Fundraising Events

Join our 1 hour HIIT bootcamp session for a good cause! 💪💖 Monday @7:30pm The Lawn@MarinaBay | Downtown MRT 💌 This month we are supporting www.aidah.org 💌 Fee: $10 (donation) UEN: T17SS0099L or cash 
Is this class for you? Yes! All fitness levels are welcome and we will make sure you enjoy the hour with us! 🥳 What to bring: Water and Towel, optionally a Yoga mat Please arrive 5 minutes early! If you're unsure about anything just text us!☺️ About us: We are a group of fitness enthusiasts regularly supporting AIDHA, ECDC Nepal and Cambodian children's fund by running fitness classes. COVID-19 safe measures: we want to make the bootcamp as safe as possible for everyone and work out by complying with the current valid covid -19 safe measures. We ask you to fill out our waver the first time you join: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1up4iapcx14z82MIa0XtO5bq1BdQtQFJLDMc-Y94YT6M/edit

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/7/6/1/600_434875137.jpeg Check out http://www.A2Movements.com for detailed info! Bring water, wear sporty attire (long pants & covered shoes + rubber sole and the waiver form (can be found on website)

**Connect, Collaborate & Expand Your Business** Looking to grow your network, expand your brand, or explore new business collaborations? This E-commerce Networking Dinner is designed for anyone who are seeking for e-commerce business opportunities, value intentional connections and are open to discovering new ways to grow their business through collaboration and leverage. This is not mass networking or a hard sell. It’s a curated, sit-down dinner focused on real conversations and relationship-building. *$30 per person — includes full 8-course dinner* *Limited seats due to table arrangement. RSVP require* **This dinner is thoughtfully curated for:** - Professionals and business owners seeking leverage beyond time-for-money work - Individuals open to e-commerce, partnerships, and collaboration - Individuals looking to expand their brand, reach, and influence

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/5/8/7/600_434874663.jpeg Check out http://www.A2Movements.com for detailed info! [Open Sessions] Monday 1pm - 6pm [Ladies classes] Monday 7pm at Free Runner Lodge Bring water, wear sporty attire (long pants & covered shoes + rubber sole and the waiver form (can be found on website)

Registration starts 7pm. Cover charge S$10 Dress code: smart casual Order a drink and grab a seat at the reserved tables, feel free to move around within the group.

🎤 The Premium Vocal Class in Singapore Meet the No.1 Korean Vocal Trainer since 2012 “Bring the song you cannot sing now — I’ll make sure you can. If not, I’ll refund.” ⸻ Why Choose LIM MIRI (林美利)? ✨ Singapore’s Top Korean Vocal Coach • 13+ years of teaching (since 2012) • Holder of National Level 1 Vocal Training Certificate • Winner of Busan MBC Hyunin Music Competition 🏆 • Vocal coach of the 2024 Best Song Award Winner • Professional singer & teacher with international stage experience ⸻ N-in-1 Premium Class With one coach, you can master all genres: • 🎼 Classical vocalisation • 🎷 Jazz vocalisation • 🎤 Pop, K-pop, J-pop, C-pop • 🎸 Rock vocalisation 👉 No need for multiple teachers. 👉 A single, streamlined premium program to cover every vocal style. ⸻ The Guarantee: High Notes, Real Voice 🎶 +5 Keys Up in Chest Voice — Guaranteed If you can’t reach the high notes with your real voice (진성), I will refund. That’s how confident I am. Bring the songs you cannot sing now — you’ll sing them flawlessly within my training. ⸻ More Than Singing — A Voice for Life This is not just about singing. I also provide speech correction & vocal health training for: • Professionals who lose their voice easily when speaking • Students struggling with presentation & public speaking • Anyone who wants a clear, powerful daily voice 👉 When your voice changes, your whole life becomes happier. ⸻ The Premium Experience 💎 Every session is 3x more effective than ordinary classes. 💎 In just 4 lessons, you will discover your inner voice. 💎 A deep, high-quality curriculum designed originally for students preparing to debut as professional singers in Korea. This is not a casual hobby class — it’s a transformational premium program that delivers results. ⸻ Courses 💎 Trial Session 40 minutes — only $20 🎤 1:1 Premium Coaching $550 / 1 pax / 4 lessons / 45 min each 🎶 2 Pax Group Session $350 / each pax / 4 lessons / 50 min each ⸻ Start Now 🎵 Don’t miss the chance to learn from the best Korean vocal trainer in Singapore. 📩 Contact me today and experience the class that no one else can offer. ⸻ 🔖 #PremiumVocalClass #LuxuryTraining 🔖 #Kpop #Pop #Jazz #Classical #R&B #Cpop #Jpop 🔖 #HighNoteGuarantee #LifeChangingVoice whatsapp 89553824

