Maple Education At MacKenzie

Maple syrup season is almost here, so our Maple Education Program will soon be in full swing. If you’re interested in volunteering to help with the Maple Program, please email Abigail Janey at [email protected] or call 608-635-8112.

All volunteers must register in advance, attend volunteer training and pass a background check. Volunteers may also be asked to submit additional required paperwork.

Indoor-only shifts are available but limited; most shifts are partially or entirely outdoors in Wisconsin winter conditions.

Here are some important dates to keep in mind if you are interested in volunteering for the Maple Education Program:

Maple Volunteer Registration Closes
Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, at 4 p.m.

This is the last day to register as a volunteer for our Maple Program.

Maple Program Call-in Day
Monday, Jan. 29, 2024
Opens at 7 a.m.

Maple Set-up Day
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

We may finish our set-up early, depending on the number of volunteers available.

Maple Volunteer Training
Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024                          
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Required volunteer training is from 9 a.m. to noon in the MacKenzie Lodge, with an optional Maple Program walk-through from 1 to 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided for all attendees.

Maple Volunteer Guide Training – In-person
Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024
10 a.m. – noon

Required training for Maple Program volunteers who wish to be program guides. Please meet our MacKenzie Center educators at the Badger Den.

Maple Volunteer Guide Training – Online                        
Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024                          
10 a.m. – noon

If volunteers cannot attend the in-person training on Tuesday, Feb. 27, they must attend this online Zoom training to participate in the Maple Education Program.

Maple Education Program
Tuesday, March 5 – Thursday, April 4, 2024

The MacKenzie Center’s Maple Education Program welcomes students to learn the process and history of making maple syrup in Wisconsin. Maple education runs Tuesdays through Thursdays twice daily during March and the first week of April. Each field trip is 2 hours and 15 minutes, from 9 – 11:15 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. Volunteers will be needed from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. on those days.