Nature Walks with Dogs

**Let's talk! Talking sex, stress & money with your teens** Bringing up intimacy, money, or stress with your teen can feel daunting. It is completely normal to hesitate—we all worry about saying the wrong thing or getting the classic eye-roll or pushback. But if we don't talk to them about the real stuff, the internet or their peers will. Join us for May's "Let's Talk." This is a relaxed, open evening dedicated to tackling the awkward, heavy topics together. We are gathering to swap stories, share what works, and find some solid ground. **The Impact of Stepping Up** Being a leader for your teen doesn't require having a perfect script. It is all about feeling anchored enough to start the conversation. When you lean in to relational leadership, you stop reacting and become effective in guiding them. **What to Expect:** * **Real Talk:** An open floor to discuss the ups and downs of the teenage years with local parents who genuinely get it. * **Guided Insights:** We will weave in practical tools to help you initiate high-stakes talks with confidence and connection. * **A Breathing Space:** Come exactly as you are. Grab a drink, turn venting into value, and leave feeling lighter. Bring your wonders, your challenges, and that day's version of yourself. **Where & When:** * **Date:** Tuesday, 19 May 2026 * **Time:** 19:00 - 20:30 * **Location:** Rote Fabrik, Seestrasse 395, 8038 Zürich **[RSVP Link]** to secure your seat. *(Short-notice drop-ins are always welcome, but an RSVP helps us grab the right table!)* **Important: no perfect parents are allowed!**

⚠️ Please confirm on Meetup and join the following whatsapp group to secure your spot and have additional details! https://chat.whatsapp.com/CO99ZFJ5n8YCfzxbBqa85r?mode=gi_t What is the most known Italian word???? PIZZA, obviously!(NOT Pineapple pizza) 🍕🌸 Join us to enjoy exquisite pizza and meet new people 📅 Date: Tuesday, 19.05.2026 ⏰Time: 19:00 📍NEW LOCATION - More details in the WhatsApp group ⚠️ Please be on time since our reservation will last 90 mins! 🍕 Different pizzas to share 🍷Good Wine 🎫Cost: 45chf per person All you can Eat Pizza + All you can drink wine! ⏩ Please let us know if you have any allergies so that we can inform the restaurant We have a reservation for 23 people. ⚠️ If you cannot make it please inform us 24 hours in advance and leave the attendee list on Meetup. Looking forward to seeing you all 🍕☺️ Cate & Chiara

Dear ladies, I want to invite you to **Prenatal Yoga** classes! With this yoga program focused on safe postures, special physical exercises and breathing techniques — specially selected and adapted for pregnant women — you can relax and recharge your body. And in addition to relieving pregnancy symptoms and improving posture, you can also use yoga to influence the position of the baby.

Start um 19.00 Uhr ab Marktplatz Zürich Oerlikon Dauer: 60 Minuten Lauftempo: 6 min/km (10 km/h) Start 7pm at Marktplatz Zürich Oerlikon Duration: 60 minutes Pace: approx. 6 min/km (9:39 min/mile)

🍻 Join us for a unique social event where science meets fun! 🧠 Are you curious to learn about cutting-edge research in an informal and relaxed atmosphere? Pint of Science brings top scientists to local pubs to share their latest discoveries in an engaging and accessible way. 📍 Event Details 📅 Dates: May 19, 2026 🕕 Time: 18:00 – 21:00 📍 Location: Kulturhaus Royal, Baden 💰 Price: Free! 📅 May 19th agenda: **"Cracking the Brain's Code: From childhood development to neurons and brain structure, uncover how the brain shapes how we think, learn, and connect"** - **Life is like a box of languages: growing up multilingual**, *Joanna Rutkowska (Postdoctoral Researcher at Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zürich)* - **How we navigate social spaces: neural correlates and insight** *Deborah Ledergerber (Head of Research and Technics in Clinical Neurophysiology, Klinik Lengg)* - **Reconstructing neuronal circuits in the brain** *Adrian Wanner (Group Leader, Structural Neurobiology at PSI Centre for Life Sciences)* 📍 Dive deeper into the full program, including talk abstracts and speaker info, on our official event page: [https://pintofscience.ch/events/baden/](https://pintofscience.ch/events/baden/) 🤔 **What is Pint of Science?** Pint of Science is a global festival that brings scientists out of their labs and into pubs, where they present their work in a fun, informal, and interactive way. The event covers a wide range of topics, from physics to medicine, from artificial intelligence to climate change. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions, meet researchers, and enjoy a beer while learning something new! 🔗 More info: [Official Pint of Science Website](https://pintofscience.ch/) 🧐 **What to Bring?** ✔️ Curiosity to learn something new ✔️ Good vibes to enjoy the evening with fellow Hiking Buddies ✔️ (Optional) A beer-loving spirit! 🍻 📢 **Stay Updated!** For updates and coordination, join the WhatsApp group: [[WhatsApp Link](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BxRIGClIS5y0YryipheRad)] 📲 Looking forward to seeing you there! 🍻🧠✨

Your Tuesday evening plans just got an upgrade folks! 🌇✨ Imagine finishing your day on one of the most beautiful rooftops in Zürich… golden sunset above you, lake & city views around you, warm summer air, good music, beautiful people and a yoga flow that makes you feel alive again. This is mora than “just another yoga class”. It’s your weekly reset. A moment to breathe deeper, move your body, sweat a little, soften a lot and remember how good life actually feels when you slow down for a second. Expect: ✨ Rooftop sunset magic ✨ A juicy Hatha/Vinyasa flow ✨ Incredible panoramic views over Zürich ✨ All levels welcome ✨ Good energy & community vibes ✨ Yoga mats & props available (no need to bring anything) ✨ WC, changing rooms & showers available Honestly… this might become your favourite ritual of the summer. And yes! Your friends deserve to know about this too 🤍 Send this to someone you want on the rooftop with you. 📍 Zürich — Spiraldynamik Rooftop, Schaffhauserplatz 🗓 Every Tuesday ⏰ 19:30 ⚠️ Spots are limited In case of bad weather, tickets can simply be transferred to another date. All details & to book click: [HERE](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/sport-fitness/yoga/rooftop-sunset-yoga-flow-with-a-breathtaking-view-7459511137240908165.html) ✨ Summer Yoga Packages are available and will help you save money — feel free to reach out for details. 📲 Have questions? Reach out -> +41 75 443 93 49 (Iri Gurdis) IG: @liuna_holistic Website: [www.liunaholistic.com](http://www.liunaholistic.com) **Come for the yoga. Stay for the vibe. Leave glowing ✨**

Join us for a **challenging single-day hike** with fellow nature lovers and experienced outdoor enthusiasts. This hike is for people who enjoy **beautiful landscapes, solid physical effort, and friendly social time on the trail**. This is a **social hiking event**, not a guided tour. ***Please read the full description carefully before RSVP’ing.*** **Hike summary** * **Route:** [Klöntal, Rhodannenberg bus](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZJGgKVavVbhdWG3g9) stop → [Klöntal, Vorauen bus](https://maps.app.goo.gl/xFgvyPoTWLiEjfMS6) stop * **Region:** Klöntal Switzerland * **Meetup point:** [Klöntal, Rhodannenberg bus](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZJGgKVavVbhdWG3g9) stop at 11:09 or at Zürich HB in the S25 train to Linthal leaving at 09:43 * **Start time:** 11:09 * **Expected finish time:** between 17:00 and 18:00 * **Distance:** approx. 15 km * **Elevation gain:** approx. +1000m * **Difficulty:** T2 * **Pace:** moderate * **Technical level:** forest paths, alpine trail, exposed sections, possible snow * **Fitness level needed:** able to hike 5–6 hours with elevation gain **What to expect** We will spend the day hiking through **forests / alpine meadows / lakes / mountain views,** with some time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, etc. This event is best suited for people who: * already have hiking experience * are comfortable with the stated distance and elevation gain * enjoy a friendly but steady group pace * are prepared for changing mountain weather * like social hiking, nature, and a good physical challenge This is **not recommended for beginners**. **Provisional itinerary** * **11:09** – Meet at [Klöntal, Rhodannenberg bus](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZJGgKVavVbhdWG3g9) stop * **17-18:00** – Expected arrival at [Klöntal, Vorauen bus](https://maps.app.goo.gl/xFgvyPoTWLiEjfMS6) stop (last bus is arround 18:30) Times are approximate and may change depending on weather, trail conditions, group pace, and public transport. **What to bring** Please come prepared with: * proper hiking shoes with good grip * enough water, ideally 3-4 liters * lunch and snacks * weather-appropriate layers * rain jacket / wind protection (in case of storm) * sun protection * personal first-aid items * 100% charged phone * offline map or navigation app * cash/card for transport or food Participants are responsible for bringing the right equipment for the conditions. **Transport and costs** Everyone pays their own costs, including: * train / bus / cable car tickets * food and drinks * any personal equipment * insurance or emergency-related costs **Weather and route changes** The hike may be changed, shortened, postponed, or cancelled if weather or trail conditions are not suitable. **Important safety note** This is a **social hiking group**, not a guided tour or professional hiking service. By joining, you confirm that you: * hike entirely at your own risk * are responsible for your own safety, fitness, equipment, and preparation * have checked that the route difficulty, distance, and elevation are suitable for you * have adequate insurance coverage for hiking and mountain activities * understand that the organizer assumes no responsibility or liability for injuries, accidents, delays, property damage, or other incidents No professional guiding, instruction, or safety equipment is provided. **RSVP etiquette** Please RSVP only if you genuinely plan to attend. If you can no longer come, update your RSVP as early as possible so another hiker can join. No-shows may affect participation in future hikes. **Keywords** Zürich hiking, Zürich hiking group, Switzerland day hike, Swiss Alps hike, challenging hike, nature lovers, social hiking, LGBTQ+ friendly, dog friendly, language exchange 🇬🇧🇩🇪🇫🇷🇯🇵, experienced hikers, outdoor community, mountain hiking, Klöntal Mättlistock, Glarus, T2

Discover the story of Zurich through a relaxed and engaging historical excursion and city walk. ‎https://chat.whatsapp.com/FpMSfQAZDeA2jJ5HfkZQUd?mode=gi_t In 2 hours, we will explore the Old Town and learn how Zurich grew from a Roman settlement into one of Europe’s most important cities. It’s a friendly, interactive walk with stories, facts, and space for conversation. 📍 Where: Lindenhof Hill, by the Hedwig Fountain 🕚 When: Saturday 11:00 ⏱ Duration: approximately 2 hours 🗣 Language: English ☕ Optional coffee and chat afterward. 💰 Cost: Tips are welcome at the end of the excursion. Please arrive 5 minutes early so we can start on time.

Summer is finally here — and I’m happy to be hosting this golf get-together again in Zurich. We’ll meet at Otelfingen at 10:00 AM at the entrance next to the reception, start with a couple of hours at the driving range, and then head to the golf café to relax and socialize. You’re very welcome to join — whether for the full session or just part of it. Please feel free to bring your own clubs, or you can rent them at the venue. Looking forward to seeing you all

**Join Adona every Sunday for outdoor yoga at Glattpark - a space for movement, breath and pause.** Start your Sunday with mindful movement, fresh air and flow. This outdoor yoga class is designed to release tension, regulate the nervous system and create more balance, clarity and connection in both body and mind. Expect a grounding yet energising practice with accessible variations, suitable for all levels — whether you are completely new to yoga or already experienced. * The class is in English // Open to levels * Bring your own mats & props Please sign up & purchase a pass via [Yoga Nest Eversports](https://www.eversports.ch/s/yinflow-yoga-movement-meditation) Join [Outdoor Yoga Whatsapp Group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DGeQSSYsG33EQIcmrAMRvy) to be up to date

Let's meet at the CNC meetup on Thursday, May 21st, 2026, at 15:00 CET. **Location:** VSHNtower, 8th floor, Neugasse 10, 8005 Zürich **Agenda:** Would you like to speak at this event? Contact us at [https://cnc-meetup.ch](https://cnc-meetup.ch)! Guidelines: * All sessions are held in English. * No product or sales pitches are allowed. * All projects showcased should be open source. * We cannot cover travel costs, but we welcome speakers from other regions. * We're seeking more diversity among our speakers: underrepresented groups are welcome! 14:30 – Door Opening 15:00 – Welcome, Intro, & Announcements 15:05 – Kuberik: Safe, Hands-Off Deployments for Kubernetes (Luka Rumora) 15:35 – 5 minutes pause 15:40 – Kubernetes Without the Operator: A Minecraft Panel with Rust and kube-rs (Hadi Cherkaoui, CM Informatik AG) 16:10 – 5 minutes pause 16:15 – Vibe Code Survival Guide for Open-Source (Vadim Bauer, 8gears) 16:45 – 5 minutes pause 16:50 - Writing a Kubernetes Cluster Autoscaler Provider with externalgrpc (Marco De Luca, VSHN) 17:20 – Final words, networking & apéro Kuberik: Safe, Hands-Off Deployments for Kubernetes (Luka Rumora) Most teams deploying to Kubernetes end up in one of two places: either GitOps that stops at applying manifests, or brittle CI pipelines full of bash and glue. Both fall short of true end-to-end delivery. The ideal is well known—canaries, health checks, smoke tests, promotions, rollback—but Kubernetes lacks a native, reusable way to compose these without reinventing everything. Existing tools solve pieces (Argo Rollouts, Flagger, Kargo), but not the whole pipeline. Kuberik fills that gap: it orchestrates the full journey from release to production—detecting, gating, rolling out, verifying, and promoting—using opinionated, pluggable Kubernetes resources that integrate with existing GitOps setups. Luka is a Lead SRE with 10 years of experience building platform infrastructure and internal developer tooling, always with the same focus: systems that are robust, easy to maintain, and a pleasure to use. Over the years, he has watched the delivery tooling landscape change, from Jenkins to GitLab CI to Drone to GitHub Actions, yet the fundamental approach to CD has stayed the same: step-based pipelines with the same challenges they had a decade ago. He built Kuberik because he believes we can do better. Kubernetes Without the Operator: A Minecraft Panel with Rust and kube-rs (Hadi Cherkaoui, CM Informatik AG) Anvil is a Kubernetes-native Minecraft server panel written in Rust. It creates one StatefulSet, PVC, and Service per server through direct kube-rs calls, with no CRD and no controller. The Kubernetes API itself is the runtime state store; every user action is a direct API call. This 20-minute talk argues that the operator pattern is sometimes the wrong tool. Controllers earn their complexity when there's autonomous state to reconcile. They become a ceremony when there isn't. Anvil is a worked example of the imperative alternative, running on a home lab k0s cluster. Hadi Cherkaoui is a 17-year-old EFZ Plattformentwickler apprentice at CM Informatik AG in Schwerzenbach, ZH. He works daily with k0s and FluxCD, and is interested in Kubernetes, Rust, infrastructure automation, and homelab projects. Vibe Code Survival Guide for Open-Source (Vadim Bauer, Container-Registry.ch) Vibe code is flooding open-source projects with an ever-growing volume of pull requests and ideas. Banning AI contributions isn't the answer, yet it is difficult to resist. How can open source projects survive and keep progressing despite the pressure? This talk covers the project playbook we're building in CNCF Harbor and Harbor Satellite: defining a clear project direction so contributors, human or AI-assisted, know what's in scope before they contribute. Setting explicit acceptance criteria and guardrails. Using AI on the maintainer side to triage, review, and filter the growing volume of contributions. Deciding as a project where your boundaries are, what's core, what's an extension, and what's out of scope, so you stop drowning in well-intentioned feature PRs that slowly erode coherence. We share what works, what fails, and how we are rethinking open-source, contributions, community, and project Vadim Bauer is a Container Silverback with over a decade of experience in running containers in production. As a maintainer of the CNCF project Harbor, he focuses on extending the boundaries of OCI artifact management, adoption, and developer experience. At 8gears, Vadim helps cloud providers, ISVs, and enterprises adopt Harbor and use OCI capabilities. Writing a Kubernetes Cluster Autoscaler Provider with externalgrpc (Marco De Luca, VSHN) The Kubernetes Cluster Autoscaler decides when to scale, but it doesn't know how to create a VM. That's the cloud provider's job, and the upstream tree covers mostly big clouds. With externalgrpc, you can plug virtually any cloud into the autoscaler over gRPC. This talk first looks at how the Cluster Autoscaler works under the hood and where the cloud provider fits in. Then we walk through implementing one for a Swiss IaaS provider as an out-of-tree gRPC service: the design choices, the parts of the contract that matter, and the gotchas you only find by reading the autoscaler source. By the end, you'll know how to attach autoscaling to a cloud that isn't on the upstream list. Marco De Luca is a software/infrastructure engineer at VSHN AG. He spends most of his time on Kubernetes platforms, developer tooling, and making sure things don't break at 3 AM. At mdnix.io, he writes about infrastructure, Linux, Kubernetes, and the things he builds along the way. When he's not behind a terminal, he's somewhere in the Alps with his camera or having a private jam session with his guitar. The event will be recorded and made available on VSHN's YouTube channel: [https://vshn.tv](https://vshn.tv). Subscribe to stay notified of updates. We expect all participants to abide by VSHN's Conference Code of Conduct: [https://www.vshn.ch/en/code-of-conduct/](https://www.vshn.ch/en/code-of-conduct/) If you would like to share your cloud-native projects at the CNC Switzerland meetup events or sponsor future events, just send us your talk suggestion here: https://cnc-meetup.ch. We look forward to hearing from you!

☀️ Summer Yoga & Brunch at Zurich Lake ☀️ **Free Event \| All levels welcome \| Perfect for first\-timers** 🗓 Date: **Sunday, 24 May** 🕗 Time: **10:30 – 13:00** 📍 Location: Wollishofen Join us for the opening of our Summer Yoga at the Lake series — and let's start this season together as a community 🌿 🧘 What we'll do: We start at 10:30 with a 60-minute Hatha Yoga class by the lake. This session is built around the foundations of yoga, welcoming everyone from first-timers to regular practitioners. *** 🥐 After yoga we stay together for a relaxed, picnic-style brunch. Bring your favourite breakfast things and enjoy the lake✨. What to bring: 🧘 Yoga mat 👟 Comfortable clothes (layers recommended for the morning) 💧 Water bottle 🥐 Your own brunch to share the vibe To stay up to date join the WhatsApp group 🌿 [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JjcN8KKelJ7L5kNT40j6vT](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JjcN8KKelJ7L5kNT40j6vT) Spots are limited — RSVP to save your place. See you lakeside! 🌊

Kindly understand that This is Not an online event. We created this for the people to communicate with each other (in the comment section) to find their travel mates. However, since the Meetup site requires a date and time. We constantly have to update the date and time to keep the event alive. Dear friends, If you have plans to travel somewhere in the world, and you are looking for a travel mate/roommate, you can post it here to let others know, and maybe you can arrange to travel together. It would probably be a good idea to meet up before deciding to travel together but at least this will give you a chance to find a like-minded travel mate. How to Choose the Right Travel-mate? Have some common interests. Avoid people who tend to extremes. Agree on expenditures before you leave. Make sure your personalities Friends aren’t always good travel companions Don’t go backpacking with a luxury-seeker Make sure you’re able to communicate Agree on a similar budget Avoid picky, crazy and whiny individuals Test each other on a short trip You don’t have to be like a couple of inseparable lovebirds Good Luck and Cheers, Siddiq

Join us this Thursday at 6:30 pm for a nice hike along the Big Walnut Trail along the Gahanna golf course, circling Creekside and back. This 2 mile hike is fully paved and a beautiful walk through the heart of Gahanna.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * There's a restroom along the route at [Tuttle Park Community Center](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KTZJgLE1CrrbRNmJ7), which is about two‑thirds of the way from [Clinton-Como Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/z8Cx8evwLiWundMe8) to our [turnback point](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZXk7qUVszLQ8EJxHA). * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

**Not everyone will come. That is exactly why you should.** **Two for Tuesdays** is for the people who actually want to get out and do something instead of just talking about it. We’re kicking off the night with a one-hour social walk before Duckpin Social. **Expect a laid-back** But an Intentional 1 hour walk (2-3 miles), good people, and a better way to spend your Tuesday than staying home and doing the same thing you always do. **If the weather does not cooperate, we’ll move indoors.** **This is a paid event.** A small contribution helps keeps events sustainable and ensures those **who RSVP actually show up.** Payment **Link Found in comments** or you can pay on Venmo, Paypal, @WiseUnlimitedLLC or Cashapp $WiseUnlimitedLLC. Walk RSVP **$2** Walk / DuckPin Social **$5** Walk / DuckPin Social + 1 game of duckpin **$12** Please be sure **to Put Event and Event Date** in the note when paying RSVP Fee

Hi ladies. Let's hike the edward thomas trail, lake trail , spring creek and a short walk on the multi purpose trail. This is one large loop . Wear your shoe of choice. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. 4.2 miles in length .

**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.