Wissen über Weine aus der ganzen Welt

**E SE LA "REALTÀ" FOSSE UN SOGNO? COSA SUCCEDE QUANDO TI SVEGLI?** Da queste domande provocatorie nasce **"Un altro mondo"**, un cerchio immersivo per esplorare il nostro spazio interiore puro, libero da aspettative e condizionamenti. Simone e Giulia, artisti e creativi, apriranno con una breve presentazione sugli strati del "sogno indotto" che viviamo ogni giorno. Seguiranno domande aperte per accendere delle riflessioni e guidare il dialogo verso nuove prospettive. **NOTA BENE: Non è un gruppo di terapia né uno sportello di ascolto**, ma un luogo creativo e consapevole dove ognuno porta la propria presenza, curiosità e responsabilità. **Obiettivo:** connetterci profondamente e creare una realtà più consapevole nel quotidiano. **Porta:** te stessə, un telo per sederti sull'erba, taccuino e penna per appunti. **Quando:** Domenica 17 maggio, h17 (appuntamento h16:45). **Dove:** Metro EUR Palasport, Roma **Partecipazione:** Gratuita, contributo libero gradito per i costi del progetto e della piattaforma. **Posti limitati**: massimo 10 partecipanti. Se ti iscrivi, assicurati di poter partecipare davvero, ogni posto non utilizzato potrebbe togliere l’opportunità a qualcun altro. A presto!

* **19:00-20:00**: Free English Lesson * **20:00**: Tandem! * Where? Onstage al Pigneto, Via Perugia 12 This event gives you the chance to practice different languages and meet different people. Come over to speak, eat, drink and play!

E se il benessere non fosse qualcosa da cercare fuori… ma qualcosa da ricordare dentro di te? Con l’energia del Toro — simbolo di **stabilità, piacere e presenza** — ti invitiamo a vivere un’esperienza unica di **arteterapia & mindfulness creativa** 🌿🎨 Uno spazio per **rallentare, respirare e tornare a te**, trasformando ciò che senti in chiarezza, espressione e benessere. **Tratteremo i temi della salute, del corpo, del rapporto con i cinque sensi e le varie forme di nutrimento (compreso il denaro).** [Scopri il workshop completo qui, sconto per la community TuSai e 2x1 se vieni con un amic*](https://www.tusaiforpeople.com/astroworkshop-creativo/) Uno spazio di condivisione che ci parla della nostra stabilità e la capacità di stare in contatto con il corpo ed i nostri sensi. Come in ogni incontro, andremo oltre la superficie del mito, per trovare nuovi modi per esprimere se stessi, liberandosi da schemi e condizionamenti limitanti, sopratutto quando si tratta di nutrimento, soldi e salute. TuSai sposa a pieno i valori taurini e, credendo del potenziale presente in ognuno di noi, ti inviteremo a coltivare il benessere nelle piccole cose, in un’esperienza olistica che tocca tutti e 5 i sensi: olfatto, gusto, tatto, udito e vista. **E’ questa la chiamata all’essenza di ciò che *tu sai* e *sei*.** ### 💡 **Cosa esploreremo insieme?** Come in ogni incontro, accoglieremo le proposte dell'archetipo del mese attraverso: * **Meditazione archetipica**: un viaggio interiore guidato per incontrare il tuo “star bene come un Toro” e riconnetterti alla tua visione personale. * **Esercizi creativi e simbolici**: attraverso il disegno intuitivo e tecniche di autoespressione, esploreremo ciò che hai bisogno per stare bene nel tuo corpo e radicarti in ció che sai e sei. * **Lavoro esperienziale di gruppo**: ispirati dall’energia del Toro, creeremo uno spazio di condivisione e riflessione sul concetto di **benessere, salute e radicamento**. * **Costellazioni sistemiche**: esploreremo i legami che ti trattengono dal vivere la tua autenticità e come trasformarli in risorse per il cambiamento. ✨ **Abbraccia la stabilità, il piacere di vivere ed il benessere integrale condiviso. Porta il tuo contributo al mondo. Il futuro inizia da qui!** ✨ Il segno del Toro, secondo dello zodiaco e primo segno di Terra, rappresenta la stabilità, la concretezza e il piacere dei sensi. Governato da Venere, pianeta dell’amore, della bellezza e del gusto di vivere bene, il Toro è profondamente connesso con il corpo, la natura e la ricerca di armonia nei ritmi quotidiani. Ci insegna che **benessere non è un obiettivo ma un’esperienza quotidiana**. **Domenica 17 Maggio ore 18:00-21:00**

**🥾 Collepardo Valley Experience — Guided Canyon Hike** Discover one of Lazio's wildest valleys on a guided hike through the "Valley of the Saints" near Collepardo. Follow canyon trails, encounter beautiful waterfalls, and immerse yourself in raw, authentic wilderness — all with a certified AIGAE nature guide who'll bring the landscape to life. 📍 Start/finish: Parking Area "Grotte di Collepardo" 📏 \~13 km \| \+320 m elevation \| \~5 hours 💪 Difficulty: Medium (uneven terrain, moderate fitness required) 🗣️ Languages: English, German, Italian Spots are limited — book via the link below 👇

If you want more about Pigneto and meet new friends you should join us :) The mini tour is in italian, but we can talk a bit in english Una passeggiata lenta per guardare il Pigneto con occhi nuovi. Esploreremo gli angoli più iconici del quartiere: murales, stradine e quell’atmosfera da piccolo paese che rende il Pigneto un mondo a sé. Lungo il percorso cattureremo l’anima del quartiere e dialogheremo sul passato, il presente e il futuro di questo luogo speciale. 📸 **Cosa faremo** * Colazione insieme per iniziare la passeggiata in modo rilassato (non inclusa nel biglietto) * Spazio per osservare, vagare e fotografare ciò che più vi ispira * Riceverete l’iconica **Tote Bag di Pignetismi** 📍 **Punto di incontro** Bottiglieria Pigneto, troverai un tavolo riservato per noi all'interno del locale. 💌 **Posti limitati – prenotazione obbligatoria** Un modo semplice e bello per esplorare il quartiere, raccontarne la storia attraverso le immagini e viverlo pienamente. Segui [Pignetismi](https://www.instagram.com/pignetismi/ "https://www.instagram.com/pignetismi/") e [Pignetismi Book Club](https://www.instagram.com/pignetismibookclub/ "https://www.instagram.com/pignetismibookclub/") per restare aggiornato sui prossimi eventi e conoscere nuove persone con tutti i nostri eventi e meetup. *Le passeggiate sono esperienze informali, basate su storytelling, memoria urbana e vissuto personale del quartiere, senza spiegazioni storico-artistiche né interpretazione di beni culturali.* *Il contributo economico richiesto riguarda esclusivamente l’esperienza narrativa e di community e non un servizio di guida turistica.* *Il mini tour è aperto a tutte/i, anche cani e gatti sono ammessi :)* *Sarà in italiano ma l'atmosfera è internazionale.*

Hike & Birdwatching at the Foot of Monte Velino 🦅🥾 Difficulty: Moderate \| Distance: \~10 km \(6\.2 mi\) \| Elevation gain: \~300 m \(984 ft\) Approx. duration: 4–5 hours (including lunch) Why come? Join a guided walk in the wild heart of the Sirente‑Velino Regional Nature Park — one of the best, least‑visited spots in Lazio/Abruzzo for wildlife. A large Griffon Vulture colony nests close to our route; on calm mornings with good light you may see them circling the ridgeline. Golden eagle, woodpeckers, a variety of passerines and even red deer are regulars here. The trail stays at the mountain’s foot so terrain remains manageable while keeping wildlife accessible. Clear days bring wide views across the massif toward the Simbruini and the Sirente foothills. Plan & logistics • Meeting: Forme (AQ) — exact meeting point shared after booking • Please arrive 15 minutes before the listed start time (we leave promptly) • Languages: English & Italian • Route and timing may be adapted by the guide for weather, trail conditions or wildlife behavior • Professional activity conducted under EU regulations and Italian law no. 4/2013 What’s included • Guided hike with a certified environmental hiking guide • Daily personal accident insurance for each participant Not included / Optional • Lunch at a local rifugio (optional): pasta + board of regional products — €15, payable directly at the refuge. Vegetarian options available — please indicate at booking. • Transport to/from the meeting point — we can help arrange carpooling; please message before booking • Personal hiking gear (see list below) Meeting expectations & safety • Difficulty: Moderate — some uneven terrain and steady walking; suitable for regular walkers with a moderate fitness level • Wildlife sightings are likely but never guaranteed; patience and quiet greatly increase chances • Follow the guide’s instructions at all times for your safety and to protect wildlife and habitat What to bring • Sturdy hiking shoes or boots • Layered clothing (mornings can be cool; sun at midday) • Waterproof jacket (weather can change) • Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen • 1–2 L water and personal snacks (lunch at rifugio is optional) • Binoculars and camera strongly recommended • Trekking poles if you use them How to book / Contact • RSVP on Meetup to reserve your place. When booking, please: - Tell us if you want the rifugio lunch (€15) and any dietary requirements - Indicate if you’d like carpooling help (departure city/area) • Message the organizer for any questions or special requests Notes • Small changes to route/timing may occur to prioritize wildlife encounters or safety. • By joining you agree to follow the guide’s directions and standard trail etiquette. Ready for birds, big skies and mountain air? Reserve your spot — places are limited.

## Whatsapp group https://chat.whatsapp.com/EcNvCIJkBYX44Q18qYie01?mode=gi_t Ever wished you could explore Rome while actually meeting people, not just walking past them? This is a **social breakfast and walk hosted by a local**, created for travelers, expats, and anyone curious about experiencing Rome in a relaxed, human way. We meet over breakfast, get to know each other, then wander through the city together, letting conversation and curiosity guide the walk. This is **not a guided tour** and there’s no fixed route. Think of it as exploring Rome with new friends rather than following an itinerary. ### What we'll do * Meet for an Italian breakfast and casual introductions * Take an easy social walk through central Rome ( Piazza del Popolo- Spagna- Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Pantheon and Castel Sant'Angelo) * Pause at a few spots to chat, take photos, and mingle * End near the Vatican City, with the option to continue to lunch together ### What’s included * Breakfast of your choice (drink + pastry) * A small traditional snack during the walk * A relaxed, small-group experience * Hosted in English by a local, with everyone free to speak any language ### Optional tip At the end of the walk, there will be an **optional tip or donation** for the host. This is never expected, but always appreciated if you enjoyed the experience and helps us cover the cost of organizing these walks. ### Important: how to join FREE TO JOIN Once registered, you’ll save your spot and also you can join our Whatsapp group linked above If you enjoy slow walks, good conversation, and meeting people from around the world, this event is for you

If you want more about Pigneto and meet new friends you should join us :) The mini tour is in italian, but we can talk a bit in english Una passeggiata lenta per guardare il Pigneto con occhi nuovi. Esploreremo gli angoli più iconici del quartiere: murales, stradine e quell’atmosfera da piccolo paese che rende il Pigneto un mondo a sé. Lungo il percorso cattureremo l’anima del quartiere e dialogheremo sul passato, il presente e il futuro di questo luogo speciale. 📸 **Cosa faremo** * Colazione insieme per iniziare la passeggiata in modo rilassato (non inclusa nel biglietto) * Spazio per osservare, vagare e fotografare ciò che più vi ispira * Riceverete l’iconica **Tote Bag di Pignetismi** 📍 **Punto di incontro** Bottiglieria Pigneto, troverai un tavolo riservato per noi all'interno del locale. 💌 **Posti limitati – prenotazione obbligatoria** Un modo semplice e bello per esplorare il quartiere, raccontarne la storia attraverso le immagini e viverlo pienamente. Segui [Pignetismi](https://www.instagram.com/pignetismi/ "https://www.instagram.com/pignetismi/") e [Pignetismi Book Club](https://www.instagram.com/pignetismibookclub/ "https://www.instagram.com/pignetismibookclub/") per restare aggiornato sui prossimi eventi e conoscere nuove persone con tutti i nostri eventi e meetup. *Le passeggiate sono esperienze informali, basate su storytelling, memoria urbana e vissuto personale del quartiere, senza spiegazioni storico-artistiche né interpretazione di beni culturali.* *Il contributo economico richiesto riguarda esclusivamente l’esperienza narrativa e di community e non un servizio di guida turistica.* *Il mini tour è aperto a tutte/i, anche cani e gatti sono ammessi :)* *Sarà in italiano ma l'atmosfera è internazionale.*

Hike & Birdwatching at the Foot of Monte Velino 🦅🥾 Difficulty: Moderate \| Distance: \~10 km \(6\.2 mi\) \| Elevation gain: \~300 m \(984 ft\) Approx. duration: 4–5 hours (including lunch) Why come? Join a guided walk in the wild heart of the Sirente‑Velino Regional Nature Park — one of the best, least‑visited spots in Lazio/Abruzzo for wildlife. A large Griffon Vulture colony nests close to our route; on calm mornings with good light you may see them circling the ridgeline. Golden eagle, woodpeckers, a variety of passerines and even red deer are regulars here. The trail stays at the mountain’s foot so terrain remains manageable while keeping wildlife accessible. Clear days bring wide views across the massif toward the Simbruini and the Sirente foothills. Plan & logistics • Meeting: Forme (AQ) — exact meeting point shared after booking • Please arrive 15 minutes before the listed start time (we leave promptly) • Languages: English & Italian • Route and timing may be adapted by the guide for weather, trail conditions or wildlife behavior • Professional activity conducted under EU regulations and Italian law no. 4/2013 What’s included • Guided hike with a certified environmental hiking guide • Daily personal accident insurance for each participant Not included / Optional • Lunch at a local rifugio (optional): pasta + board of regional products — €15, payable directly at the refuge. Vegetarian options available — please indicate at booking. • Transport to/from the meeting point — we can help arrange carpooling; please message before booking • Personal hiking gear (see list below) Meeting expectations & safety • Difficulty: Moderate — some uneven terrain and steady walking; suitable for regular walkers with a moderate fitness level • Wildlife sightings are likely but never guaranteed; patience and quiet greatly increase chances • Follow the guide’s instructions at all times for your safety and to protect wildlife and habitat What to bring • Sturdy hiking shoes or boots • Layered clothing (mornings can be cool; sun at midday) • Waterproof jacket (weather can change) • Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen • 1–2 L water and personal snacks (lunch at rifugio is optional) • Binoculars and camera strongly recommended • Trekking poles if you use them How to book / Contact • RSVP on Meetup to reserve your place. When booking, please: - Tell us if you want the rifugio lunch (€15) and any dietary requirements - Indicate if you’d like carpooling help (departure city/area) • Message the organizer for any questions or special requests Notes • Small changes to route/timing may occur to prioritize wildlife encounters or safety. • By joining you agree to follow the guide’s directions and standard trail etiquette. Ready for birds, big skies and mountain air? Reserve your spot — places are limited.

## Whatsapp group https://chat.whatsapp.com/EcNvCIJkBYX44Q18qYie01?mode=gi_t Ever wished you could explore Rome while actually meeting people, not just walking past them? This is a **social breakfast and walk hosted by a local**, created for travelers, expats, and anyone curious about experiencing Rome in a relaxed, human way. We meet over breakfast, get to know each other, then wander through the city together, letting conversation and curiosity guide the walk. This is **not a guided tour** and there’s no fixed route. Think of it as exploring Rome with new friends rather than following an itinerary. ### What we'll do * Meet for an Italian breakfast and casual introductions * Take an easy social walk through central Rome ( Piazza del Popolo- Spagna- Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Pantheon and Castel Sant'Angelo) * Pause at a few spots to chat, take photos, and mingle * End near the Vatican City, with the option to continue to lunch together ### What’s included * Breakfast of your choice (drink + pastry) * A small traditional snack during the walk * A relaxed, small-group experience * Hosted in English by a local, with everyone free to speak any language ### Optional tip At the end of the walk, there will be an **optional tip or donation** for the host. This is never expected, but always appreciated if you enjoyed the experience and helps us cover the cost of organizing these walks. ### Important: how to join FREE TO JOIN Once registered, you’ll save your spot and also you can join our Whatsapp group linked above If you enjoy slow walks, good conversation, and meeting people from around the world, this event is for you

