As the temperature increases to about 45 degrees F, the enzymes stop functioning and sugar is no longer produce. In March and April, the sugar changes back to starch, except during periods of flow.

Rising temperature creates pressure inside trees, causing sap to flow. When a hole is bored into a tree, wood fibers that are water carrying vessels are severed, so sap drips out of the tree.

This sap is then boiled down to make the rich dark syrup that we enjoy on pancakes and waffies.

RECIPE CORNER

Maple Muffins

2 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup milk

Stir together the dry ingredients. Add butter and blend well. Add egg, maple syrup and milk. Stir until well blended (do not over beat). Fill greased muffin tins about 1/2 full. Bake at 400F for 20-25 minutes. Makes about 12 muffins

EARTH DAY

5 Top Tips

• By eating fish that are caught in an environmentally responsible manner, you can help keep the marine ecosystem healthy, without compromising freshness and taste.
• When you're next in the market for a car, choose the one in your class with the highest fuel efficiency rating. You'll save money each time you fill up.
• Check your tires once a month, since properly inflating your tires improves gas mileage. According to DOE, under inflated tires waste more than two million gallons of gasoline a day. And they're also a safety hazard.
• Using flourescent lights can be a major factor in cutting greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a new compact flourescent bulb uses 75% less energy than a standard incandescent and lasts about 10 times as long.
• You prevent waste and save money whenever you reduce your purchases of supposable and over packaged items or reuse more of what you already have. It's easy!