Historic Preservation

***Canoe around the Spreewald river delta. Charismatic, quiet and sprinkled with the occasional beer garden. Enjoy nature at the UNESCO reserve.*** ### **HOW DO I JOIN THIS TRIP?** Click on link below to get complete info and to sign up for this event by getting your ticket. [https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/spreewald-canoe-25may2026](https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/spreewald-canoe-25may2026) **SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW USERS** * 10% New User Discount using promo code: **MEETUP10** * Valid for this trip or any other trips available on our website. ### **WHY GO?** Join us for an unforgettable adventure in the beautiful **Lübbenau/Spreewald** region, just a stone's throw away from the vibrant city of Berlin, where we'll embark on a thrilling canoe (mix of Canoe's or Kayak) tour through the **UNESCO biosphere reserve**. Immerse yourself in the untouched nature as we paddle through the winding waterways, surrounded by lush greenery and enchanting landscapes. This is a unique opportunity to explore the hidden gems of the **Spreewald** region, known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. During the tour, our experienced guides will share fascinating stories and insights about the area, making this journey not just visually stunning but also intellectually enriching. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a refreshing escape from the city, this canoe tour is perfect for everyone. Don't miss out on this incredible experience! Book your spot now and get ready to paddle your way through the wonders of the **Spreewald** biosphere reserve. ### **TRIP DETAILS** **Meeting Location and Time:** * **Option A - Joining from Berlin:** Meet in Berlin Central Train Station (Berlin Hbf) at 8:00 am. * **Option B - Joining at Lübbenau:** Meet outside Lübbenau Train Station at 9:30 am. **Note:** The exact platform in Berlin Hbf will be advised the day before the trip in the WhatsApp group for this trip. Please advise if you do not have WhatsApp and can make alternate arrangement to keep you in the loop. **Finishing Location and Time:** * **Option A - Finishing in Berlin:** Berlin Hbf at 7:00pm * **Option B - Finishing in Lübbenau:** Lübbenau Train Station at 5:00 pm **Distance:** 6 km of canoeing, 7 hours from start to closing, incl., around 3 - 4 hours of paddling and multiple breaks. **Hiking Difficulty:** Easy - walking on marked paths, relaxed pace / easy canoe paddling **Kid Friendly:** Yes **What is Included?** * Community Leader and Guide for the entire duration. * Guiding while canoeing. * **Canoe rental.** * Life jackets provided (if required). * Transportation to and from Berlin (based on the ticket option selected). * Access to Google photos album dedicated for this trip for sharing all your amazing pictures and videos from the trip. * Access to a WhatsApp group for the confirmed participants. **Note:** Please contact us immediately if you do not have WhatsApp and we can make alternate arrangements from our end to ensure you do not miss out on any communication. **Additional Things of Note:** * Space is very limited for this trip as we only have a very limited number of Canoe's. ### **WHAT IS THE PLAN?** **8:00 AM -** Meet in Berlin Central Train Station (exact location to be advised in WhatsApp group for the confirmed participants) **8:20 AM** \- Board train for Lubbenau \(Spreewald: RE 2 to Cottbus\) **9:30 AM** \- Get off at Lubbenau and head to boat pickup location **10:00 AM** \- Arrive at boat pickup location **10:30 AM** \- Start canoeing **1:00 PM** \- Break for lunch in an old pub with a beer garden **2:00 PM -** Start canoeing after lunch **4:00 PM -** Get back to boat pickup location to drop off the boats. **4:30 PM** \- Start heading towards Lubbennau Train Station **5:00 PM** \- Arrive in Lubbenau Train Station **5:30 PM** \- Catch train for Berlin **7:00 PM** \- Arrive in Berlin Central Train Station \(Berlin hbf\) ### **FOR FUTURE TRIP UPDATES:** Please do join our WhatsApp/Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [WhatsApp Channel](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

1 EURO DONATION FEE PER PERSON IS REQUIRED (on site, in cash), to pay back the Meetup subscription fees and support my Events. READ THE DESCRIPTION WITH THE INFO (IMPORTANT). WHATSAPP LINK BELOW 📳​ We meet at Grunewald S Bahn station at 14 o'clock 😀🚉 I wait till 14,10 and for everyone, then we start to walk to Teufelsberg 🗼 (it is 2,2kms far away from the station, and we will walk in the Grunewald woods 🌳): https://maps.app.goo.gl/6ktBwGeASxSpf14d6 Teufelsberg is a former listening station 📻 of the West Germany, where now is possible to meet both the History of the place (with some exhibitions too) and art (a lot of wonderful Graffitis 🖌️🎨 are now there): https://www.teufelsberg-berlin.de/en/visit/important-informations/ In addition to the place itself, 2 temporary exhibitions are now present, as you can read on the website. **Ticket cost: 12 euros (10 euros reduced)** You can buy the ticket online or on site Bring your own food🍔 and drinks🥤(in Teufelsberg there are anyway some bar, coffee and food tracks ☕🍔) We will arrive at Teufelsberg around 14,40 and my plan is to stay there 3 hours or even more (both to see the place and the exhibitions and to stay there together to eat and drink and relax). We can then spontaneously decide to stay together even longer after Teufelsberg, going to some bar (there is a Bistro in Grunewald 🍲) or restaurant. Everyone is, in any case, free to stay for a longer or shorter time. I do not provide a "personal support" for people who arrive at Grunewald S Bahn station after 14,10 o'clock You are responsible to check for the weather and decide if come or not. Thanks for understanding. If you have to contact me, make it via Whatsapp, not here on Meetup. WHATSAPP COMMUNITY 💬 to find each other (join it, we use this group to find and synchronize us, as well as post photos) [https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/](https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/)

[*Registration form required below*] **Interested in Japanese sword fighting or Japanese culture? Come join a trial and experience the traditional Samurai art at Katori Shintō-ryū in Schöneberg.** **Trial Fee**: **25€**/ session (2hr). Classes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 19:00 to 21:00. **!!SIGN UP HERE**: [Katori Shinto-ryū Berlin Sign-up (google.com)](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBt4A13VgnEcgQQ2PDaruthmYMRWineG4KtUCKsuC9KBsCUQ/viewform) Registration is required before your participation so that we can prepare enough training equipment. **Address**: Belziger Str. 25, 10823 Berlin. **No previous experience required!** The classes are in English and German. **Our website**: [Kenjutsu Berlin - Official school of Katori Shinto-ryu in Berlin (katoriberlin.org)](https://katoriberlin.org/) **Katori Shintō-ryū** is one of the oldest Japanese sword fighting traditions (koryū) still practised today and is recognized by the Japanese government as a cultural intangeable asset. The school was founded in the middle of the 15th century by Iizasa Chōisai Ienao at the Katori Shrine (Katori jingū) and has become the origin of numerous other martial arts schools over the course of its almost 600-year history. The training consists of the continuous repetition of fixed sequences of movements (kata) and includes the use of classic Japanese weapons such as the sword (iai-jutsu, battō-jutsu, ken-jutsu, ryōtō-jutsu, kodachi-jutsu), the long staff (bō-jutsu), the lance (naginata-jutsu) and the spear (sō-jutsu), as well as unarmed disciplines, tactics and spiritual aspects. **The Katori Berlin dojo** is the only official shibu of Otake Nobutoshi-shihan’s dojo Shinbukan in Germany and fully dedicated to the transmission and study of one martial tradition: Tenshinshō-den Katori Shintō-ryū. Through these efforts we aim to contribute to the cultural preservation of this martial tradition. The dojo has one officially appointed shidosha. **Our sensei**: Sebastian Graetz has been active in martial arts since 1997. After almost 15 years of taekwondo in Berlin, he started with Katori Shintō-ryū in Asia in 2014. Since then, he has studied in Japan with Ōtake Risuke-shihan and Ōtake Nobutoshi-shihan, and in Vietnam with Malte Stokhof-shihandai. In 2023, he received his Menkyo license and permission to set up a training group in Berlin the following year.

