Warren Farm and Sugar House to host maple sugaring talk NORTH BROOKFIELD — Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom is sponsoring a workshop for teachers during the February school vacation from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16 at the Warren Farm and Sugarhouse in North Brookfield. Titled “Keeping Your Classroom Fresh and Growing,” the workshop will focus on maple sugaring in Massachusetts with some hands-on activities for the classroom. The $30 fee includes lunch and all materials. Ten Professional Development Points are provided with accompanying classroom activity. During the winter break, spend Feb. 16 at the Warren Farm and Sugar House in North Brookfield. In the morning over coffee and treats, learn about maple sugar history, Native American traditions and changes from Colonial times to today with owners Jan and Dale Wentworth. Find out about current threats to maple trees from global warming and the Asian long-horned beetle, and how their potential loss affects daily life and economic aspects in New England.

Following a unique maple lunch, spend the afternoon out-of-doors, exploring the sugaring operation and sugar house. Assist with tubing installation and tap a tree, make maple candy and try out other hands-on activities to use in the classroom. Bring warm clothes and boots. Middle and high school teachers are encouraged to attend. For more information, call Debi Hogan at Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom at (508) 336-4426, e-mail  ebi.hogan@earthlink. net or visit www.aginclassroom.org