Outdoor Activities Groups and Events

The only Metro Park with a fire tower! **History** [Scioto Grove Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/scioto-grove/) officially became the 19th park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system when it opened to the public on May 6, 2016. Located along a scenic bend of the Scioto River in Grove City, just south of Columbus, the 620-acre park was designed to blend preservation with modern recreation. Long before it became a park, this river corridor served as a vital footpath and trade route for Indigenous communities. Decades later, the mature forests and dramatic river bluffs caught the eye of conservationists looking to expand regional green spaces. The grand opening was a major milestone, drawing over 19,000 visitors in its very first weekend. The creation of the park was made possible through a sequence of land acquisitions and strong community partnerships. In October 2009, Franklin County voters approved a critical property tax levy that funded the initial purchase of 66 acres. Shortly after, the City of Grove City generously donated nearly 193 acres of land, previously known as Talbot Park, to anchor the project. Additional parcels were acquired using state grants from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, successfully closing the gap between properties by December 2012. This collaborative funding model ensured that pristine wilderness areas remained completely protected from commercial development. From its inception, the park aimed to introduce innovative amenities to the regional park system, most notably the concept of "urban backpacking". Through a key partnership with the outdoor gear retailer REI Co-op, the park established the scenic REI River Trail. This trail features five rustic, reservation-only campsites along the river, specifically designed to give newcomers a safe place to practice backpacking close to home. Additionally, planners prioritized making the park fully pet-friendly, allowing leashed dogs across all trails and areas. This open-pet policy uniquely distinguished Scioto Grove from many other traditional Columbus Metro Parks. As the park grew in popularity, community members established special commemorative landmarks to honor local lives. In June 2019, a dedicated memorial garden was unveiled near the park entrance in memory of Reagan Tokes, an Ohio State University student. The serene space features a central pond bordered by bright blue flowers, representing her favorite color. A primary buckeye tree stands alongside a dedicated plaque, surrounded by four additional buckeye trees to represent her immediate family members. This addition transformed a portion of the park into a meaningful place for community reflection, healing, and peace. The historical depth of the park took a significant leap forward with the relocation of a massive piece of Ohio history. In August 2023, Metro Parks officially unveiled the Keystone Forest Lookout Tower, which had been carefully moved from Jackson County, Ohio. Originally constructed in 1942 by the Aermotor Windmill Company, the 82-foot-tall metal structure spent decades guarding southern Ohio’s vast forests from devastating wildfires. Workers painstakingly disassembled, re-galvanized, and reassembled the historic landmark at Scioto Grove. Today, visitors can climb its 111 steep steps to experience a panoramic view stretching all the way to the downtown Columbus skyline. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Scioto Grove](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SGR-map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** We will hike around 5 miles on the Overlook, REI River, Mingo, and Arrowhead Trails. While the configuration of the trails can lead us to occasionally taking longer hikes than at other parks, Scioto Grove is not generally a very strenuous place to hike. If you use hiking poles and inadvertently forget them, this is not a park where you're likely to end up caring that much. That said, Scioto Grove is one of the better Metro Parks for hiking as well as other things. They are the only Metro Park with five camping areas where you can literally pitch a tent and sleep for the night. You must contact the park and reserve these in advance; they are however free. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet at the Arrowhead Picnic Area, near the restrooms and playground. Arrowhead is the main picnic and parking area of the park, and it also has the only water fountain at Scioto Grove. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Grove City Brewing](https://www.grovecitybrewery.com/) for [drinks and food](https://www.grovecitybrewery.com/menu). They have pretty good hamburgers. I was mortified to discover that I've never had their [Grove City Hooyah](https://www.beermenus.com/beers/486553-grove-city-hooyah) before, but I will correct that during this event. The actual address of the brewery is [3946 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3946+Broadway,+Grove+City,+OH+43123/@39.8836912,-83.0919635,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88389b3a28d0f4ad:0x3d85c41f608406c6!8m2!3d39.8836912!4d-83.0919635!16s%2Fg%2F11g8dh6h1_?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

Please join us this Monday July 13th at 6:30p for a walk at Rose Run Park in New Albany. This 2 mile urban walk is paved. We will meet BEHIND the New Albany Library 200 Market St in the courtyard.

Odoo Academy is a series of **one-day**, **FREE training** sessions where participants can learn directly from our **seasoned experts**. Master a specific **Odoo application** or delve into **industry-specific** functionalities. Join us in our **Columbus, OH** for hands on training in Odoo's Accounting app and take your business to the next level! Training will be given in **ENGLISH**. Lunch is **included**. Participants must bring their **OWN laptop** for the practical exercises. For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to us at ellee@odoo.com. [Register Here Now! ](https://www.odoo.com/r/8yd)**[\[](https://www.odoo.com/r/gO9)Limited Seats Available!]**

Where innovation meets practicality. Join us in **Columbus, OH** for our **immersive event** featuring dynamic, audience-driven demonstrations showcasing the groundbreaking features of our software. We'll cover a wide range of topics, from Manufacturing and Accounting to Inventory Management, Sales/CRM, and eCommerce, as we **delve into the capabilities of Odoo 19**. Discover how it can transform your business processes and support your journey towards digital transformation! Attend for FREE -[ ](https://www.odoo.com/r/dKG)**[Register now!](https://www.odoo.com/r/QU4)** For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to us at ellee@odoo.com

Update:*POSTPONED DUE TO HEAT ADVISORY* Wednesday, July 1, 2026 TENTATIVE RE-SCHEDULED DATE Monday, July 27, 2026 9 a.m. - 12 noon: Program 12- 12:30: picnic lunch Updates: https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/land-lab-tour Granville Land Lab 2025 Burg Street | Granville MEADOWS FOR MONARCHS PROJECT Learning Landscapes Tour + Community Science at the Land Lab Wednesday, July 1, 2026 9 a.m. - 12 noon: Program 12- 12:30: picnic lunch *meet at shelter house near Granville Intermediate School playground* Free. Registration Required so we know to expect you,[ click here https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/land-lab-tour](https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/land-lab-tour) Want to make your own wildflower meadow? Residents of licking county can sign up for this free program to receive free seed and training https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/meadows **ABOUT THE EVENT** Join Pollinator Pathway for a morning at the Land Lab, a ~100-acre prairie and outdoor learning space just steps from Granville Intermediate School. This event explores how schools and other campuses can create living classrooms and contribute to community science. * **Tour the Land Lab:** Award-winning environmental science educator Jim Reding will lead guided tours through prairie, wetlands and other restored habitat, sharing the story behind this nationally-recognized space and the students and partnerships who helped make it happen. * **Contribute to Community Science with iNaturalist App:** Learn to identify and document plants, pollinators and other wildlife using iNaturalist. Dr. Karen Goodell, professor of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at The Ohio State University at Newark and one of Ohio's foremost experts on native bees will share how to use this powerful tool to learn about the natural world while contributing to scientific research. * **Connect & Collaborate:** The morning program concludes with an optional BYO picnic lunch and networking at the Land Lab shelter house, overlooking the prairie. **🌸Anyone passionate about conservation and outdoor learning is welcome🌸** **WHAT TO BRING, WEAR & PREPARE** * **Download the iNaturalist app (the new one vs. the "classic" one) & create an account prior to the event if you don't have one already.** * **Sunscreen** * **Water bottle** * **Insect repellent** * **Hat** * **Comfortable closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain** * **Light-colored clothing.** * **Long pants and socks are encouraged.** * **Please bring a reusable water bottle** * **Packed/picnic lunch.** **Picnic table seating will be available at the shelter house overlooking the Land Lab**

Dirty Franks for Hot Dogs! Opportunity to gather post-meeting, tell stories (mostly lies), ask questions about burning photography/post-production issues, and ponder the future of our country and planet. Oh, and food... Location and time to be determined based on the specifics of the shoot immediately preceding this event.

You planted native. Your neighbor has opinions. Maybe your HOA does too. If you've ever felt like the hardest part of native plant gardening isn't the gardening -- it's the conversations -- you're not alone. Free LIVE WEBINAR · JULY 22 · MUST REGISTER! **How to Talk to Your Neighbors (and Your HOA) About Your Garden** With Lorraine Johnson & Wild Ones Wednesday, July 22nd at 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT Register Now [https://wildones.org/how-to-talk-about-native-plants-with-your-hoa/](https://wildones.org/how-to-talk-about-native-plants-with-your-hoa/) In this webinar, author and Lorraine Johnson gets into the how: how to talk to neighbors who don't get it yet, how to respond to HOA complaints or bylaw challenges, and how to build support in your community for the kind of garden that actually does something for the ecosystem. With three decades of writing and advocacy behind her, Lorraine has seen these conversations play out in every direction, and she's full of practical, grounded advice for navigating them well. Whether you're preparing for a formal HOA review or just want to know what to say when someone asks why your yard looks like that, this session is for you. **About the speaker**: Lorraine Johnson Author, Grow Wild! · Former Honorary Director, Wild Ones Lorraine Johnson is a Toronto-based author and community activist who has spent three decades writing about environmental issues and native plant gardening. She is the author or editor of 14 books, including A Northern Gardener's Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators, Grow Wild!, The Gardener's Manifesto, and A Garden for the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee. She is a former Honorary Director of Wild Ones and past president of the North American Native Plant Society. About Wild Ones - Wild Ones is a nonprofit that promotes environmentally sound landscaping practices to preserve biodiversity through the preservation, restoration, and establishment of native plant communities. With chapters across the U.S. and Canada, it connects gardeners, land stewards, and advocates working to bring native plants back into everyday landscapes.

Ohio State Extension presents Let's Preserve It! Food Preservation Webinar Series Tuesdays | 12-12:30 p.m. (EDT) | ZOOM JOIN US FOR ONLINE LEARNING Free Food preservation season is officially here, and our professionals are hosting a series of educational workshops that focus on various food preservation methods. All workshops are virtual (12-12:30 p.m.). Register at the link in the comments to sign up. All meetings will be recorded and shared. DATES - June 9: Methods of Preserving June 23: Water Bath Canning Basics July 7: Pressure Canning Basics July 21: Freezing Basics July 28: Drying Basics Aug. 11: Making and Preserving Juice Not hosted on Meetup, click rsvp register at the link to get zoom link

**Have you heard about Washington Women Outdoors (WWO) but don't know much about it? Are you curious to meet WWO's leaders? Would you like to learn more about how we plan our outdoor adventures? Register here for our Zoom meeting:** **[https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org/event-6750634](https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org/event-6750634)** WWO, an all-volunteer organization, has been hosting outdoor adventurers for women since 1979--hiking, cycling, backpacking, kayaking and more. We invite you to hear from our leaders, learn about the activities we offer and how you can take an active role in supporting women in the outdoors. We hope you will attend this meeting, particularly if you'd like to become more involved with WWO or meet other women outdoor enthusiasts. **The meeting will be held on Zoom. You need to register to receive meeting instructions. Only registered individuals can join the meeting.** **Hope to see you there!** **YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT HERE;** **[https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org/event-6750634](https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org/event-6750634).** **Explore our website: [https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org](https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org)**

Ohio State Extension presents Let's Preserve It! Food Preservation Webinar Series Tuesdays | 12-12:30 p.m. (EDT) | ZOOM JOIN US FOR ONLINE LEARNING Free Food preservation season is officially here, and our professionals are hosting a series of educational workshops that focus on various food preservation methods. All workshops are virtual (12-12:30 p.m.). Register at the link in the comments to sign up. All meetings will be recorded and shared. DATES - June 9: Methods of Preserving June 23: Water Bath Canning Basics July 7: Pressure Canning Basics July 21: Freezing Basics July 28: Drying Basics Aug. 11: Making and Preserving Juice Not hosted on Meetup, click rsvp register at the link to get zoom link

Free live webinar, Wed. July 15, 6p ET Every fall, gardeners bag up leaves. Every winter, branches come down and get discarded. Every spring, there's a pile of "stuff" to deal with. But what if that stuff is actually the most valuable material in your yard? In this webinar, Perfect Earth Project founder and landscape designer Edwina von Gal shows us how to turn what was once considered yard waste into wildlife habitat, soil enrichers, and outdoor art. Think: “tree cookie” paths, hibernacula, leaf piles with pizazz, and sculptural arrangements that look intentional while doing real ecological work. Edwina has spent four decades designing landscapes for some of the most design-forward clients in the country, and she brings that same eye to the question of what belongs in a garden and what gets thrown away. (Spoiler alert: nothing!) Edwina also cover how to have the conversation with your landscaper who may have a hard time grasping this whole new approach to what "maintenance" looks like and will share the science-based, horticulturally-tested PRFCT practices. You'll come away with creative, practical ideas for making your landscape more beautiful and more alive, without buying a thing—just rethinking what you’ve already got. **About the speaker:** Edwina von Gal Landscape Designer · Founder, Perfect Earth Project A leading voice in sustainable gardening and landscape design, Edwina von Gal founded the Perfect Earth Project in 2013 to promote ecological, toxic-free land care for the health of people, their pets, and the planet. As principal of her eponymous landscape design firm, Edwina created landscapes with a focus on simplicity, sustainability, and beauty for private and public clients around the world. Her work has been published widely, including in The New York Times, Vogue, and Architectural Digest, and in her award-winning book Fresh Cuts. In 2024, she was named one of the top 50 Creatives in America by Wallpaper* magazine and in 2026 she was recognized as one of Galerie magazine’s Creative Minds. She has served on boards and committees for a number of horticultural organizations and currently serves on the board of What Is Missing, Maya Lin’s multifaceted media artwork about the loss of biodiversity, Longue Vue’s National Council, and is a member of the Native Plant Trust’s Council. Her awards include the LongHouse Visionary Award from LongHouse Reserve, the New York School of Interior Design’s Green Design Award, the Isamu Noguchi Award, and Guild Hall's Academy of the Arts Lifetime Achievement Award for the Visual Arts. Hosted by Wildr

July 15: Grow Native! Webinar: Greetings from the Prairie Garden Trust, a Grow Native! Garden of Excellence Join Lorna Domke of the Prairie Garden Trust (PGT) to learn how this 240-acre farm blossomed into a diverse native plant "nature garden” over the course of 30 years. The PGT is open to visitors young and old to experience the magic of nature by exploring miles of paved and natural walking trails through a variety of enhanced native habitats, including woods, limestone bluffs, prairie plantings, ponds and streams, and more. The PGT is also a Grow Native! Garden of Excellence. This free webinar, to be held via Zoom, will include a presentation and a live question-and-answer session. The webinar will be recorded, and a link to the recording will be sent to all registrants and posted to the MPF YouTube channel. Wednesday, July 15, at 4:00 p.m. 1 GNPCP CEU. Register for free at the link. Photos of the Prairie Garden Trust and Lorna Domke provided by Lorna and Henry Domke