Ever wonder how pure maple syrup gets from a tree to the table? A free demonstration and tasting opportunity will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Myre-Big Island State Park. This will be one of several maple syrup programs taking place at Minnesota state parks this spring, according to a press release. 

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

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. Permits are $5 for a one-day pass or $25 for a year-round permit. Due to space limitations, advance registration is required.

For more information, including  complete schedule of the 2016 maple syrup programs taking place at Minnesota state parks, visit www.mndnr.gov or call the Department of Natural Resources Information Center at 1-888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.