Hike & Birdwatching at the Foot of Monte Velino 🦅🥾 Difficulty: Moderate \| Distance: \~10 km \(6\.2 mi\) \| Elevation gain: \~300 m \(984 ft\) Approx. duration: 4–5 hours (including lunch) Why come? Join a guided walk in the wild heart of the Sirente‑Velino Regional Nature Park — one of the best, least‑visited spots in Lazio/Abruzzo for wildlife. A large Griffon Vulture colony nests close to our route; on calm mornings with good light you may see them circling the ridgeline. Golden eagle, woodpeckers, a variety of passerines and even red deer are regulars here. The trail stays at the mountain’s foot so terrain remains manageable while keeping wildlife accessible. Clear days bring wide views across the massif toward the Simbruini and the Sirente foothills. Plan & logistics • Meeting: Forme (AQ) — exact meeting point shared after booking • Please arrive 15 minutes before the listed start time (we leave promptly) • Languages: English & Italian • Route and timing may be adapted by the guide for weather, trail conditions or wildlife behavior • Professional activity conducted under EU regulations and Italian law no. 4/2013 What’s included • Guided hike with a certified environmental hiking guide • Daily personal accident insurance for each participant Not included / Optional • Lunch at a local rifugio (optional): pasta + board of regional products — €15, payable directly at the refuge. Vegetarian options available — please indicate at booking. • Transport to/from the meeting point — we can help arrange carpooling; please message before booking • Personal hiking gear (see list below) Meeting expectations & safety • Difficulty: Moderate — some uneven terrain and steady walking; suitable for regular walkers with a moderate fitness level • Wildlife sightings are likely but never guaranteed; patience and quiet greatly increase chances • Follow the guide’s instructions at all times for your safety and to protect wildlife and habitat What to bring • Sturdy hiking shoes or boots • Layered clothing (mornings can be cool; sun at midday) • Waterproof jacket (weather can change) • Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen • 1–2 L water and personal snacks (lunch at rifugio is optional) • Binoculars and camera strongly recommended • Trekking poles if you use them How to book / Contact • RSVP on Meetup to reserve your place. When booking, please: - Tell us if you want the rifugio lunch (€15) and any dietary requirements - Indicate if you’d like carpooling help (departure city/area) • Message the organizer for any questions or special requests Notes • Small changes to route/timing may occur to prioritize wildlife encounters or safety. • By joining you agree to follow the guide’s directions and standard trail etiquette. Ready for birds, big skies and mountain air? Reserve your spot — places are limited.

Ciao! I'm Megan, a Registered Yoga Teacher living in beautiful Rome. Join me in gorgeous Villa Pamphili for an hour-long vinyasa class open to all bodies and levels! Class taught in English. Bring your own mat and some water. We'll meet in front of Vivi Bistrot (Villa Pamphili). Come a few minutes early to chat and make some new friends or grab a coffee before class! Dress comfortably for the weather. €10 drop-in, cash or PayPal the day of the lesson. Message me with any questions!

Domenica mattina, alle 11, nel verde di Villa Torlonia, ci prendiamo un’ora. Un’ora per rallentare il ritmo della settimana, rientrare nel corpo, respirare con più attenzione. Inizieremo con una pratica di yoga accessibile, per sciogliere tensioni e ritrovare presenza, e lasceremo poi spazio alla meditazione, senza forzature, senza aspettative. Non serve esperienza, non serve “saper fare”. Basta arrivare. Il contributo è di 10€. Porta con te un tappetino e qualcosa di semplice ma essenziale: disponibilità a fermarti, anche solo per un momento. Ci vediamo lì!

