Maple Syrup Festival at Stratford Ecological Center in Delaware, Ohio

In a time when going green is on the forefront of everyone’s mind, getting back to the land is important, and eating locally is sought after, take advantage of the awesome farms we have in and surrounding Central Ohio. We did this passed weekend and had a great time.

Saturday was an awesome day in Ohio for March. It was warm, slightly breezy, a bit overcast, and the perfect day to eat pancakes and take a muddy hike to see how maple syrup is made. Stratford Ecological Center had their annual Maple Syrup Festival on the farm and we were there with forks in hand, a sugar craving, and good friends. There are many farms surrounding Central Ohio that offer farm days in the spring and fall, Stratford Ecological Center is our favorite. It isn’t too far of a drive – located just north of Powell – and the family fun days they set up are well-organized and always fun. They strive to provide a good experience for the kiddies.

It was truly an exciting day on the farm. We arrived early so we’d have plenty of time to get breakfast, tour the barns, and take a hike out to the Sugar Shack where volunteers were making maple syrup from freshly tapped trees. Breakfast consisted of hot-off-the-griddle wheat pancakes, sausage that had to be the most delectable sausage I have ever had, pure maple syrup made on the farm, coffee, juice and milk. There was plenty of room to sit and while we waited for our food we learned about beeswax candle making. After we stuffed our faces with griddle goodies the kids were entertained by story telling, a friendly snake, and of course, the chickens.

I was very amused by the buck-toothed llama whose teeth make me laugh out loud even now – I wish I had taken a picture of him.  They offered hayrides out to the Sugar Shack to watch maple syrup harvesting at its finest, but we opted for a trail hike. It was so nice to be outside after a long winter and let the kids walk in the woods. There were volunteers placed by trees so we could learn the history of syrup-making, how to tap a tree,

taste the sap, and even take a bucket up to the shack to add some sap to the syrup pans. We didn’t feel intimidated to ask questions and learned that Stratford is open to the public just about any time.

Stratford Ecological Center offers more than just family festival days, they invite families out any time to hike, have a picnic or just look at the animals. You can volunteer too – yearning to bale hay, clean stalls or brush horses? I bet they’d have a place for you! Summer camps are offered for children 3 and up. The young ones need to be accompanied by an adult. What an awesome way to teach your children about preserving nature, appreciate farming, and just enjoy the land.

A few things to remember if you want to take advantage of Stratford Ecological Center‘s offerings:

• Bring cash. You pay before you park your car and they give you a ticket as a receipt.
• Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty…remember, it is a farm.
• Wear your baby. Don’t stress yourself out trying to push a stroller unless you have one that can handle rough terrain.
• Come early to have the chance to partake in all the farm offers.
• If you decide to sign the kids up for camp, register early! Spots fill up quickly.
• Remember you can go out just about any time. Great spring/summer/fall activity with kids!