Ökologische Lebensart

Just landed in Athens — or been here a while but still looking for your crowd? If you’re an expat or digital nomad tired of small talk and ready for real connections, this is where your Friday night levels up. Join us at Bar Zero at Yellowsquare Athens for a high-energy Karaoke night of music, dancing, and friendly vibes with Athens’ international community. Expect: 🎶 Crowd-favorite songs you can’t resist singing 💃 A dance floor that doesn’t quit 🍻 Drinks flowing all night 📸 The kind of memories that make you stay “just one more hour” No awkward networking. No pressure. Just good people, big energy, and the perfect excuse to let loose. 🔥 Spots fill fast — reserve your table now and secure your crew’s place before it’s fully booked. Follow Nomads Athens on social media for more info: \*Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/780495963217496/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/780495963217496/) * Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/nomadhubgreece](https://www.instagram.com/nomadhubgreece) \*Telegram: [https://t.me/nomadhubgreece](https://t.me/nomadhubgreece)

**===========================** **📖 Περιγραφή / Description** **===========================** * ***🇬🇷 Greek*** Ελάτε μαζί μας για ένα ζεστό πρωινό με καφέ, δικτύωση και συνεργασία κοντά στο κέντρο της Αθήνας, στο άνετο και φιλικό περιβάλλον του **Palmie Bistro @ Athens/Kaisariani (1ος όροφος).** Είτε είστε ελεύθερος επαγγελματίας, επιχειρηματίας είτε δημιουργικός επαγγελματίας, αυτή η εκδήλωση είναι ιδανική για όσους θέλουν να γνωρίσουν άτομα με παρόμοιο τρόπο σκέψης, ενώ παράλληλα να ολοκληρώσουν την εργασία τους σε ένα υποστηρικτικό και ενθαρρυντικό περιβάλλον. Μοιραστείτε ιδέες, συνεργαστείτε σε έργα και δημιουργήστε ουσιαστικές γνωριμίες πίνοντας ένα φλιτζάνι από το αγαπημένο σας καφέ. Ας συνδυάσουμε τα οφέλη της συνεργασίας με την άνεση μιας κοινωνικής συγκέντρωσης καφέ. Αυτή η εκδήλωση είναι ανοιχτή σε όποιον ενδιαφέρεται για συνεργασία, έναρξη μιας επιχείρησης ή απλώς θέλει να επεκτείνει το δίκτυό του σε ένα χαλαρό περιβάλλον. Θα είμαστε εκεί **από τις 11:00 π.μ. έως τις 5:00 μ.μ.** Φέρτε τον φορητό υπολογιστή σας και μια θετική στάση! Τα λέμε εκεί! * ***🇬🇧 English*** Join us for a cozy morning of coffee, networking, and coworking near the center of Athens, in the comfortable and friendly environment of **Palmie Bistro @ Athens/Kaisariani (1st floor)**. Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or creative professional, this event is perfect for those looking to meet like-minded individuals while getting work done in a supportive and motivating environment. Share ideas, collaborate on projects, and make meaningful connections over a cup of your favorite brew. Let's blend the benefits of coworking with the comfort of a social coffee gathering. This event is open to anyone interested in coworking, starting a business, or simply wanting to expand their network in a relaxed setting. We will be there **from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.** Bring your laptop and a positive attitude!See you there! **============================** **🕒 Τι να περιμένετε / What to expect** **============================** * **(11:00)** Organizer *Arrival* * **(12:00)** *Break & Socialize (\~15 min)* * **(13:30)** *Lunch Break (\~30 min)* * **(15:30)** *Break & Socialize (\~15 min)* * **(17:00++)** C*ontinue with after-work drinks (optional)* **===========================** **ℹ️ Λεπτομέριες Χώρου / Place Details** **===========================** * Internet Connection ____ ⭐⭐ ☆ * Quiet Levels _____________ ⭐⭐ ☆ * Comfort (table/chair) ___ ⭐⭐⭐ * Drinks & Coffee __________ ✅ * Food ______________________ ✅ * Power Sockets ___________ ✅ * Near Metro _______________ ✅

