, watches the heated rock she has just dropped in a bowl of Maple sap for cooking ... THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Jayson Teal, 7, of South Toledo, tries his hand at hatchet throwing. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH