Habitat Restoration

**London's first multi-sensory aerial relaxation experience with live ambient music, gongs, aromatherapy and aerial hammocks. An Oasis of Calm in our Busy Lives.** # Aerial Relaxation Pods - Sound Journey Gong Bath Meditation in Hammocks ### **ABOUT AERIAL RELAXATION PODS™** London's first **multi-sensory aerial relaxation experience with a short guided meditation, live ambient music: gongs, crystal bowls, vocals, other live instruments and nurturing electronica, aromatherapy eye pillows and scents, sky-blue silky aerial hammocks** to soothe your stresses away and lift your spirit! **A very unique, next level sound journey experience!** *"An oasis of calm in our busy lives."* Londoners stressed out by their busy lives can now turn to Aerial Relaxation Pods™ to transform their tension to calm, and restore the body’s natural healing wisdom. ***(please confirm all dates / times / venue via eventbrite. Not all dates are correct on meetup!)*** **PLEASE NOTE:** Please book via eventbrite. There are very limited spaces, and no sales on the door. an RSVP here on meetup is not a ticket! **For more information and bookings:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aerial-relaxation-pods-sound-journey-gong-bath-meditation-in-hammocks-tickets-84883457707?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aerial-relaxation-pods-sound-journey-gong-bath-meditation-in-hammocks-tickets-84883457707?aff=oddtdtcreator) *“Our pods are here to help Londoners relax. As a former teacher myself, I am fully aware of just how busy and stressed a lot of people are. And most of us just don't find the time to unwind. Our **Aerial Relaxation Pods** are going to help you alleviate stress, providing time & space to allow your body to deeply rest, harmonising your nervous system. You’ll feel rejuvenated and refreshed after one session.” -* Seth Newman, co-founder of Aerial Relaxation Pods**™**.