Just landed in Athens — or been here a while but still looking for your crowd? If you’re an expat or digital nomad tired of small talk and ready for real connections, this is where your Friday night levels up. Join us at Bar Zero at Yellowsquare Athens for a high-energy Karaoke night of music, dancing, and friendly vibes with Athens’ international community. Expect: 🎶 Crowd-favorite songs you can’t resist singing 💃 A dance floor that doesn’t quit 🍻 Drinks flowing all night 📸 The kind of memories that make you stay “just one more hour” No awkward networking. No pressure. Just good people, big energy, and the perfect excuse to let loose. 🔥 Spots fill fast — reserve your spot now and secure your crew’s place before it’s fully booked. Send a message, lock it in, and make this your Friday night plan. Follow Nomads Athens on social media for more info: \*Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/780495963217496/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/780495963217496/) * Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/nomadhubgreece](https://www.instagram.com/nomadhubgreece) \*Telegram: [https://t.me/nomadhubgreece](https://t.me/nomadhubgreece)

Location: will be determined spontaneously

**Get ready to hop from bar to bar, sip on unlimited drinks, and dance the night away at the Athens Party Pub Crawl - it's gonna be legendary!** ## Highlights * Feel the rush of excitement of **meeting new people** and dancing the night away * Opt to include an **open bar for 1 hour**, including beer and wine or long drinks * Be led by **experienced and fun local hosts** and explore Athen's nightlife * **Dance, drink, and mingle** with fellow party enthusiasts from around the globe * Breeze past long lines at the nightclub and relax knowing **entry is covered** ## Full description Experience the ultimate night in Athens with 1 FULL HOUR of Unlimited Drinks (8€ - 35€+ Value!)\*, free shots, and Free Nightclub Access (10€ Value!) while meeting nightlife lovers from around the world! Get ready to celebrate like never before with the Best Pub Crawl in Athens! Embark on an epic pub crawl through Athens' hottest nightlife spots. Dance, drink, and mingle with fellow nightlife enthusiasts from around the globe. Enjoy an hour of unlimited drinks and free shots at each\* venue, while our energetic party hosts lead you through the night. Skip the lines and get access to the city's best clubs. Book now and make your night in Athens unforgettable! **\* We offer three ticket options:** 1\. The **Sober Owl Ticket**: Does not include an open bar \| Includes: A Free Shot at each Venue \- Drink Discounts \- Free Entrance & Skip the Line to Club 2\. The **Tipsy Owl Ticket**: Includes 1 hour of unlimited beer or wine\. \| Also includes: Free Shot at 1st & Last Venue \- Drink Discounts \- Free Entrance & Skip the Line to Club 3\. The **Drunken Owl Ticket**: Includes 1 hour of unlimited long drinks \(Gin/Vodka/Rum/Tequila\)\, beer\, and wine\. \| Also includes: Free Shot at 1st & Last Venue \- Drink Discounts \- Free Entrance & Skip the Line to Club ## Includes * Local Experienced event host(s) * Bar crawl: Visit 2 Bars & 1 Nightclub * 1 hour of unlimited drinks (depending on ticket option chosen) * 2-3 Free Shots (depending on ticket option chosen) * Discounts in Cocktails (1st Venue) * Skip-the-line & Free entry to Nightclub ## What to bring * Your Best Mood 🤩 * Comfortable shoes for dancing 🕺💃 * Camera * Charged Smartphone ## Not allowed * Intoxication ## Know before you go * This is an Adults only event. 18+ years old ## Booking Terms & Conditions - Code of Conduct By participating in any event (including pub crawls) organised and hosted by Athens Party Pub Crawl, you the participant & every person your booking is consisted of, agree to the following terms and conditions without restriction: [https://athenspartypubcrawl.com/terms-and-conditions-code-of-conduct](https://athenspartypubcrawl.com/terms-and-conditions-code-of-conduct "https://athenspartypubcrawl.com/terms-and-conditions-code-of-conduct")