DESCRIPTION: Join us on an unforgettable tour where we'll explore Rome's iconic sites. Since most of these sites are well-known, the focus will be on lesser known aspects. The goal is the gain insight but keep the info limited so the tour ends in 90 mins. Participants will likely remember the presentations and won't feel overwhelmed with TMI that can easily be found on wikipedia or through AI. ITINERARY : Spanish Steps, Sallustian Obelisk and the revolution of Rome's city planning, Aqua Virgo, Trevi Fountain, Galleria Alberto Sordi, Pantheon Piazza Navona DISTANCE: 1\.87 km \| 1\.16 miDuration: 2 hrs TIP-BASED tour: You pay what you want at the end. If you pay based on your satisfaction, you encourage quality work and discourage substandard work. RSVP: There are other people who book this tour through other platforms. In order to avoid needlessly delaying the start of the tour please confirm or cancel your participation on the tour day by messaging me.

Let's check out the Maker's Market in German Village, a large outdoor Artisan Market, featuring over 65 Makers, Goods, Art and Delicious Food Trucks! Admission is FREE! [GVMM](https://www.gv-mm.com/) Let's get outside and enjoy the New Spring Season and Warm Weather! We will meet at Stauf's Coffee Roasters in German Village on South 3rd Street at Noon, 12 PM and then take a brisk walk to the Maker's Market, just south of Schiller Park. We can initially get coffee at Stauf's Coffee Roasters, if anyone may want to do so. Parking is widely available at Schiller Park and surrounding side streets. Thanks and hope to see you come out!

**Join Katie McCartney, SRES®, for a clear and easy‑to‑understand update on what the 2026 Central Ohio housing market means for seniors and their families.** Whether you’re planning ahead, helping a parent make decisions, or simply trying to understand today’s market, this session offers reliable insights without pressure or overwhelm. During this free class, Katie will break down the trends shaping housing for older adults in Central Ohio, explain what families should realistically expect in 2026, and answer your questions during an open Q&A. This is a supportive, information‑focused workshop designed to give you confidence and clarity — no sales pitch, just helpful guidance. *** **Ideal for:** * Seniors considering future housing options * Adult children supporting aging parents * Anyone seeking a calm, trustworthy source of market information *** **What You’ll Learn:** * A senior‑friendly look at the 2026 Central Ohio housing market * Personalized answers during an open Q&A You’ll leave with a better understanding of your options and your next steps. *** **Hosted by:** **Katie McCartney, Broker & Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES) with** Pillar Realty, LLC Compassionate guidance for seniors navigating housing transitions in Central Ohio. *** **Location:** Columbus Metropolitan Library: Dublin Branch 75 N High St, Dublin, OH 43017 ([https://maps.app.goo.gl/GL2vbJgUHqTncbHZ9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GL2vbJgUHqTncbHZ9)) Meeting Room 1 **Doors Open:** 1 PM **Seats:** Limited Seating (first come, first served) **Cost:** Complimentary

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

IMPORTANT INFO: I strongly suggest not reading anything about it online before seeing it. It's best viewed with no previous knowledge. This documentary contains crude terminology and deals with cyberbullying, which may be a trigger for some folks. AGAIN, PLEASE DO NOT EVEN READ ABOUT IT BEFORE YOU SEE IT. A very unusual choice for his group... Unknown Number: High School Catfish is an American [true crime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_crime "True crime") documentary film directed by [Skye Borgman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skye_Borgman "Skye Borgman") and released to [streaming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streaming_media "Streaming media") on [Netflix](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netflix "Netflix") on August 29, 2025. The documentary explores the events and investigation into an unknown person [cyberbully](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyberbullying "Cyberbullying") and [harassing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harassment "Harassment") teenagers in [Beal City, Michigan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beal_City,_Michigan "Beal City, Michigan") using an unknown number via insults and sexual claims. It also explores the increasingly great impact of the harassment on the community, the eventual reveal of the culprit, and the trial that followed. Please be ready to discuss the movie by 7PM. We suggest arriving early enough to order and get food beforehand. Thanks. Unfortunately, it is only available on Netflix. If you would like to attend but do not have Netflix, say so and maybe we can figure something out. Icebreaker Questions: 1\. Did you figure it out? \(explain\) 2\. From a production perspective\, how do you rate it as a documentary? \(explain\)

**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.

This month we’ll be reading Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett. Feel free to come and chat even if you don’t finish the book!

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia