GTUG
Ontmoet andere mensen bij je in de buurt die geïntereseerd zijn in GTUG: wissel ervaringen uit, inspireer en moedig elkaar aan! Word lid van een groep over GTUG.
9.779
leden
3
groepen
Grootste groepen over GTUG
Nieuwste groepen over GTUG
Veelgestelde Vragen
Ja! Bekijk gtug evenementen die vandaag plaatsvinden hier. Dit zijn persoonlijke bijeenkomsten waar je medeliefhebbers kunt ontmoeten en direct kunt deelnemen aan activiteiten.
Ontdek alle gtug evenementen die deze week plaatsvinden hier. Plan vooruit en doe mee aan spannende meetups gedurende de week.
Zeker! Vind gtug evenementen bij jou in de buurt hier. Verbind met je lokale gemeenschap en ontdek evenementen in jouw omgeving.
GTUG Evenementen Vandaag
Doe mee aan de GTUG evenementen die nu plaatsvinden
Stronger Together
Kick off 2026 with our virtual "New Year, New You: Stronger Together" program! This program is designed to empower you with the knowledge and physical strength to make lasting changes, all from the comfort and convenience of your own home. This isn't just about lifting weights; it's a comprehensive journey to build a stronger, more resilient you, both inside and out. The class will include an educational component on strength training, providing you with the understanding you need to maximize your results and build a sustainable fitness routine.
Ages 13 & up; FREE
**Virtual**
**[REGISTER THROUGH PARKS DIRECT](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=Pe0W6P6S0B17294F1R3B1Q4Q5D3Z5E58055O425I561C5I4R6G510H005P4N521J724Q4V6L02705P6N4S1A4Q60544B055T4S5D5V1K5O5Y5556196U3W5C4X6D734V56&age=0.25&age=0.5&age=0.75&age=1&age=2&age=3&age=4&age=5&age=6&age=7&age=8&age=9&age=10&age=11&age=12&age=13&age=14&age=15&age=16&age=17&age=Adult&age=Senior&primarycode=31698-179A&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+One&showwithavailable=No&spotsavailable=&beginyear=&instructor=&dayoption=All&display=Detail&module=AR&multiselectlist_value=&arwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes)**
For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly via email [wellness@pgparks.com](http://wellness@pgparks.com/)
13 Day Spain & Portugal Tour including Gibraltar
Overview
Add a dash of emoción to your journey across the Iberian Peninsula, following an enticing trail of tapas, architectural triumphs and centuries-old art on this 13 day adventure through Spain and Portugal. You’ll ramble through Barcelona, people-watch in Madrid, and stroll along the golden beaches of Costa del Sol. Other famous highlights along the way include the ancient cave dwellings at Guadix, Lisbon’s iconic Belém Tower and the world’s greatest Gothic Cathedral in sizzling Seville.
Highlights
Visited Places:
* Barcelona
* Peñíscola
* Valencia
* Guadix
* Granada
* Costa Del Sol
* Gibraltar
* Seville
* Lisbon
* Fátima
* Salamanca
* Madrid
Travel Experience:
* An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
* Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
* Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
* City orientation tours
* Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
* Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
* Extensive variety of Choice Optional Experiences
* On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Itinerary
Day01
Arrive Barcelona
Day02
Barcelona Sightseeing And Free Time
Day03
Barcelona – Peñíscola – Valencia
Day04
Valencia – Guadix – Granada
Day05
Granada – Costa Del Sol
Day06
Costa Del Sol – Gibraltar – Seville
Day07
Seville Sightseeing And Free Time
Day08
Seville – Lisbon
Day09
Lisbon Sightseeing And Free Time
Day10
Lisbon – Fátima – Salamanca
Day11
Salamanca – Madrid Sightseeing
Day12
Madrid Free Day
Day13
Depart Madrid
***
For detailed itinerary follow the link below:
[https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/13-day-spain-portugal-tour-including-gibraltar/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/13-day-spain-portugal-tour-including-gibraltar/)
Price:
$3590 (Double occupancy)
$4290 (Single occupancy)
Inclusions
Price Includes
* 12 nights hotel stay
* Breakfasts at hotel
* All transportation
* Airport transfer
* Experienced guides/Tour leader
* Activities as per the itinerary
Price Excludes
* Flights
* Meals
* Personal Expenses
* Optional activities
* Travel insurance / Visa
* Tips
***
Questions?
Text/Call: 2023787696 - Himanshu Organizer
Med+ : Cold Weather Commandos - Washington Monument Illumination & Fireworks
CBG's Cold Weather Commando Rides are a series of outdoor cold weather rides. Participants of these rides need to have a higher level of self-sufficiency since we have fewer ride organizers (read: usually no sweep). You must be comfortable adjusting your clothing layers for cooler weather, darker days/nights, and to winter trail conditions.
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Ride: Summary**
**(Must Read)**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
* RIDE NAME: Washington Monument Illumination & Fireworks
* START LOC: Jones Point Park (under the bridge)
* START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2)
* START PARKING: Parking lot. If full, park on side streets around park entrance.
* ARRIVAL: 6:30pm
* SPEECH: 6:40pm
* ROLLING: 6:45pm
* LEVEL: Advanced difficulty, Medium+ pace.
* PACE: \~15-16mph
* DISTANCE: \~19 miles
* TERRAIN: Trail / Street
* RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE:
[WM Illumination & Fireworks](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53641750)
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Ride: Detail**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
Watch as the Washington Monument transforms into the world’s tallest birthday candle in honor of our Nation’s 250th birthday. This event is the opening signature moment of a year-long series of marquee national events.
From JPP, we’ll ride to The Mall, make a lap up and around Capitol Hill, then down just in time to see fireworks expode behind Washington Monument at 7:55p. An \~15 minute video and audio presentation on the monument is expected at 8p. Plan to be stopped for about 30 minutes total.
A warm drink, snack, and hand/toe warmers would be prudent.
This is Advanced difficulty due to nighttime riding and time standing in the cold, but we will be riding at a Medium+ pace.
**Always Do's:**
* Always have a spare tube with you, seriously it is needed.
* Always know your air pressure PSI and have your tires fully inflated.
* Always wear appropriate clothing for the weather (think layers).
* Always eat before & have water/snack with you
* Use a Garmin type bike computer OR our NoVA CBG RideWithGPS app and **HAVE THE ROUTE LOADED AND READY TO USE FOR THE RIDE. Click this link to get the Club Account.**
[https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/)
**Night Rides:**
* Always have a fully charged head light of at least 150 lumens.
[https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/273787949/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/273787949/)
* Always have a fully charged front and tail light.
* Always dress in layers.
**++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Meeting Spot:**
**++++++++++++++++++++**
Jones Point Park
Jones Point Dr.
Alexandria , VA 22314
GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2)
Gather under the bridge by the restrooms.
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Ride After The Ride**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
None, but highly encourage a warm beverage and snack while watching the fireworks and illumination show.
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**Ride Level Chart**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best.
* Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle).
* Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved.
* Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved.
* Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved.
Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations.
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Fine Print:**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's:
* "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/
* NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/
* NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY
Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. **If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.**
......................................................................................................................
NoVa Backgammon Live Tournament
Every Monday Night (Rare Execeptions posted on NOVA BG website ) since the late 1980s, we are new to Meetup.
https://sites.google.com/site/novabackgammon/
Register at 6:45PM
Random Draw 7:00PM sharp.
Results Usually Reported on Tuesday - via NOVA BG E-Mail
Double-Elimination: Main & Consolation Brackets
We follow USBGF Rules and the following options:
- Legal Moves.
- Use of two dice is Preferred over four dice.
- Dice landing on checkers is legal.
- Use of clocks is Preferred.
Books and Chill
Everyone’s heard of book clubs where the group reads the same thing and gets together to discuss, which is great… if you have time and interest in whatever’s chosen. This is a different type of book club where you bring whatever you’re currently or recently reading (or just a book you’re super excited about) and talk about it with fellow book lovers.
We’ll start with people arriving/ordering food between 615-645, then go around and introduce ourselveslves and give a very brief synopsis of what we’re reading and why we’re excited (or not!) about it. Then devolve into informal conversations until people need to head out.
The goal Is to create community and connections in a group of strangers - to facilitate this please make sure you have at least a clear first name on your profile.
