One event typical of Hartman Reserve’s educational activities is the annual maple tree sapping. The practice of making maple syrup is a tradition of long standing in Black Hawk County. Early settlers relied on the sap of the sugar maple as an important source of sweetening for their modest fare. Since 1981 the staff of Hartman Reserve has been preserving this tradition to the delight and edification of local residents. On three consecutive Sundays every March, the public is welcome to come to the center and take part in the tree sapping. After the sap has been tapped and reduced to syrup, Hartman Reserve sponsors a pancake breakfast for the public. The admission price for the breakfast and the proceeds from the sale of 8-ounce bottles of the locally produced syrup go toward future preservation of the Reserve.