The sweet smell of springtime was in the air, as Beaver Creek Reserve (BCR) hosted its annual maple syrup tapping festival, "Maple Fest."

From 10am-2pm on Saturday, March 14, the environmental education and recreation hub welcomed locals from all ages to their Fall Creek facility (S1 County Hwy K, Fall Creek).

Previously known as "Maple Syrup Saturday," the event remains a fixture for families and locals to explore the traditions of maple sugaring in the Chippewa Valley.

Rotating groups had the chance to tap, collect and boil down sap into syrup. BCR also unveiled its brand new "Sugar Shack," to taste test pre-made syrup batches with a complementary treat, coffee or hot chocolate. Attendees also were able to tour the former shack, an homage to generations of syrup making in Fall Creek and the Midwest.

Special mention goes out to the maple sugar cotton candy, an additional sweet treat at the day-long event!

Visit the Beaver Creek Reserve events webpage online to learn more about future events and announcements. Beaver Creek Reserve (S1 County Hwy K, Fall Creek) is open all-year round; hours are 9am-4pm Monday through Saturday, 12pm-4pm on Sundays.