SWEET SATURDAY! MAPLE SUGARING DAY AT SCHRADER CENTER

WHEELING, W.Va. (March 17, 2008)- - Taking a scenic nature walk, learning local history and enjoying a pancake breakfast with fresh maple syrup from the Oglebay sugar bush- what better ways to get rid of those winter blues!

Maple Sugaring Day takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29 and is a great way to celebrate early spring.

Hikers will enjoy this hands-on experience tapping trees, collecting sap, making syrup and learning the history of maple sugaring. The hike begins in the woods behind Oglebay Park’s Camp Russel and ends at the Schrader Environmental Education Center with a pancake breakfast.

Nature guides take groups on a tour through Oglebay’s sugar bush and stop along the trail to visit with characters from the past. The cast of characters includes a Native American, who tells the story of how they discovered “sweet water” that comes from the maple trees as well as the stove tender, who explains the cooking process.

At each of the four stops, visitors learn a different method of maple sugaring including methods used by Native Americans and early American pioneers. Modern 20th century and current pipeline techniques will also be demonstrated and discussed.

“This program is a great family event,” Schrader Center director Eriks Janelsins said. “ It is an opportunity for parents and their children to gear up for spring, learn some fascinating history of this area and enjoy a great breakfast together.”

For those not up to the hike in its entirety, visitors are welcome to enjoy breakfast, then take a stroll just behind the Schrader Center to the A.B. Brooks Discovery Trail where they can observe the sap boiling away in the outdoor evaporator.

For more information, call the Schrader Center at 304.242.6855. Trail guides will depart from Oglebay’s Camp Russel parking lot every half hour.

Admission to Maple Sugaring Day is $6 and includes your choice of buckwheat or regular pancakes, sausage, juice or coffee. Members of Oglebay Institute receive a discount. Boots and appropriate outdoor clothing are recommended.

March hours of Oglebay Institute’s Schrader Environmental Education Center, located in Oglebay Park, are noon until 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday.