Outdoor Activities Groups and Events

**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.

**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.

[Old School Groove](https://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolGrooveBand/) \- Vintage rock\, southern rock\, blues\, reggae\. Originals mixed with 60s & 70s classics\. Getcha groove on\! **[Flint Station](https://www.theflintstation.com/)** is an old depot venue for drinks and live music. They usually have a **bbq food truck** on location. Feel free to bring your own takeout. I'll bring a basket of snacks. NO COVER *They're planning for a beautiful summer evening performance in the beer garden. However, if the weather doesn't cooperate...they will be upstairs in the old-time dance hall. Either way...it's going to be a night to remember!!* **PARKING**: either near the beer garden or across the street.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Free Communal Garden Class Series GROWING MUSHROOMS In this class, we will discuss how to raise mushrooms on logs outdoors as a way to raise food in parts of your yard that are usually too shady to grow vegetables or other crops. We will discuss what mushroom species can be cultivated, what tree species they can grow on, and demonstrate how to prepare and inoculate the logs. By following these steps, you can have your own bountiful mushroom harvest! APRIL 27 | 6:00-7:30 PM | WELLS BARN 1851 E BROAD ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43205 INSTRUCTOR: MARC AMANTE Mare Amante is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator with Central State University who is also currently serving as CSU Extension's Agriculture and Natural Resources Interim Program Leader. He has worked on and managed diversified vegetable farms across the Midwest and currently owns and operates an urban farm here in Ohio where he raises microgreens, vegetables, raspberries, and log-grown mushrooms for sale to local markets and restaurants. Registerefor free here https://www.fpconservatory.org/events/cg-growing-mushrooms/

**Over time I'm hoping to organize a hike to all the Franklin County Metro Parks. This is the first one so if you're interested jump in!** **We'll start with the Canopy Walk, a cool feature of this park. Climb 100 stairs to the top - or take the elevator if stairs aren't your thing. At the top there are a bunch of things to play on - a rope bridge, a fireman pole that we can slide down - and more! About fifteen minutes there and we'll head to the natural trail, Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail for 2.2 miles then do a 1.7 mile loop on the paved Greenway Trail. We'll be passing our cars as we transition if you only want to do the first loop, or the second loop. Pace of around 3.5 mph but no one left behind.** **If there is an interest we can grab lunch nearby afterward at Prost Beer and Wine Cafe. Www.prostcafe.com** **Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk is at 6711 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg OH**

Hosted by Penn State, Free Online Webinar but registration required at the link. About The Live Webinar Late blight is a devastating disease of tomato, but not all spots or discoloration are caused by this disease. In this practical, grower- and gardener-focused webinar, participants will learn to distinguish late blight, early blight, and other common foliar diseases of tomato, while gaining strategies for effective management to protect plants and improve productivity. What will you learn? How to identify common diseases of tomato How to distinguish late blight from other tomato diseases Best practices for managing tomato diseases Event Details When: June 10, 2026 (12:00 PM-1:15 PM ET) (Not hosted on meetup, you will be sent Zoom link after registration)

Take the free challenge. See more birds, bees, and butterflies in your yard — while shrinking your lawn. You’ll get 12 weeks of emails with doable steps, expert tips from leaders like Robin Wall Kimmerer and Doug Tallamy, a yard health scorecard, and fun rewards along the way. You’ll start by seeing how healthy your yard is today, and finish by celebrating how much it has grown! This challenge is 100% free. We created it because nothing like this existed — and spreading this movement to every yard in America is too important to put behind a paywall Join here: https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/?ref=design_your_wild **Prizes & Badges** Complete all 12 challenges for a chance to win prizes like a native garden kit, a personalized action plan, or fun merch. Everyone who finishes also earns a special Wildr badge and receives a free subscription to Design Your Wild. **Free Land Assessment** Start with your Wildr Score, a free 5-minute quiz that shows how healthy your yard is today. Take it again at the end of 12 weeks to celebrate your progress, see how you stack up. **Expert Speakers** Learn from experts like renowned ecologist Doug Tallamy and other rewilding specialists—including ecological designers, authors, and movement leaders Weekly Challenges Each week you’ll get a new challenge in your inbox. Every action counts, and by the end you’ll see your yard — and the life it supports — grow healthier and more joyful

Do you love the outdoors as well as a challenge? Ohio’s outdoors are calling to you —vast forests, the Great Lakes, and wild spaces that inspire awe and action. And on the doorstep of so much more – from the gorges of Kentucky to the mountains of North Carolina to the snowy forests of Michigan. Whether it’s a walk in an urban park or a backpacking adventure in the Smokies, we are committed to helping others “enjoy, explore and protect” what we all love. Sierra Club needs bold, community-driven leaders who aren’t afraid of a challenge —leaders who see the outdoors not just as a place to explore, but as a space for connection, rejuvenation, and advocacy. As a Sierra Club Outings Leader, you’ll do more than guide hikes—you’ll inspire a new generation of environmental changemakers, build inclusive outdoor experiences and teach others to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly. If you believe nature should be for everyone and want to create real impact where adventure meets activism, this is your call to lead. Want to learn more? Register for our virtual Outings Leader Open House [here](https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001TTGzbIAH&mapLinkHref=)!

Join award-winning author, landscape designer, photographer, and educator Rick Darke for What Is Wild and Why It Matters, a free national webinar on native plant gardening, ecological landscape design, and biodiversity. Taking place on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, this virtual event explores how welcoming authentic wildness into your home landscape can create resilient, beautiful spaces that support pollinators, wildlife, and local ecosystems. Event Details Live Webinar: What Is Wild and Why It Matters presented by Rick Darke with Q&A Date: Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM MT | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM PT Location: Virtual. Link provided with registration. Can’t make it live? A recording will be available through May 28, 2026. Cost: Free – $25 (pay what you can). This webinar supports the shared missions of Wild Ones and Homegrown National Park

Join us the 1st Monday of every month as we meet up to chat about relationships. Hope to see you there!

Kick Off Speaker for the Design Your Wild Rewild your Yard 2026 Challenge. **Robin Wall Kimmerer** Botanist, author of Braiding Sweetgrass and champion of plant wisdom May 7, 2026 at 7pm ET, Online Sign up for the free challenge to get the Zoom link for the webinar. ************************ Take the challenge: See more birds, bees, and butterflies in your yard — while shrinking your lawn. You’ll get 12 weeks of emails with doable steps, expert tips from leaders like Robin Wall Kimmerer and Doug Tallamy, a yard health scorecard, and fun rewards along the way. You’ll start by seeing how healthy your yard is today, and finish by celebrating how much it has grown! This challenge is 100% free. We created it because nothing like this existed — and spreading this movement to every yard in America is too important to put behind a paywall Join here: https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/?ref=design_your_wild **Prizes & Badges** Complete all 12 challenges for a chance to win prizes like a native garden kit, a personalized action plan, or fun merch. Everyone who finishes also earns a special Wildr badge and receives a free subscription to Design Your Wild. **Free Land Assessment** Start with your Wildr Score, a free 5-minute quiz that shows how healthy your yard is today. Take it again at the end of 12 weeks to celebrate your progress, see how you stack up. **Expert Speakers** Learn from experts like renowned ecologist Doug Tallamy and other rewilding specialists—including ecological designers, authors, and movement leaders Weekly Challenges Each week you’ll get a new challenge in your inbox. Every action counts, and by the end you’ll see your yard — and the life it supports — grow healthier and more joyful

☀️ALL HANDS ON DECK☀️ Scott needs help getting the pool opened up for the 2026 Pool season! Considering he opens his home to us to use the pool, I have nominated us to help 😁 He will grill hamburgers/hot dogs…. Please bring buns, condiments, sides and your drinks. Please bring a willingness to help…. Which includes: pulling the pool cover, setting up pool equipment, starting the pool, power washing the furniture and deck, setting up furniture, cleaning, etc. Time is approximate…. But more hands make light work! Let’s do this! ☀️ Last year it took 4 hours what it would take Scott alone to do in 16 hours. This help would be greatly appreciated by Scott. If it is raining on Saturday, this will be changed on Sunday the 10th.