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What is Tapping Into Spring?
Tapping into Spring (TIS) is a place-based, interdisciplinary
curriculum that takes kids out of the classroom and into the boreal
forest to explore and learn.
- Participants collect birch sap by tapping the sapwood of paper
birch trees located just under the bark on the trunk.
- The clear, naturally sweet sap is drawn out of the tap into
a container and is collected daily.
- The sap is then transported to the North Star Syrup Works (ABFC's
sugar shack) where it is boiled down and concentrated to make
birch syrup.
TIS Illustrates Sustainability
 Economy
Birch syrup is one 'hidden value' of the boreal forest. TIS provides
an opportunity to create and market local, value added forest products,
such as Hot Licks birch syrup sweetened ice cream (Boreal Bliss),
birch syrup filled straws (Birch Sticks), and Chewy Ginger Birch
Cookies.
 Ecology
TIS participants observe the boreal forest and gather information
on the birch trees that they tap. They collect data on tree health
and size, daily weather, rate of sap flow and sap sugar concentration.
Participants analyze the data to understand, for example, the relationship
between the rate of sap flow and the diameter of the tree's trunk.
Or, the relationship between sap sugar concentration and crown type.
(The crown of a tree is the area that produces leaves.)
 Community
Our perception of our relationship to the land influences the choices
we make. Participants in TIS form a unique connection with the forest
by making observations and collecting data. They are also exposed
to the distinct relationships that community elders and birch syrup
producers have formed with the forest. These connections are what
ultimately influence management decisions surrounding the maintenance
of a healthy forest. The excitement that comes from this renewed
relationship with the land has inspired student family members and
other individuals in our community to get out in the forest and
share in this unique experience.
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Get Into TIS
- Volunteer
- Teach
- Take it Home
TIS
Introduction
The History of TIS
Links
Mr.
McDonough's TIS experience
TIS
Offers Sweet Lesson in Forest Sustainability
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