When the sap begins oozing from Ohio’s maple trees, it’s a sugar … er, sure sign that warmer days are on the way. The Buckeye State’s short yet prosperous maple sugar season begins in mid-February – when freezing nighttime temperatures are met by warmer days, causing the clear sap in trees to start moving. But by the end of March, this sweet season is all tapped out.

Turning tree sap into syrup has been around since the days when Native Americans lived in the woodlands of Ohio and other northern states. And, just as they taught the early colonists how to plan corn, these first Ohioans also shared their knowledge about maple syrup production.

Today, maple syrup season gives Ohioans a great reason to get out and visit one of several Ohio State Parks where they can watch and learn how this sweet syrup is created – from the first step of tapping trees and collecting sap, to boiling then bottling the sugary, amber-colored syrup.

There’s no better opportunity for family and friends to create or continue a tradition than with an outing to the sugar bush.

In southwestern Ohio, Caesar Creek State Park will host a Maple Syrup Weekend at its pioneer village from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday February 25 and Sunday, February 26. Free walking tours of the village begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The first two weekends of March are busy with maple syrup celebrations throughout the state. Hueston Woods State Park in Preble County will host its Maple Syrup Festival on March 4 and 5, and March 11 and 12. A pancake breakfast will be served from 8 am. to 2 p.m. with tours of the sugar bush from noon to 4 p.m.

Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County hosts its annual Maple Syrup Festival March 4 and 5, and 11 and 12, from noon to 4 p.m. Horse-drawn wagon rides through the sugar bush are offered.

On Saturday, March 11, Van Buren State Park in Hancock County opens its Nature’s Candy Store from 1 to 4 pm. Visitors meet at the nature center and caravan to a local sugar bush. Delicious maple treats will be available. Arrive early and enjoy a pancake breakfast at 10 a.m.

The naturalist cabin behind Old Man’s Cave at Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County is the site of Maple Sugaring in the Hills from noon to 4 p.m. on March 11 and 12. Visitors can enjoy a pancake breakfast at the dining lodge prior to the event.

The season wraps up with the Maple Syrup Festival at Indian Lake State Park from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 18, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 19. Tour the sugar bush and sugar shack, enjoy a hayride and then stop by for some pancakes.