The Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) recently welcomed approximately 150 students from 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classes at Guardino Elementary School to Zenda Farms Preserve for an engaging, outdoor learning experience as part of its Conservation Connections program.
The visit centered around the fascinating process of maple syrup production, giving students the opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences on the land.
Students began their day with a presentation led by Adam Henne of the New York Maple Experience, an interactive mobile exhibit that brings the story of maple sugaring to life, from the history of maple production to the journey of sap becoming syrup. Through a hands-on presentation, students explored how trees are tapped, sap is collected and boiled, and maple syrup is graded, filtered, and enjoyed.
A guided hike with TILT’s Director of Development and Communications, Terra Bach, took students on the MacFarlane Nature Trial and the Zenda Woods Trail to meet real live maples. Along the trail, students learned how to identify maple trees and distinguish their leaves, bark and buds, gaining a deeper understanding of the natural environment that makes maple syrup production possible.
The experience wrapped up with a fun and educational game led by TILT’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Delaney McIlrath. Through hands-on participation, students discovered just how much sap is needed to produce a single gallon of maple syrup; an eye-opening lesson in both math and natural resources. To top it all off, students had the chance to taste pure New York maple syrup, bringing the lesson full circle.
“Getting students outside and actively engaged with the land is at the heart of what we do,” said Delaney McIlrath. “Experiences like this help foster a deeper appreciation for our natural resources and the traditions that connect us to them.”
TILT’s Conservation Connections program is designed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards by providing meaningful, place-based educational experiences throughout the Thousand Islands region.