July 29, 2025

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SEE ADVENTURES IN BRENDALAND, PAGE A7
Columns & Opinion
March 17, 2023
SEE ADVENTURES IN BRENDALAND, PAGE A7

Recently, I took part in a workshop out of Missouri. The teacher shared with us how to tap maple trees for sap and how to take the sap and turn it into maple syrup. I found this highly exciting. I wasn’t aware making maple syrup was even doable in Oklahoma. Sugar maples are preferred, yet any maple tree can be tapped. You can also tab walnut and birch. Who knew? Not me, that’s for sure.

Recently, I took part in a workshop out of Missouri. The teacher shared with us how to tap maple trees for sap and how to take the sap and turn it into maple syrup. I found this highly exciting. I wasn’t aware making maple syrup was even doable in Oklahoma. Sugar maples are preferred, yet any maple tree can be tapped. You can also tab walnut and birch. Who knew? Not me, that’s for sure.

Some other things I learned: Sap is mostly water containing nutrients the tree needs to move around its tissues. There are recommended guidelines on how to tap a tree without damaging it. Tree sap contains minerals such as calcium, potassium, silica, magnesium and sodium. When the sap comes out of the tree, it is sterile and can be consumed directly from the tree. (I tried this, the best way I can describe it, it tastes pure, fresh and light.) The sap can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks before processing, after two weeks the sap will sour.

Tree sap has been consumed over the centuries as a spring tonic. At some point, maple syrup was invented by indigenous people in Northeast, America and Southeast Canada.

Currently, I have five trees tapped and they are producing anywhere from 1 to 2 1/2 gallons of sap every 24 hours.

The first batch that I processed, I was scared silly. It took several hours to cook down and I was concerned if the time involved would be worth the effort. I almost jumped up and down with joy after the first taste.

It was heavenly. Why isn’t tapping maple trees common around here? What stopped earlier generations in this area from engaging in making syrup? What kept it predominantly in northern states? Was it the time involved? Higher sugar concentration? I don’t know. I wish my great grandparents were alive so I could ask them about it.

Maybe I’ll do some research on the subject. I’m glad I know about it now. I’ve already learned by a few trials and errors and … added a few handy tips on this journey. If you decide to tap your trees, holler at me, drop me a line. I will be happy to share. Frankly, I would love to see all Okies with their own homemade syrup.

New HPS Board Member Welcomed
A: Main, Lifestyle...
New HPS Board Member Welcomed
July 26, 2025
Willem Vandenborn is welcomed by Henryetta Public Schools Superintendent Jason Price after he was sworn in to fill the Ward 2 seat on the HPS board. The action came during a special meeting Thursday, ...
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Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
A: Main, Lifestyle...
Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
July 25, 2025
Patrons Bank is urging the community to be on high alert as phone scams targeting bank customers continue to rise across the country - and right here at home.Scammers are spoofing legitimate bank phon...
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Christmas in July is today
A: Main, Main...
Christmas in July is today
July 25, 2025
Downtown Henryetta is set to come alive with holiday spirit and summer sunshine today, as the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce presents its annual “Christmas in July” celebration. The event, scheduled fr...
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Back-to-School excitement builds
July 25, 2025
As summer winds down and the school year quickly approaches, Henryetta Public Schools and Dewar Public Schools are rolling out the red carpet for students and families with a series of exciting back-t...
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Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
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Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
July 25, 2025
The City of Henryetta has announced that the Main Street railroad crossing is currently closed to all traffic. Residents needing to cross the tracks are encouraged to use the Trudgeon Street crossing ...
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Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
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Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
July 25, 2025
Shoppers across Okmulgee County and throughout the state will soon get a much-needed break on back-to-school expenses, as Oklahoma’s annual Sales Tax Holiday kicks off Friday, Aug. 1, and runs through...
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Editor Picks
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Historical Museum open Saturday
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Historical Museum continues to welcome guests through its doors this summer with its special every-other-weekend schedule - and this Saturday is no exception. The museum will be open Jul...
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News
OCEM Report
July 25, 2025
This report is a summary of activities Okmulgee County Emergency Management participated in and does not reflect all activities performed by or participated in by Okmulgee County Emergency Management....
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Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
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Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
July 25, 2025
Planning is in full swing for the much-anticipated 2025 Okmulgee County Fair, with the event officially set to take place Sept. 4-6 at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds.Members of the Fair Volunteer Com...
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Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
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Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Lions Club held a lively and productive meeting on Thursday, July 17, at The Shack 2.0, welcoming new members, celebrating local heritage and preparing for several key community events o...
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Preston Schools announces Child Nutrition Program
July 25, 2025
Preston Public Schools announced they are participating in free lunch and/or breakfast program for the 2026 school year. All students enrolled in the district or the listed sites may participate in th...
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