***Canoe around the Spreewald river delta. Charismatic, quiet and sprinkled with the occasional beer garden. Enjoy nature at the UNESCO reserve.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS TRIP?** Click on link below to get complete info and to sign up for this event by getting your ticket. [https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/spreewald-canoe-25may2026](https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/spreewald-canoe-25may2026) **SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW USERS** * 10% New User Discount using promo code: **MEETUP10** * Valid for this trip or any other trips available on our website. **WHY GO?** Join us for an unforgettable adventure in the beautiful **Lübbenau/Spreewald** region, just a stone's throw away from the vibrant city of Berlin, where we'll embark on a thrilling canoe (mix of Canoe's or Kayak) tour through the **UNESCO biosphere reserve**. Immerse yourself in the untouched nature as we paddle through the winding waterways, surrounded by lush greenery and enchanting landscapes. This is a unique opportunity to explore the hidden gems of the **Spreewald** region, known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. During the tour, our experienced guides will share fascinating stories and insights about the area, making this journey not just visually stunning but also intellectually enriching. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a refreshing escape from the city, this canoe tour is perfect for everyone. Don't miss out on this incredible experience! Book your spot now and get ready to paddle your way through the wonders of the **Spreewald** biosphere reserve. **TRIP DETAILS** **Meeting Location and Time:** * **Option A - Joining from Berlin:** Meet in Berlin Central Train Station (Berlin Hbf) at 8:00 am. * **Option B - Joining at Lübbenau:** Meet outside Lübbenau Train Station at 9:30 am. **Note:** The exact platform in Berlin Hbf will be advised the day before the trip in the WhatsApp group for this trip. Please advise if you do not have WhatsApp and can make alternate arrangement to keep you in the loop. **Finishing Location and Time:** * **Option A - Finishing in Berlin:** Berlin Hbf at 7:00pm * **Option B - Finishing in Lübbenau:** Lübbenau Train Station at 5:00 pm **Distance:** 6 km of canoeing, 7 hours from start to closing, incl., around 3 - 4 hours of paddling and multiple breaks. **Hiking Difficulty:** Easy - walking on marked paths, relaxed pace / easy canoe paddling **Kid Friendly:** Yes **What is Included?** * Community Leader and Guide for the entire duration. * Guiding while canoeing. * **Canoe rental.** * Life jackets provided (if required). * Transportation to and from Berlin (based on the ticket option selected). * Access to Google photos album dedicated for this trip for sharing all your amazing pictures and videos from the trip. * Access to a WhatsApp group for the confirmed participants. **Note:** Please contact us immediately if you do not have WhatsApp and we can make alternate arrangements from our end to ensure you do not miss out on any communication. **Additional Things of Note:** * Space is very limited for this trip as we only have a very limited number of Canoe's. **WHAT IS THE PLAN?** **8:00 AM -** Meet in Berlin Central Train Station (exact location to be advised in WhatsApp group for the confirmed participants) **8:20 AM** \- Board train for Lubbenau \(Spreewald: RE 2 to Cottbus\) **9:30 AM** \- Get off at Lubbenau and head to boat pickup location **10:00 AM** \- Arrive at boat pickup location **10:30 AM** \- Start canoeing **1:00 PM** \- Break for lunch in an old pub with a beer garden **2:00 PM -** Start canoeing after lunch **4:00 PM -** Get back to boat pickup location to drop off the boats. **4:30 PM** \- Start heading towards Lubbennau Train Station **5:00 PM** \- Arrive in Lubbenau Train Station **5:30 PM** \- Catch train for Berlin **7:00 PM** \- Arrive in Berlin Central Train Station \(Berlin hbf\) **FOR FUTURE TRIP UPDATES:** Please do join our WhatsApp / Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [WhatsApp Channel](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

-DROP IN - *(English below)* **Lindy Hop \| Swing Dance** Klassen (fast jeden Montag) 19:00 Uhr Starter 20:15 Uhr Improver / Refresher Für mehr Informationen & Kosten, bitte hier schauen: [SWING PATROL KOLLE 37](https://www.swingpatrolberlin.com/sp-kolle37.html) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Classes (almost) every Monday 19:00 Uhr Starter 20:15 Uhr Improver / Refresher For more information & cost, please look here: [SWING PATROL KOLLE 37](https://www.swingpatrolberlin.com/sp-kolle37.html)

Let‘s get together for BBQ and Karaoke at Monbijoupark! We bring the grill, the speaker and the mikrophones and we bring a bunch of food and beers but if you would also bring some food or drinks or a tip it would be much appreciated and amazing but not necessary. Btw, theres a Späti close by, in case anyone wants to buy more drinks. Looking forward to seeing yall. 🎉🎉🎉 join our whatsapp group https://chat.whatsapp.com/CHrsN4T1Bz2EdtyxjDTffh?mode=gi_t