First of all...Attention this is a BIRDING TRIP and a HIKE which will involve stopping, waiting and looking for birds. Time to take an easy walk along the coast to my happy place, I am not feeling like hiking hills and travelling too far away on this day so let's hop on a train to the coast of Kent and breath in the fresh air! If you want wild traditional English Coast, this is a place to go to. Pebble beaches. swamps, surrounded by nature reserves, golf courses and manor houses, without the crowd of Brighton or Eastbourne. This trip should be quite an experience, whether you like birds or not, being surrounded by flying owls is quite something and my number one favourite nature show so why not try it out?! I do recommend cameras and binoculars as you never know what surprise you can get in this magical place! We will look for wildlife but the star of the day will be the short eared owls! If the weather allows, they can put up quite a unique show and will flight just a meter or two away, in some cases, not caring the least about any of us, so if you are a photographer or a birder, or want to witness something difference, this is your trip! Of course, it is nature, I cannot commend the owls to come out in the middle of the day but they usually do unless there is a lot of wind so we have got many chances to live the show from the front row seats The area is a well known nature reserve with one of the largest.concentration of overwintering owls in the country, there were at least nine the last time I came so let's hope for some lucky day! We will walk along and will stop for photos whenever we spot one of those gorgeous feathery friends. This year is one of the most exceptional for the shorties, as we call them in the country and populations at a number rarely seen before have just arrived from Russia and Scandinavia. I do recommend cameras and binoculars as you never know what surprise you can get in this magical place! We will look for wildlife but the star of the day will be the short eared owls! If the weather allows, they came put up quite a unique show and will flight just a meter or two away in some cases not caring the least about any of us, so if you are a photographer or a birder, this is your trip! The area is a well known nature reserve with one of the largest concentration of overwintering owls in the country, there were at least nine the last time I came so let's hope for some lucky day! We will walk along and will stop for photos whenever we spot one of those gorgeous feathery friends. This year is one of the most exceptional for the shorties, as we call them in the country and populations at a number rarely seen before have just arrived from Russia and Scandinavia. France is right across the Chanel and we might spot the white cliffs of Calais on a clear day. This is a lovely walk, flat and easy, great for beginners of for people who just want to spend a day out on the Coast without too many human activities around. The area is one of the prime migratory routes for birds in Britain and host an impressive list of rare bird species from around the globe over wintering. A colony of harbour seals also inhabit the nearby bay so we might even spot one or two at hight tide. [Sandwich Bay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandwich_Bay,_Kent) is home to [nature reserves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_reserve) and two world-class [golf](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golf) courses, [Royal St George's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_St_George%27s) and [Prince's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince%27s_Golf_Club,_Sandwich) where golfers are used to being interrupted by hunting short eared, barn and long eared owls, quite peculiar isn't it? The town is also home to many educational and cultural events. Sandwich also gave its name to [the food](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandwich) that you like by way of [John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Montagu,_4th_Earl_of_Sandwich), who didn't actually live in Sandwich... ATTENTION: PLEASE WEAR WARM CLOTHING. WE WILL STAY AT THE SAME SPOT FOR ABOUT an HOUR TO WAIT FOR THE OWLS and will spend some time in a hide for lunch to spot snipes, jack snipes, avocets and other birds. Those who wish are welcome to join for a delightful diner at a Turkish restaurant afterwards. It is located next to the station so if you prefer to head back home, just jump on the train. DISTANCE: 10 miles/16km DIFFICULTY: Easy/no major climb PRICE: £17 for the guide's fee £30 in cash for the return train journey. INCLUDED: Guide fee A lovely time with the loveliest people, also called Jonions NOT INCLUDED: Transport: Will cost about £30(roughly) for the return train ticket Please bring cash on the day to get a discounted group ticket. Food Anything not mentioned above WHAT TO BRING: A packed lunch Cash for the transport Weather appropriate clothing(Think winter, you will get wet) Preferably hiking shoes, unless you wish your shoes to die. They will! MEETING POINT: London St Pancras at 9:30 am I will send the location when I am there. ATTENTION: Our trips will not be cancelled due to weather conditions so please ensure that you do wear and carry appropriate clothing. 😄 As you can see, my humour is terrible, good luck with that but know that I take care of my Jonions and read the bit about discrimination please, if you are racist, homophobic, cannot accept that people have other opinions or mental health issues, this might not be a trip for you. If you aren't any of the above, we will love you so, come on, press the button. POLICIES: 1: This group is designed for the pleasure and enjoyment of all of us, we do not accept any derogatory comments or behaviours towards anyone. Racism, discrimination and other unacceptable behaviours will only lead to your rejection to any of our trips and this without exception. Everyone is welcome, we have religious and non-religious people, gay, straight, bisexual people, all shades and colours or nationality, people of all ages, sex and political believes and mutual respect is the fundamental spirit of this group. 2: Our trips are only refundable up to 14 days before departure, if you wish to cancel after that, you will be offered a transfer to another trip for the same price or you may resell your slot to somebody else. 3: If we do cancel the entirety of the trip on our side, you will be fully refunded,

**PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE TO CONFIRM SESSION DETAILS AND LET US KNOW YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. THIS IS MANDATORY.** **Want to do something useful with your exercise? GoodGym is no ordinary gym. We're a group of people who get fit by doing good - helping out local charities and community groups with physical jobs like shifting compost and planting trees.** **📍 We meet at** **Papa's Park, 10 - 17 Pulross Road, London, SW9 8AF** **at 6:45pm.** **🏃‍♂️ At 7:00pm we'll run, walk or cycle to do a 30-40 minute task.** **🏃‍♂️ Then we'll head back to where we started by 8:45pm, do some stretches and maybe grab a beverage?** It's FREE. It's fun. It's fulfilling. And we're a very friendly bunch. 🍇 — **BOOK ONTO THE SESSION** **To come to the session click here:** https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions **You will need to confirm your attendance on the GoodGym website** (this includes creating an account with us if you haven’t already - it only takes a few mins). The link above takes you to the session listings in your area - if this session doesn’t fit your schedule, you may find something that does so check it out. p.s. GoodGym is a charity and you will be asked whether you’d like to donate when first creating an account. The choice is yours and does not affect your ability to attend a session. — **FAQ** Not sure you'll keep up? GoodGym is for everyone (18+). Whether you've never run before, or are chasing a marathon PB, you are 100% welcome. We always have a back-marker so no one gets left behind. 70% of GoodGym members start as non-runners so if you're new to this kind of thing you will be supported by people who are all on the same journey. 👍 What do I need to wear? Most of us wear gym/running gear. Make sure you're prepared for the weather. Don't feel like you're fit enough? Our tasks are simple and fun. There are easy jobs as well as more challenging things for those who want a workout! The choice is always yours. Do I need to bring anything? Gardening gloves are really useful for a lot of GoodGym tasks. And a head torch too if it’s likely to get dark. Please bring some if you can but there’s no requirement 🧤💡🧤 What is GoodGym? We're a (really lovely) group of people who use our energy to make a difference in our local community (and in communities across the UK!). We often meet on a weeknight, at least once a week, for a session to do good and get fit. We'd love you to come and join us. Any questions, just pop a comment below or send me a message. Find out everything you need to know at goodgym.org

A most delightful FREE walk through some beautiful parks and woodland ! Lets go with the flow ! The walk shall commence at 10.15am - walk length 5 miles. Things to bring : water, snacks etc plus waterproof jacket and walking shoes or trainers. You should be able to walk 2.5 miles per hour and have adequate and appropriate insurance for this type of activity. We shall have a coffee along the way at Merton Hall Park. The walk shall finish at Carshalton Ponds where some of us will stay for lunch in the pub. Please only post photos of others with their consent. My no 07714250849.

Meeting by Park View Cafe outside Finsbury Park entrance near Manor House tube a great FREE 4 to 5 mile morning walk taking in the waterways of Finsbury Park and Clissold Park as well as the New River path along Woodberry Wetlands ! We shall set off at 10.15am. My no is 07714250849.

**BOOK HERE**: https://www.sportas.co.uk/games/39413 **Game Description:** Come and play in a fun and casual netball game in the Hoxton/Shoreditch area on a Sunday afternoon 🧡 Directions: 🚶‍♂️5 minute walk from Hoxton station Find the netball court by entering via Dunloe Street Car Park. The court is in the sports hall on the left as you enter. Rules You will be split into teams of 7 and play 4 quarters. You will get the chance to play in a few different positions if desired. Be respectful and have fun! 🧡

# ECSTATIC RAVE with Ecstatic Dance London No booze, No Shoes, No Chit Chat, Move However You Wish!! Please note: an RSVP here on meetup is not a ticket. To reserve your place, please book via eventbrite, thank you x **For booking and more info:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/120615336719](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/120615336719?aff=oddtdtcreator) ### If you would like to receive 15% discounted tickets, please sign up to our mailing list! **Mailing list sign up:** [https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london](https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london) **Saturday night ecstatic dance with awesome sound system, mesmerising visuals, raw vegan cacao, positive intention setting ceremony 7PM-9:45PM & complimentary fruit social 9:45PM-10:15PM** Best Saturday night out and no hangover! The Sober ReLOVEution! We are super excited to be offering Ecstatic Dances with Live Percussion & Cacao Ceremonies on Saturday nights! ***Ecstatic Dance London - Pioneers of Ecstatic Dance in the UK since 2009*** You are invited to join us for these freestyle, expressive dance & moving meditation sessions. An Evening of Ecstatic Dance with No Alcohol, No Drugs - Just Music, Amazing Rhythms and Cacao! This is a unique sober Saturday night dance in London! ### **WHAT TO EXPECT:** \- Next\-level\, conscious\, inspiring and diverse dance music journey with live percussion\! \- A unique conscious clubbing experience\! \- A beautiful\, sacred\, heartfelt\, fun & safe space for you to dance freely in\. \- Yummy\, velvety tasting raw vegan cacao drink and intention setting ritual\. \- Superb sound system\! \- Vibrant people who love to dance and love music\! \- Optional fruit social to nourish you after the dance\. Best Saturday night out and no hangover! No prior experience of dance necessary. All welcome. We also offer limited free crew space, scroll down to find more info and crew sign up form. ### 💜 **ALL UPCOMING WELLBEING EVENTS, MAILING LIST & CREWING.** **Website: [https://ecstaticdancelondon.com/events/](https://ecstaticdancelondon.com/events/)** **Linktree:** [https://linktr.ee/ecstaticdancelondon](https://linktr.ee/ecstaticdancelondon) **Instagram:** [https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdance_london](https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdance_london) **💛FREE CREW SPACES:** We'd be very happy to hear from you if you'd like to help us in exchange for a free ticket! Requirement - you need to have attended at least two indoor events before you can join the crew. [Please complete the sign up form ](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1S2I2tnQA0YOv_RmSbRYcLHW8fEUkTmUtQibWk8XX6zs "https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1S2I2tnQA0YOv_RmSbRYcLHW8fEUkTmUtQibWk8XX6zs")and we'll be in touch: [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1S2I2tnQA0YOv_RmSbRYcLHW8fEUkTmUtQibWk8XX6zs/edit](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1S2I2tnQA0YOv_RmSbRYcLHW8fEUkTmUtQibWk8XX6zs/edit) **If you have any questions, please send us an email to: [info@ecstaticdancelondon.com](mailto:info@ecstaticdancelondon.com "mailto:info@ecstaticdancelondon.com")**

📈**GRADE 🥾🥾🥾 Level 3/5** —— **⛳️MEETING POINT & TIME** **Option 1️⃣** **👉🏻London Marylebone Train station** Main ticket Office \| **08:20** 👉🏻Train departure **08:42** ➡️ Princes Risborough **09:25** \| *Direct Train* **Option 2️⃣** **👉🏻**Outside **Princes Risborough train station** \| **09:30** —— **📍HIKE START** ***-* Princes Risborough** train station \| **09:40** 🏁**HIKE FINISH** ***-* Saunderton** train station \| **\~16:30-17:00** —— **📖SUMMARY** Enjoy a scenic 21.4km (13.3mi) journey through the **Chilterns National Landscape**, exploring peaceful beech woods, rolling hills and fascinating historic sites. Starting from Princes Risborough, we’ll make our way through **Bradenham Wood** and **Hangings Plantation** before stopping for a relaxed lunch break and an ⭐️**optional** **visit**⭐️ to the atmospheric **Hellfire Caves**. From there, we’ll follow an easy climb up to the impressive **Dashwood Mausoleum**, where sweeping valley views await. We’ll end with a gentle descent to Saunderton Station for a smooth journey home. —— **🌟HIGHLIGHTS** * **Bradenham Wood** – Classic Chilterns beech woodland with peaceful trails and gentle hills. * **Hangings Plantation** – Quiet forest paths and lovely viewpoints across the valley. * **Hellfire Caves Visit** – Explore one of the region’s most atmospheric and historic cave systems. https://www.hellfirecaves.co.uk/history * **Dashwood Mausoleum** – Commissioned in the 1760s by Sir Francis Dashwood, founder of the notorious Hellfire Club and owner of West Wycombe Park. Built in a classical style and inspired by Italian architecture, it was intended as a grand memorial for the Dashwood family. The mausoleum stands beside the Church of St Lawrence and contains memorial plaques and urns dedicated to family members and close associates. Its prominent hilltop location made it both a statement of status and a symbolic landmark overlooking the Dashwood estate and the Chiltern Hills. —— **📈TRAIL DETAILS** * This is a **Point-to-Point** * **Princes Risborough *➡️* Saunderton** * **Distance** 21.4km (13.3mi) * **Total Ascent** 609m * **Total Descent** 595m * **Max elevation** 216m * **Duration** 5 hours including breaks * **Difficulty** 🥾🥾🥾**Grade 3/5** —— 💷**COST** **Free** This hike is completely **free to join** but participants need to purchase their own transport tickets. —— **ℹ️ HELLFIRE CAVES TICKET INFORMATION** * During our lunch break, there will be an ⭐️**option to visit the Hellfire Caves**⭐️These unique and dramatic 18th century caves take you deep underground into the Chiltern hills. An atmospheric highlight not to miss ! * Cost **£9.50** * https://www.hellfirecaves.co.uk/history —— 🎟️ **TRAIN TICKET INFORMATION** * **Super Off-Peak Return London Marylebone 🔁 Princes Risborough (direct) with a Network Railcard is £19.30** (instead of the usual \~£29). * 💡If you’d like to join other hikers using a Network Railcard, please arrive earlier so we can organise small groups. Note that each card can cover up to 4 people. * More information at https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ —— 🎒 **WHAT TO BRING** * 1-2L water * Packed lunch and snacks * Comfortable walking/hiking shoes * Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproofs, hat, sunscreen) * Optional: trekking poles, camera, binoculars —— ✅**WHO CAN JOIN** • 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Our hikes are open to adults aged 21 and over. • 👶 For safety reasons, we’re not able to include children. • 🐾 We love animals, but pets (including dogs) can’t join our hikes. • ☑️ Everyone is welcome to RSVP, but to keep things fair for all members: \- If someone often cancels last minute or misses hikes without notice\, they may be placed on a waitlist or removed from the group for future events\. \- We do a quick check\-in on the day of the hike\, which helps us keep track and make sure spaces are available for those who really want to join\. —— ⚠️**SAFETY** As adults, you are fully responsible for your own safety and decisions throughout the walk. —— 📌**NOTES** * This is a group hike led by volunteers. Everyone is welcome to join. * A few wrong turns? That’s part of the fun! * While you're free to “hike your own hike,” we encourage group participation, get to know one another, make new friends, and enjoy the journey together. * Food options are limited en route, bring lunch. —— 🚨**DISCLAIMER** **Event Participation Disclaimer** * By signing up for an event we host, you acknowledge and agree to the following: * The organisers are not qualified hiking leaders, certified first aiders, or formally trained in navigation, survival, or any related disciplines. * These hikes are informal, self-guided gatherings of like-minded individuals. * The hosts expressly disclaim all responsibility and liability for any injuries, accidents, or safety incidents that may occur during participation. * Participation is entirely voluntary, and all attendees are solely responsible for their own safety and well-being. * These events are non-commercial and are organised purely as a recreational hobby, with no business or financial interests involved. * Hiking and outdoor activities inherently carry risks of personal injury. By choosing to participate, you accept these risks and take full responsibility for your own actions and decisions. —— 🚨**GENERAL GROUP POLICY** * Voluntary Participation: Attendance is at your own risk. The group and hosts bear no liability. * No Professional Duty of Care: Hosts are volunteers, not trained guides or medical professionals. * Insurance Is Your Responsibility: If desired, you must arrange your own personal insurance. * Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles at all times. * Emergency Preparedness: You are responsible for organising your own emergency plan. * Weather and Safety: Events may be cancelled or changed if conditions are deemed unsafe. * Self-Assessment Required: You must honestly assess your fitness and ability to keep pace with the group. * No Guaranteed Rescue: While help may be offered, full rescue capabilities should not be expected. * No Minors Without Guardians: Participants must be over 21. * Right to Refuse Participation: Hosts may turn away any individual who appears unprepared or poses a safety risk to others. * First Aid Preparedness Encouraged: It is highly recommended that each participant carries a small first aid kit for minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, bites, and blisters. —— 🚨**FINAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT** * By attending this event, you confirm that you are participating voluntarily and at your own risk. Neither the host nor the group accepts responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage incurred.

Moderate 5.6miles/ 9km, Ascent - 559ft/ 170.4m circular A walk to Shoreham cross. (Just under 1 mile from start point) Then a walk to Twitton where there will be a pub stop for drinks only. (3 miles from start point) Walk then continues onto Otford village (Just over 4 miles from start point) then a walk back to Shoreham. Optional pub stop at the end of the walk. One big uphill climb with a slower downhill walk before pub stop. Walk relatively flat after pub stop. Subject to walk leaders approval we do allow well behaved dogs under full control of their owner. If you wish to bring your dog on the walk, please check with the walk leader before arriving for the walk. NB: **There is a £2 payment required for non-Ramblers Assoc. members** to help cover our Meetup costs. Please help the walk leader by **bringing the exact change**. Ramblers members are welcome on any of our walks, but we would still encourage you to RSVP on Meetup. This will give our volunteer walk leaders an idea of how many are attending, and also keep the numbers manageable. If, on the day of the walk, you are still on the waiting list and a Ramblers member, you can attend - just let the walk leader know you are coming by adding a comment '*Coming as a Rambler*'. You will find the start location via our website [Our Walks (westkentwalkinggroup.org.uk)](https://www.westkentwalkinggroup.org.uk/our-walks.html).

A beautiful FREE iconic London walk to celebrate New Year ! Let's go with the flow ! We shall set off at 1.30pm and proceed to walk alongside the dozen or so beautiful ponds of Hampstead Heath pausing for a few minutes for a great view of London from Parliament Hill and ending at Bull and Bush pub following a lovely path through Hampstead Heath. Please wear boots, walking shoes or trainers. If you are late please meet us at around 2pm atop Parliament Hill. There shall be NO toilet break during this walk. Total miles walked around 4 miles. Please only post photos of others with their consent. My no 07714250849.

Wild Ones: Annual Native Seed Swap January 10, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am Join Wild Ones Columbus for their annual native seeds swap. If you have native seeds to share, please label them with the Latin name and common name. The seeds don’t need to be removed from the seed head if you aren’t sure how to do it, but remove as much stem as possible. Bringing seeds is not required. Bring bags or envelopes to store seeds. Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S. Hempstead Rd. Westerville, OH 43081 Phone (614)895-6216 This event will be held in the Greenhouse/Multipurpose Building located near the east end of the parking lot. Click here to see the Inniswood map. If you have native seeds to share, label each species with this information: * Botanical Name * Common Name Species we will accept: * Species native to our ecoregion (8.2.4) - Best * Species native to Ohio and surrounding states - Good * Straight species only - no cultivars. The seeds don’t need to be removed from the seed head if you aren’t sure how to do it, but don’t leave much stem on the seed heads. Please email the list of species to Mary May so we can prepare information for attendees. You can bring the seeds on the day of the swap, or we can arrange to have them picked up beforehand - just let her know in the email. If you don’t have any seeds to bring, no worries. If you are new to native plants or didn't have time to collect seeds, there are ALWAYS plenty from those that do bring them! We love to see "newbies" at our seed exchange! Also, remember to bring something to put seeds in such as envelopes, paper bags or containers.

The topic for January is "Chemistry" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

The market has changed—and pretending it hasn’t is expensive. At our **January COREE meeting**, learn the real strategies local investors are using to stay profitable, reduce risk, and avoid the mistakes that are causing others to quit. PLUS: A critical update on the **new Ohio wholesale law** and how it affects you. ⚠️ RSVP on Meetup does **NOT** register you. 👉 You must register at **[www.COREERocks.com](http://www.COREERocks.com)**

The Columbus housing market is evolving, raising questions about next steps. This session will outline current trends in clear, practical terms. Seniors, caregivers, investors, and those preparing to buy or sell in 2026 will all benefit from the information provided. What You’ll Learn: • Key market trends and what’s driving them • How today’s conditions affect buying, selling, and investing • Guidance for seniors and caregivers navigating housing decisions • Strategies to make informed, confident choices All are welcome to attend. Please bring any questions you may have.

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.