This Friday, come and release all the stress of the week! International Friday night! Meet new friends, Dance, and connect. big international event with Whatsapp community as well as Couchsurfing and Facebook community. All together Free event at A LIAR MAN, from 9 pm, you pay what you drink, Greek and International communities together. All languages are welcome. event organized by Athens Fun & Connection, One of the biggest communities for expats, locals and digital nomads. join our members every Friday As a token of sympathy for the bar, Please Order at LEAST one drink. Let's have fun and a great time, we all deserve it. Let's own the night !! See you all on Friday Michaël +32486805343 Whatsapp and Telegram

# Tired of dating apps or surface-level events? This is different. This is a **2-hour guided relational experience** designed to help you connect with other singles in your city — without small talk, pressure, or performance. **What happens:** • You join a 2-hour guided online session • You meet a small group of folks practicing Ethical Non-Monogamy in Berlin and open to new connections • You’re led through structured connection exercises • Within 48 hours, you meet the same group in person • You stay connected afterward via WhatsApp **This is for you if:** • You’re done with shallow or random social spaces • You want deeper, more intentional connection • You’re open to a structured experience If you’re just browsing or looking for something casual, this likely won’t be a fit. **Important:** Spots are limited and booking happens through our website. 👉 Reserve your spot & stay in the loop with new events every month: [[https://consciousconnections.com/join](https://consciousconnectionsclub.com/join)] **When:** Online session: [8 AM - 10 AM] In-person meetup: within 48 hours (details shared after booking) Most people come alone. Most leave having met people they genuinely want to see again.

After a long time, we are practicing our Greek and English again! We will meet on Mavili Square where the ice-cream shop (Epik Gelato) is, grab some ice-cream/drink/souvlaki from the shops/bars around and head to the Eleftherias Park where we will sit on the grass and enjoy the sunset-time. *Bring your beach towel or picnic blanket! I will also bring a couple for 4-5 people to share. *The event is free of charge.

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Athens Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new brunch spots in your city, together. \* Curated brunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your brunch group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on Meetup.com is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Coffee & Chat (& Brunch) Come and make new friends this Sunday over a nice coffee & chat (& Brunch), the perfect way to end the weekend. Everyone is welcome, International & Greek, meeting in English (but other languages are welcome) Let's meet at En Aithria from 12 to 16/17. Ask for the coffee group https://maps.app.goo.gl/ecdSiXxg6sT8h6kF7 +32486805343 Whatsapp Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Jump in our whtsapp group,introduce yourself, start connect,put your ideas and lets hangout and make friends https://chat.whatsapp.com/EDf4HaUjK4gLMMQeiOsllt ✨ Start Your Night With People, Not Noise ✨ Saturday night at Mint Bar isn’t about standing alone with a drink 🍸 It’s about arriving somewhere you’re already expected 🤍 This is a social meetup where people actually talk 💬 laugh 😄 move around 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ and connect—naturally, without forcing anything ✨ Think of it as the starting point of your night 🌙 A place to warm up 🔥 meet people 🤝 feel the vibe 🎶 and see where the evening wants to go ✨ 🌊 How the Night Flows We gather around the big tables first 🪑🪑 Easy group conversations 💬 No pressure. No “who do I talk to?” 🙌 From there, the night opens up ✨ • People rotate naturally 🔄 • Small chats turn into bigger ones 🗣️➡️🗣️🗣️ • You meet someone new without trying too hard 😊 • Sometimes we dance 💃🕺 sometimes we don’t 🚶‍♀️ • The vibe decides 🎧✨ You’re free to move 🚶 stay 🪑 join 🤝 step back 🌿 rejoin 🔄 Nothing is fixed. Everything is fluid 🌊 🤍 You’re Not Walking In Alone I’ll be there the whole night 🙋‍♂️ Welcoming people 👋 introducing faces 🤝 connecting energy ⚡ If you come solo 🚶‍♂️ you won’t stay solo—unless you want to 😊 This event brings together people from multiple social networks & platforms 🌍📲 Different backgrounds 🌎 different circles 🔵🟢🟣 same open mindset ✨ Every week: New faces ✨ Familiar smiles 🙂 Easy connections 🤍 🎶 The Atmosphere • Social & warm 🤍 • Music that supports conversation 💬 then lifts the room 🎶 • Open-air space 🌿 room to breathe 😌 • Friendly, curious, respectful people ✨ Easy to join 🤝 Easy to stay 🪑 Easy to feel part of it 🤍 🍹 Community Drink Prices Vodka Portokali / Whiskey Cola / Gin & Tonic — €7 Sangria — €3 🍷 Shots — €2.5 🥃 📍 Logistics 📌 Mint Bar https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ffi2B7Riw73TJM4Q9 🕤 Start: 21:30 ⏳ End: when the night naturally evolves ✨ 🎟 Entry: FREE Just say you’re with the community 🤍 👕 No dress code Comfort > fashion 😌 🚇 Getting Around Saturday nights in Athens run smoothly 🌃 🚇 Metro all night 🚌 24h buses Safe, easy, stress-free travel ✨ 🌟 Why This Works No plan needed 🧠 No friends required 👥 No pressure to stay 🕊️ Come for one drink 🍸 Stay for the people 🤍 Leave with a smile 😄 For many, this becomes: ✨ The start of the night ✨ The place they meet their people ✨ The reason the night turns memorable 💫 Final Thought Some nights start with music 🎶 Better nights start with people 🤍 This is where we gather 🤝 Connect ✨ And let the night take shape 🌙 See you Saturday 💫 Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athenslocalstravellers?igsh=MWM4MTh4c2p5M3NxdA== Mamad – The organiser of Athens locals&Travellers events #LanguageExchange #Travelers #Locals #Nightlife #BarLife #PubVibes #PartyTime #SocialEvent #MeetFriends #MeetNewPeople #Conversation #Chat #Dating #RelationshipGoals #Connection #Singles #AdventureTime #FunNight #GoingOut #SoloNight #Drinks #Cocktails #MusicLovers #DJNight #DanceParty #ClubVibes #WeekendVibes #MeetupGroup #InternationalFriends #ExpatsLife #TouristsInAthens #CityLife #UrbanCulture #Ταξιδιώτες #Ντόπιοι #ΝυχτερινήΖωή #Μπαρ #Πάρτι #Κοινωνικό #Εκδήλωση #Φίλοι #Γνωριμίες #Κουβέντα #Συζήτηση #Ραντεβού #Σχέση #Σύνδεση #Σινγκλς #Περιπέτεια #Διασκέδαση #Έξοδος #Μόνος #Ποτά #Κοκτέιλ #Μουσική #Χορός #Κλαμπ #VibesΠάρτι #Σαββατοκύριακο #ΟμάδαMeetup #Διεθνές #Εξάπτες #Τουρίστες #ΖωήΠόλης #Πολιτισμός #Εξερεύνηση #Κοινότητα #Κοινωνικοποίηση #Δικτύωση #ΒραδινήΈξοδος #Φιλία #Lifestyle #ΤοπικοίΟδηγοί #ΤαξιδιωτικέςΣυμβουλές #HangoutSpot #ΔιασκεδαστικήΝύχτα #ΣχέδιαΣαββατοκύριακου