**Join us to play some games while meeting new friends!!! Enjoy your gaming time with our free flow of snacks and drinks with a plentitude of selections available** **The Mind Cafe is holding our monthly trivia night! The trivia portion of the night will start at 7:30pm with prizes to be won! Feel free to participate with the team of your choice or if you would like help finding on when you're here we can do that for you too! If you would like a challenge you may also opt to take on the trivia alone!** **After the trivia portion, feel free to stay and have fun playing board games from our selection of over 500 games! There are plenty of fun games available for all and it is a great chance to meet new friends to have fun together with!** **📅** **Date:** **First Monday of Every Month** **🕕** **Time:** **6:30 PM - 10:30 PM (Triva to start at 7:30)** **💲Price****: $13** **Location:** **THE MIND CAFE MEGA** **30 Prinsep Street #01-01 Singapore 188647** **What to Expect:** * **Diverse selection of board games** * **You can enjoy yourselves with our plentitude of selection of board games. We have over 500 games for your gaming pleasure! Suitable for gaming groups of all sizes!** * **Friendly and welcoming atmosphere** * **Our game hosts will gladly help you get started with any games of your choosing. Whether you have something in mind or not, we will be able to find a group for you to join where you can meet like minded individuals.** * **Game demos for beginners** * **Unsure of how to play? Spoilt for choice with our vast selection? Not to worry, we can definitely recommend some games for you to try!** * **Snacks and refreshments provided** * **Enjoy our entire range of snacks and drinks which will be provided free flow throughout your entire gaming night!** **RSVP:** **To secure your spot, please RSVP to the event! This special price will only be available for those who RSVP to the event!** **Bring Your Own Games:** **Feel free to bring your favorite board games to share with the group. Let's make it a night of variety and discovery!** **Photos will be taken for promotional purposes. Please inform us if you do not want to appear in any of our photos**

🥾 **Backpack Endurance Hike – Consistency Steps Training!!!** Route: Hillview MRT EXIT A ➝ Dairy Farm Nature Park ➝ Bukit Timah Summit ➝ 2-3 Staircase Loops ➝ Beauty World Shopping Centre for lunch. **Date: 10th May 2026 (Sun)** **Meeting Time: 8 am** **Meeting point: Hillview MRT Exit A** **Your Leader in Fitness: Gary** Join us for a practical endurance training session designed to build back strength, overall stamina, and backpack carrying efficiency, perfect for those preparing for long-distance hikes and treks. We will tackle a mix of trail and stair climbs to simulate the kind of effort and strain experienced during multi-day hikes. This session focuses on consistency, not speed, ideal for beginners and experienced hikers alike who want to train smart. 🧳 What to Bring: \*Backpack (with at least 5-7kg weight to simulate real conditions) - Minimum 1.5L of water \*Light snacks or energy bars - Towel/small cloth \*Rain gear or poncho (weather dependent) - Proper hiking shoes \*Sunscreen and cap - EZ-Link card / small cash for lunch Note: Train smart. This is not a race. The goal is to develop strength and endurance through consistent effort and mindful pacing. Let’s gear up and get trail-ready! 💪 Bad weather contingency plan: *Waterproof your belongings and bring rain gear (rain cover, jacket, poncho, or umbrella). Please read this #1 - This is a number-controlled event. Please come only if you are on the attending list. #2 - We will move out at 8.05am sharp. We are not able to wait for late comers. #3 - As this is a limited number event, please check your calendar and make sure you can come before you RSVP. Do not change your attendance at the last minute and deny someone else who genuinely wishes to come. ### Important Liability Notice By joining this training, you acknowledge that you are participating voluntarily and understand the physical risks inherent in this activity. AU is not responsible for any injuries, accidents, or health complications that may occur during the training. Please ensure you are medically fit and adequately prepared for the demands of the session.

𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀? ► **[Click here to WA](http://wa.link/j2at9z)** **Pay to go, ignore waitlist, min 6** Join us to hike & explore this exciting night adventure where scorpions 🦂 are 99.9 % easily spotted under UV. With normal powerful torchlight, you still have challenges spotting them as the forest gets pitch dark. With UV, there's no need to hunt for them high and low,🦂 as they are active at night and the UV will easily show you, even from a few meters away! 😱. We had ever found 7 of them on a single tree. When a special UV frequency light is used, every creature that fluorescence suddenly appears everywhere in a different colour. ❨as shown in the above & latest pic below❩. Common creatures sighted were wild boars, mouse-deer, various weird-looking types of 🕷️🕸️, bats, giant ants, termites & moths etc. Bonuses are 🐍, sambar deer etc. Glowing mushrooms & fireflies have been spotted on this trail - with sharp eyes. Other than 🦂, many plants, and fungi also have fluorescence under UV like chlorophyll, lichens, carnivorous plants like pitchers etc. 📷 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀 with 𝗻𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀. We discourage using any tricks to lure them for photos. We DO NOT bush-bash or go off the path, we stay 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 that is still open after 7 pm. ⛔️ Please have the basic courtesy to ask for permission before downloading the photos freely. Thank you! See our past photos↣ **[FB Album](https://bit.ly/3CdRrIb)** 𝗙𝗹𝘂𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Many arthropods (insects, spiders, and relatives) have a secret: they glow under ultraviolet light. Scorpions and some relatives produce a blue-green glow via fluorescence. Under ultraviolet light, molecules in their exoskeleton absorb and re-emit UV as visible light. 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 is the production & emission of light by a living organism. It is a form of chemiluminescence. Bioluminescence occurs widely in marine vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as in some fungi, and microorganisms, including some bioluminescent bacteria, and terrestrial arthropods such as fireflies. The most famous bioluminescent species on land are glowworms and fireflies. 𝙒𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 & 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙉𝙊 𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙙. 𝘼𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝙉𝙊𝙏 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩. Spotting bioluminescent mushrooms is usually the hardest, as most would miss them if they were not dark enough to spot their glowing colour. Cost in 𝗦𝗚𝗗 16 Those who joined this event before, returning for 2nd or more times: 𝗦𝗚𝗗 **14** ✅ 1 UV torch will be provided per grouping (depending on final pax) ✅ Guided hike & assistance in night photo-taking **Min. 6 pax to confirm this.** Keeping group size to 15 pax for the best experience **Must bring/wear - critical** * Headlight * Hiking shoe * water * rain gear After payment, U must text your transfer proof & info below 1. Meetup name 2. Legal name 3. Ref: “Scorpion Night” 4. U be added to group chat

🏝 Ultimate Frisbee for a great cause 🏝 Where: Sentosa (Palawan Beach next to Splash Tribe, see location pin) Signup: https://because.fit/sessions/603 Fee: $10 (donation for Children of the Mekong) Age: 18+ (we ask you to sign a liability waiver) Note that we mostly use WhatsApp to organise these events, so if not many people sign up here it doesn't mean the event is not happening! After the games those interested can have dinner at the Food Trucks next to Splash Tribe. And some of us will likely have an afterparty at one of the beach clubs nearby (i.e. Sandbar). 💌 100% of your money goes to the good causes we support. This year we are supporting the Samrong Education Centre in Cambodia through Children of the Mekong. The goal is to raise SGD 16k which allows 14 kids to receive a full year of accommodation, food & education: \- https://www\.childrenofthemekong\.org/projects/samrong\-education\-centre/ \- https://www\.youtube\.com/watch?v=37EDRBCBFT8 💌 Our website: https://because.fit/

