Geauga Park District

February 19, 2026 by Staff Report

For more information and registration, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.

How Sweet It Is!

The park district’s 40th annual Sap’s-a-Risin’ celebration returns to Swine Creek Reservation in Middlefield.

Free festivities on three Sundays – Feb. 22, March 1 and March 8, all from noon to 4 p.m. – include sap-gathering in the sugarbush with a horse-drawn sap sled, sugar house tours with sample tastes of fresh syrup, and historical stations with costumed interpreters displaying and demonstrating maple sugaring methods from prehistoric to modern day. Plus, visit Swine Creek Lodge to warm up with free maple treats and live music featuring the The Real Deal String Band on Feb. 22, The Pickle Milk String Band on March 1 and Mr. Haney String Band on March 8. Maple syrup produced right onsite will also be available for sale as supplies last.

Swine Creek Reservation is also a featured stop on two drive-it-yourself tours on March 8: the Ohio Maple Producers’ Maple Madness Tour and the local Maple Tour of Northeast Ohio. Tour maps with complete lists of participating sugar houses are available at ohiomaple.org and mpneoh.com.

Time For A W-A-L-K?

Dogs and their humans may join park district Naturalist Karie Wheaton for wintertime Hound Hikes – no registration required. Participants of any hike will also get some dog-walking tips from Cold Nose Companions Dog Training and take home a keepsake park district logo’ed dog scarf to remember it by.

Hikes are Feb. 28, from 10-11 a.m. at Claridon Woodlands; and March 7, from 1-2 p.m. at Big Creek Park’s Tupelo Pond entrance on Ravenna Road. Walkers without dogs are welcome as well.

Before coming out, pack a bowl with water, poop scoop or bags for cleanup and towels for paws. Only one dog is permitted to attend per handler; pets must be kept under control at all times on a leash not exceeding eight feet, and participants displaying aggression or excessive barking will be asked to leave.