***Discover the mystical sunken birch forest, the valley and its unspoilt nature while hiking along river Briese.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS EVENT?** Click on link below to get complete info and to sign up for this event by getting your ticket. [https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/briesetal-fairytale-forest-30may2026](https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/briesetal-fairytale-forest-30may2026) **SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW USERS** * 10% New User Discount using promo code: **MEETUP10** * Valid for this trip or any other trips available on our website. **WHY GO?** The Briesetal is one of Brandenburgs most scenic valleys, formed by river Briese. The quiet nature preservation area is home to mischievous beavers whose dams created a sunken birch forest. The valley is still dominated by unspoilt nature, seemingly untouched by humans. It's only a 40 minute train ride north of Berlin, making it the perfect day trip getaway from the city's hustling. Following the meandering river we traverse the mystical forest, walk on wooden planks through moors and marshes and explore natural habitats and endemic wildlife. On this hike, immerse yourself into nature’s wonder! Have you ever observed the tiny details of the outdoors? Such as the intricate veins on the back of a leaf? Or the delicate edges of flowers’ petals? Or the movement of a cheeky squirrel? On this walk, you will have the chance to truly connect with the natural world around you. No experience or preparation is needed, just your curiosity. You will be guided through every step of the way. **TRIP DETAILS** **Meeting Location and Time:** * **Option A:** Meeting in Gesundbrunnen Train Station[ ](http://[https//maps.app.goo.gl/iY2oByrR3WkwoNQJ7%5D(https://maps.app.goo.gl/iY2oByrR3WkwoNQJ7) "\[https://maps.app.goo.gl/iY2oByrR3WkwoNQJ7\](https://maps.app.goo.gl/iY2oByrR3WkwoNQJ7)")at 9:30 am * **Option B:** Meeting outside Zühlsdorf Train Station at 11:00 am **Finishing Location and Time:** Borgsdorf Train Station (S-Bahn) at 5:30pm **Hiking Distance:** 13 km walking, 7 hours from start to closing, multiple break times **Hiking Difficulty:** Easy – Walking on marked paths / dirt roads, mostly flat terrain, relaxed pace **Kid Friendly:** Yes **Pet Friendly:** Yes **What is included?** * Community Leader and Guide for the entire duration. * Guided hike. * Access to Google photos album dedicated for this trip for sharing all your amazing pictures and videos from the trip. * Access to a WhatsApp group for the confirmed participants. **Note:** Please contact us immediately if you do not have WhatsApp and we can make alternate arrangements from our end to ensure you do not miss out on any communication. **FOR FUTURE TRIP UPDATES:** Please do join our WhatsApp/Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [WhatsApp Channel](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

Herzlich Willkommen zum WordPress Meetup Berlin! Auch im Jahr 2026 treffen wir uns weiterhin am letzten Mittwoch des Monats. Wir versuchen, abwechselnd Themen für Anwender\*innen und Developers behandeln. **Programm** 19:00 \| Einlass 19:15 \| Thema: wird noch gesucht 20:15 \| "Flohmarkt" Jede\*r kann kurz ein Gesuch oder Angebot in wenigen Sätzen pitchen. Bitte achtet darauf, dass es nicht zu kommerziell wird. 20:30 \| Happiness Bar\, freies Networking & Gespräche\. Bei Fragen oder Problemen mit WordPress könnt ihr uns gerne ansprechen und wir helfen euch mit eurem Problem. Das nennen wir "Happiness Bar". **Teilnahme** Die Teilnahme ist kostenlos. Essen und Getränke können wir leider nicht bereitstellen. Es gibt einen Snack/Getränke-Automaten und einen Kaffee-Automaten in der Bibliothek. Ihr könnt euch auch gerne etwas mitbringen und im Meeting-Raum essen. In der Umgebung gibt es einige Bäckereien, Spätis und Imbisse. Wichtig ist nur, dass wir den Raum wieder sauber hinterlassen. Falls ihr euch angemeldet habt und es doch nicht schaffen solltet, meldet euch bitte ab, damit wir einen Überblick über die Teilnehmerzahl behalten. **Barrierefreiheit** Die Location ist barrierefrei für Rollstühle. Falls ihr Unterstützung bei der Teilnahme oder Anforderungen an die Barrierefreiheit habt, schreibt uns gerne eine Nachricht. **Code of Conduct** Als WordPress Meetup verpflichten wir uns den Code of Conduct (sprich: unsere "Verhaltensregeln") einzuhalten:[ https://wpmeetup-berlin.de/regeln/](https://wpmeetup-berlin.de/regeln/) **Weitere Details und Infos** WPMeetup-Berlin Website: [https://wpmeetup-berlin.de/](https://wpmeetup-berlin.de/) Facebook-Gruppe "WordPress Berlin Brandenburg": [https://www.facebook.com/groups/331013360390412/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/331013360390412/) Twitter Account @wp_berlin: [https://twitter.com/wp_berlin](https://twitter.com/wp_berlin) #WPBerlin **Location & Raumsponsor** Ein großer Dank geht an die Bezirksbibliothek Pablo Neruda, dass sie uns den Raum zur Verfügung stellen. [https://www.berlin.de/stadtbibliothek-friedrichshain-kreuzberg/bibliotheken/bezirkszentralbibliothek-pablo-neruda/](https://www.berlin.de/stadtbibliothek-friedrichshain-kreuzberg/bibliotheken/bezirkszentralbibliothek-pablo-neruda/) **English speaking Attendees** \*Notice for our English speaking attendees: We are a German group and therefore most of our meetups and talks are held in German. However, many of our attendees are able to understand English well enough to respond to your questions. Which means: if you understand but don't necessarily speak German, that should be perfectly fine.

**After Work Pilgrims: Walk with intention.** Berlin is demanding, and the day was long. And somewhere between finishing work and the night, there's a moment where we just need to breathe. That's what After Work Pilgrims is for. We walk together through the city – through parks in the middle of all the concrete – with intention. Just a few kilometres on foot: with silence, a short reflection, and good company. It's more than a walk. But it doesn't feel like it. Duration: approx\. 2 hours \| Distance: 4–7 km \| Free No experience needed. Comfortable shoes recommended. Come as you are. *** 📅 Wed, May 27, 6:00 PM 📍 Mauerpark & Humboldthain (Meeting point: at Gedenkstätte Bernauer Straße, [https://maps.app.goo.gl/mfuaiQRrPDFjtMpBA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/mfuaiQRrPDFjtMpBA)) 📩 You’re welcome to join our [WhatsApp group](https://www.alexander-steinfeldt.de/hikes/berlin-pilgrims/) for updates and connection before the hike. 🧭 Pilgrim Guide Alex (Mail alexander.steinfeldt@outlook.com or WhatsApp +49 157 57652601)

Join our track sessions in Rehberge. Twice a month on Tuesdays, we’ll meet at the Track of Volkspark Rehberge at 18:30 for a group training. Meeting point - the Track of Volkspark Rehberge https://maps.app.goo.gl/ryhaXFxb3v9JJzyr8?g_st=ic Afterwards we‘ll have drinks or dinner if we feel like it. Don’t worry if you are new! Joining track sessions is a great chance to start 😉 Take care and see you soon ❤️ P.S. ‼️️ Please cancel your participation if you can’t show up, even if it’s at short notice so that we don’t wait for you. Thanks! ‼️

Let’s be honest: the traditional cultural sector often forces us to choose between our creative integrity and our financial survival. The myth of the "starving artist" or the "solitary genius" is a trap that keeps cultural workers in a constant state of precarity. But what if we could design our projects differently? What if we could build cultural businesses based on solidarity, cooperation, and radical sustainability? Join us on May 27th for an interactive, hands-on workshop co-hosted by ODBK and Travelling U. We will explore how to dismantle extractivist practices and design alternative business models that actually serve the creators. **What you will learn in this session:** * Beyond the Canvas: How to view system design and business models as part of your artistic medium. * Alternative Frameworks: An introduction to cooperative structures and the solidarity economy. * Redefining Value: How to measure the success of your cultural project using metrics of care, rather than just capitalist extraction. * Real-World Pathways: Tangible examples of cultural workers who have successfully subverted the system to gain economic sovereignty. **Who is this for?** Artists, cultural managers, creative freelancers, and social entrepreneurs in Berlin who are tired of the traditional hustle culture and want to explore sustainable, collective ways to structure their work. **About the Facilitator:** Oihane Amurrio is an artist, educator, and cultural entrepreneur based in Berlin. She specialises in designing alternative pedagogical models in the cultural sector and is the lead designer of the *Cooperative Cultural Entrepreneurship (CCE)* program at Travelling U.