**[CONFIRMED TRIP]** **Sungai Yong 7 Tiers Waterfall Leisure Hike + Water Adventure** **📅 9 May 2026 (Sat)** **⏰ Time: 6:15AM – 10:00PM** **📲 INTERESTED? SLOTS AVAILABLE!** **WhatsApp 94884478 (Wilfred) or RSVP:** [https://www.meetup.com/lets-go-travelling-hiking/events/313066518/](https://www.meetup.com/lets-go-travelling-hiking/events/313066518/) **🌿 Sungai Yong Waterfall Adventure** **Sungai Yong is a relatively unknown river located 18km east of Kluang, Johor.** **Because it remains off the typical tourist path, the river is still clean, natural, and un-spoilt.** **✨ The highlight:** **\* 7 large waterfalls** **\* 20+ smaller cascades** **Perfect for:** **Swimming 🏊‍♂️** **Leisure hiking 🚶‍♂️** **Relaxing in nature 🌿** **Life jackets will provide for safety💡** **⭐ Why Join This Event?** **✔ Beginner-friendly trail** **✔ 4x4 transport to campsite** **✔ Short 1.5km leisure hike** **✔ Cooling waterfall experience** **✔ Multiple waterfalls to explore** **✔ Swim, relax & enjoy nature** **✔Escape the city and dive into nature’s hidden waterfalls! 🌿** **📌 Event Details** **💰 Cost:** **\* $150 per person** **\* $140 per person (group of 4 or more)** **💳 Payment Details** **📲 PayNow to: UEN 201727764C** **(Wilfred Go Travelling & Hiking Pte Ltd)** **🏦 Or Bank Transfer:** **DBS Current Account: 0029069789** **📩 After payment, please text 94884478** **📝TA License No: 03066** **TA Name: Wilfred Go Travelling & Hiking Pte Ltd** **INCLUDES:** \* 1 Event Host \* Mountain Guide/s \* Hiking Permit \* 4X4 Transport \* Life Jacket \* Transportation Van < 14 person Bus >15 person \* Group Dinner is only included if group-size is 10 or more **EXCLUDES:** Personal Insurance Items Not Mentioned In Itinerary **To Connect With Us:** Webpage: [https://www.wilfredtravel.org/](https://www.wilfredtravel.org/) Whatapps Channel: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJmIsU9mrGTPqpect3l](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJmIsU9mrGTPqpect3l) Telegram Channel: [https://t.me/wilfredtravelsg](https://t.me/wilfredtravelsg) Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/events/calendar](https://www.facebook.com/events/calendar) **Suggested Itinerary:** •**Saturday(D)** 615am-Gather at Marsiling MRT Bus Stop 620am-Depart Marsiling MRT Bus Stop 7am-Depart JB Custom 815am-Stopover for Quick Breakfast/Pack Lunch 930am-Arrive & preparation 1030am-Take 4 wheel drive to Trailhead 11am-Briefing and commence hike 4pm-Back to meeting point 5pm- Rest & Relax at Kluang Town 630pm-Group Dinner 730pm-Depart to JB Custom 930pm: JB Custom 10pm: Marsiling MRT **DISCLAIMER, INDEMNITY AND TERMS OF PARTICIPATION:** **\-\-\-ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS\-\-\-** PLEASE READ THIS LINK FOR T&Cs BEFORE YOU RSVP: [https://www.wilfredtravel.org/terms-and-conditions](https://www.wilfredtravel.org/terms-and-conditions) **\*BY PARTICIPANTION, I HAVE READ, AGREED & ACCEPTED TERM & CONDITION:\*** **❈THIS TOUR IS ORGANIZED BY:** **TA NAME: WILFRED GO TRAVELLING & HIKING PTE LTD** **TA License No: 03066**

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.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL

**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.

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