Jump in our whtsapp group,introduce yourself, start connect,put your ideas and lets hangout and make friends https://chat.whatsapp.com/EDf4HaUjK4gLMMQeiOsllt ✨ Start Your Night With People, Not Noise ✨ Saturday night at Mint Bar isn’t about standing alone with a drink 🍸 It’s about arriving somewhere you’re already expected 🤍 This is a social meetup where people actually talk 💬 laugh 😄 move around 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ and connect—naturally, without forcing anything ✨ Think of it as the starting point of your night 🌙 A place to warm up 🔥 meet people 🤝 feel the vibe 🎶 and see where the evening wants to go ✨ 🌊 How the Night Flows We gather around the big tables first 🪑🪑 Easy group conversations 💬 No pressure. No “who do I talk to?” 🙌 From there, the night opens up ✨ • People rotate naturally 🔄 • Small chats turn into bigger ones 🗣️➡️🗣️🗣️ • You meet someone new without trying too hard 😊 • Sometimes we dance 💃🕺 sometimes we don’t 🚶‍♀️ • The vibe decides 🎧✨ You’re free to move 🚶 stay 🪑 join 🤝 step back 🌿 rejoin 🔄 Nothing is fixed. Everything is fluid 🌊 🤍 You’re Not Walking In Alone I’ll be there the whole night 🙋‍♂️ Welcoming people 👋 introducing faces 🤝 connecting energy ⚡ If you come solo 🚶‍♂️ you won’t stay solo—unless you want to 😊 This event brings together people from multiple social networks & platforms 🌍📲 Different backgrounds 🌎 different circles 🔵🟢🟣 same open mindset ✨ Every week: New faces ✨ Familiar smiles 🙂 Easy connections 🤍 🎶 The Atmosphere • Social & warm 🤍 • Music that supports conversation 💬 then lifts the room 🎶 • Open-air space 🌿 room to breathe 😌 • Friendly, curious, respectful people ✨ Easy to join 🤝 Easy to stay 🪑 Easy to feel part of it 🤍 🍹 Community Drink Prices Vodka Portokali / Whiskey Cola / Gin & Tonic — €7 Sangria — €3 🍷 Shots — €2.5 🥃 📍 Logistics 📌 Mint Bar https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ffi2B7Riw73TJM4Q9 🕤 Start: 21:30 ⏳ End: when the night naturally evolves ✨ 🎟 Entry: FREE Just say you’re with the community 🤍 👕 No dress code Comfort > fashion 😌 🚇 Getting Around Saturday nights in Athens run smoothly 🌃 🚇 Metro all night 🚌 24h buses Safe, easy, stress-free travel ✨ 🌟 Why This Works No plan needed 🧠 No friends required 👥 No pressure to stay 🕊️ Come for one drink 🍸 Stay for the people 🤍 Leave with a smile 😄 For many, this becomes: ✨ The start of the night ✨ The place they meet their people ✨ The reason the night turns memorable 💫 Final Thought Some nights start with music 🎶 Better nights start with people 🤍 This is where we gather 🤝 Connect ✨ And let the night take shape 🌙 See you Saturday 💫 Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athenslocalstravellers?igsh=MWM4MTh4c2p5M3NxdA== Mamad – The organiser of Athens locals&Travellers events #LanguageExchange #Travelers #Locals #Nightlife #BarLife #PubVibes #PartyTime #SocialEvent #MeetFriends #MeetNewPeople #Conversation #Chat #Dating #RelationshipGoals #Connection #Singles #AdventureTime #FunNight #GoingOut #SoloNight #Drinks #Cocktails #MusicLovers #DJNight #DanceParty #ClubVibes #WeekendVibes #MeetupGroup #InternationalFriends #ExpatsLife #TouristsInAthens #CityLife #UrbanCulture #Ταξιδιώτες #Ντόπιοι #ΝυχτερινήΖωή #Μπαρ #Πάρτι #Κοινωνικό #Εκδήλωση #Φίλοι #Γνωριμίες #Κουβέντα #Συζήτηση #Ραντεβού #Σχέση #Σύνδεση #Σινγκλς #Περιπέτεια #Διασκέδαση #Έξοδος #Μόνος #Ποτά #Κοκτέιλ #Μουσική #Χορός #Κλαμπ #VibesΠάρτι #Σαββατοκύριακο #ΟμάδαMeetup #Διεθνές #Εξάπτες #Τουρίστες #ΖωήΠόλης #Πολιτισμός #Εξερεύνηση #Κοινότητα #Κοινωνικοποίηση #Δικτύωση #ΒραδινήΈξοδος #Φιλία #Lifestyle #ΤοπικοίΟδηγοί #ΤαξιδιωτικέςΣυμβουλές #HangoutSpot #ΔιασκεδαστικήΝύχτα #ΣχέδιαΣαββατοκύριακου

Peru: Coast to Clouds – Sea Lions, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Trails. **1 spot left** Would you like to go on unforgettable journey through Peru? where ancient legends, natural wonders, and thrilling adventures collide. This unique itinerary takes you from the vibrant streets of Lima to the mystical heights of the Andes, offering a rare blend of wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and bucket-list experiences. ✅What’s Included: Shared accommodation (SEPARATE BED) Experince swim with sea Lion Hike & Guide to Rainbow Mountain 4xBreakfast Buffet lunch 1x **Date: 16-24 May 2026** Arrival Airport: Lima Airport Meet up: at the accommodation [Click here ](https://www.joinmytrip.com/en/trips/peru-discovery-adventure-machu-picchu-rainbow-mountain-sea-lions-Ufws)for more details or [DM me on WhatsApp here ](https://wa.me/393755267768)or Instagram [@windyrann_](https://www.instagram.com/windyrann_), if you are interested in joining!

Open to public: Friday, 5/15/26: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 5/16/26: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Hosted by OSU The 2026 Chadwick Arboretum Spring Plant Sale and Auction Fundraiser Location: Lawn area south of the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center 2201 Fred Taylor Dr, Columbus, OH 43210 Spring Plant Sale Spring into greenery at Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens! Join us for our annual Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser and dive into a lush world of botanical delights. With over 16,000 fresh, exotic, and time-tested edible and ornamental plants, there's something for every green thumb! Experience the thrill of our tree and shrub auctions, where you can bid on unique specimens to enhance your garden sanctuary. Step into our Learning Lab, where engaging educational demonstrations on various garden topics will unfold throughout the three-day sale, enriching your knowledge and inspiring your green endeavors. Take part in an exciting, live auction offered each day, as well as a silent auction on Thursday and Friday. Explore vendor booths brimming with gardening essentials and delightful treasures. And while you shop 'til you drop, indulge in delectable treats from a delicious, local food truck. Proceeds from this event go directly to The Ohio State Chadwick Arboretum, student organizations, and local businesses alike. Come one, come all! Let's cultivate a brighter, greener future together. Credit/debit cards only.

This year's Eurovision Song Contest is being held in Vienna, Austria, and the finals are scheduled for 16 May 2026. The [Scandinavian Club of Columbus](https://www.scandiclub.com/) will be co-hosting a viewing party for the final event in conjunction with Germania and the [Columbus Maennerchor](https://www.maennerchor.com/). The delayed televised viewing will take place at the Germania. The program will start around 2:00 p.m. and the singing will **start around 3:00 p.m**. There will be a **cash bar**, and those in attendance can **bring food or snacks** for themselves and or to share with the groups. **Suggested donation: $10/person** to help cover the cost of the venue.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

We connect you with up to 30 Men or Women tennis partners close to your PLAYING REGION and skill level. This program is less competitive, no champions crowned, no league standings just dedicated tennis partners who want to meet up with you on the courts. Players will meet up to play a tennis match or just to hit around. Just go through the [Join Page](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program) to enter this program. [https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program)

Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 23th, 2026 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Eastern Time) Overbrook Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4131 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43214 Public Welcome, Family-Friendly Free Event A wide variety of native flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees will be available from Wild Ones Columbus and local vendors Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Scioto Gardens. Wild Ones will publish a list of plants that will be available at this year's sale closer to the event date. Be sure to stop by! Show up anytime!

More details to come Combined event with central Ohio friends This may be the very last cookout bon fire party central Ohio friends hold so don’t miss it!

Community Backyards Workshop .Community Backyards Workshop - Westerville Join us for the Westerville Community Backyards workshop! This is a FREE class on how you can protect our waterways and environment with small changes in your gardening habits. We will discuss rain barrels, rain gardens, composting, and native plants. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but not required. * Location: Westerville Community Center, 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082 * Date and time: Sat, May 30, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM * Organizer: Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/h2w5ms8 **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days