**Exile Diary: Drawing the Maps of Memory - Queer Bridges** with ***Youde Belie Monga*** for **LGBTQIA+ Queer Migrants** **[Free event with registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/queer-bridges-monday/w22-2026/)** 🔵 This workshop invites participants to begin an “Exile Diary”; a visual practice for remembering and retelling personal experiences. Through drawing and simple documentation techniques, participants will explore memory, create a personal notebook, and develop their own visual language using words, symbols, and references. The workshop also reflects on how individual stories connect to broader historical and political contexts. This workshop invites participants to begin an “Exile Diary”; a visual and reflective practice for remembering, retelling, and inscribing personal experiences. It offers a supportive space to explore how memory, identity, and storytelling intertwine. Together, we will use drawing and visual exercises to access and express intimate experiences, while developing simple and accessible ways to document both significant moments and the textures of everyday life. Participants will create a small, personal notebook designed to be continued over time; as an ongoing practice or a way to capture meaningful moments as they arise. **General Information** **Participants**: This workshop is for all who identify as LGBTQ+ and have experienced migration and/or displacement. If you don’t share these experiences but are interested in joining please reach out to us first to see if space is available. We ask that all participants respect the program’s core focus and contribute to fostering an open respectful space. **Registration**: This event has limited spots available. Registration through our website is therefore required. **Language**: English **Cost:** The event is free of charge.

Bring a blanket, maybe a drink or snack, and 3–5 books you’d like to pass on, and spend a relaxed Sunday afternoon with fellow readers at the Gleisdreieck Park. Novels, philosophy books, poetry, comics, forgotten favorites — in any language — everything is welcome. Maybe you’ll leave with fewer books — or more. Both are part of the adventure. This is not a formal market or networking event — just a cozy little community gathering with books, conversations, and a bit of curiosity. Come browse, swap, chat, or simply enjoy the atmosphere on the grass. Orga The meetup will only take place when the **weather is good**. Please keep an eye on notifications. This meetup is donation based. Your contribution helps keep this community alive and is highly appreciated. You can either contribute in cash or via Buy me a Coffee: [https://buymeacoffee.com/butterflyradar](https://buymeacoffee.com/butterflyradar) Questions? Check our Meetup-FAQs: [https://socialbutterfly.berlin/meetup-faq/](https://socialbutterfly.berlin/meetup-faq/) Meet your host I’m Julia — a Berlin local who loves bringing people together. My path went from growing up in a dance school to studying philosophy to working in IT support, and somehow all of that led me here: hosting meetups and creating spaces where people can show up, relax, and connect. Insta [https://www.instagram.com/juwaberlin/](https://www.instagram.com/juwaberlin/) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-waehnert/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-waehnert/) About The Social Butterfly Club 🦋 is a Berlin-based community that has been bringing people together for over three years. Each gathering is part of a larger framework designed to help friendships grow through shared experiences in the city — with a long-term vision of turning Berlin itself into a shared, playful experience. Love the vibe? There’s a whole community waiting for you. 🦋 Join the Social Butterfly Club and experience Berlin together: [https://socialbutterflyradar.substack.com/](https://socialbutterflyradar.substack.com/)

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

Hosted by OSU Extension Summer 2026 Food Preservation Workshops Join Shari Gallup from Ohio State University Extension, for a summer food preservation series at the Bryn Du Mansion. Discover how to safely preserve food at home. Learn basic food preservation methods including pressure canning, water bath canning and drying. June 4 - Water Bath Canning July 9 - Pressure Canning August 6 - Drying Fruits and Vegetables We're excited to once again welcome Shari Gallup from The Ohio State University Extension Office to lead a series of Life Local food preservation workshops. These hands-on sessions are designed to help participants learn practical, time-tested techniques for preserving seasonal foods at home. Registration is not yet open but will be available soon. Stay tuned for details on this wonderful series. Time 5:00 p.m. Location Bryn Du Mansion 587 Jones Road, Granville https://www.bryndu.com/public-events

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