Myre-Big Island State Park will have a free program for those interested in making their own maple syrup, according to a press release. A free demonstration and tasting opportunity will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. March 28 at the state park.

Those that attend will learn how to identify and tap the right kind of tree as well as how to boil the sap collected until it’s sweet enough to serve.

Generally, sap runs best from about mid-March to mid-April when temperatures are in the high 30s to mid-40s during the day and below freezing at night. It usually takes 30 to 40 gallons of sap from a sugar maple tree to get a gallon of pure maple syrup.

The maple syrup program at Myre-Big Island State Park is free, but a vehicle permit is required to enter the park. A one-day permit is $5 and year-round permits are $25. Due to space limitations advance registration is required.

For more information visit www.mndnr.gov or call the DNR Information Center at 1-888-646-6367.