Upside on Moore has a great selection of food you can order from your phone or at the kiosks. There’s also a bar with happy hour, something for everyone!
Arrival tips: if you’re taking the metro, it’s the building above the Rosslyn exit. If you’re driving, you can park in the public lot under the food hall (entrance from the one way bus street) and validate parking after 6!
GTUG Evenementen Deze Week
Ontdek wat er de komende dagen gebeurt
🦐♠️🦐 2nd Saturday Spades@Hook & Reel in Greenbelt - Posted in 10+ Groups
This event is being held in partnership with the DMV Spades Meetup Group. Direct questions to the Host, Nne-Nne Abanobi.
*****
Hi All! Join us for 2nd Saturday Spades in Greenbelt, MD. Our group is friendly and welcoming. Please give us a try!
📍Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar 🦐
6002 Greenbelt Road
Greenbelt, MD 20770
⏳️ 6:30pm to 11:30pm
🌟 Join us at this PG County sports bar for food, fun, drinks.....and, of course, Spades.
😀 All skill levels are welcome! Get matched with a partner onsite.
🍷 Happy Hour Specials from 12pm to 7pm:
https://hookreel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HR_GreenbeltMD_HappyHour_Menu_24x36.pdf
********
Located right off the Beltway. Free parking!
Remember to support the business by ordering food/drinks.
🌟 **This event is posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.**
We look forward to seeing you!
Friday Spanish & Portuguese HourS
It is irresistible, to enjoy a Spanish and Portuguese convo with appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks.
***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.***
We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested.
We have the discretion to decide entry.
HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly.
Rules to abide :
1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID).
2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well.
3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible.
4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE.
5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion.
6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message.
7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box.
8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com)).
9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group.
10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages.
11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\.
12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\.
13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\.
***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***
City of Brotherly (Transit) Love
Philadelphia is famous for Constitution Hall, the Liberty Bell, cheesesteaks and...great transit! TEDC member and Philly native Patrick will provide an overview of the public transportation of his hometown, which includes subways, trolleys, commuter rail and buses.
We'll also share an update on our Metro 50 planning process, and decide on our next transit adventure.
Hope you can all make it!
Saturday Spanish & Portuguese HourS
It is irresistible, to enjoy a Spanish and Portuguese convo with appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks.
***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.***
We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested.
We have the discretion to decide entry.
HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly.
Rules to abide :
1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID).
2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well.
3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible.
4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE.
5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion.
6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message.
7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box.
8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com)).
9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group.
10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages.
11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\.
12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\.
13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class.
***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***
A2A Summit + AI Dev 25 x NYC | Key takeaways
**A2A Summit \+ AI Dev 25 x NYC \| Key takeaways**
**Location: Prefect at Foggy Bottom DC + Online**
Hello everyone and Happy New Year! The AI world keeps innovating and we’ve moved past the "How do I write a prompt?" phase and entered the era of **AI Agents**—systems that don't just talk, but actually *act*.
I recently attended the **[A2A (Agent-to-Agent) Summit](https://a2asummit.ai/)** and **[AI Dev 25 with Andrew Ng](https://ai-dev.deeplearning.ai/)**. We are hosting this event to distill the high-level strategy for our product leaders and the technical "how-to" for our engineers.
**The 2 big themes we will explore:**
**1\. The Agentic Shift \(A2A Summit\)**
We are moving from humans talking to AI, to **AI Agents talking to other AI Agents** to solve complex business problems.
* **For Product & Business:** How this changes your roadmap from "features" to "automated workflows."
* **For Tech:** The infrastructure and protocols required to let agents collaborate securely.
**2\. Building the Future with Andrew Ng \(AI Dev 25\)**
Andrew Ng shared a powerful message: the next big leap in AI isn't just bigger models, but **better workflows.**
* **For Product & Business:** Why "Agentic Reasoning" will make your products more reliable and user-friendly.
* **For Tech:** A deep dive into iterative loops, design patterns, and why your coding workflow is about to change forever.
📍 **In person and Online Event!** You can join us in person at Prefect in Foggy Bottom DC for some great company and maybe even some new friends! Or, if you prefer to chill at home, you can easily join us online! 💻
Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/grx-yzgd-meu
Or dial: (US) +1 401-349-1786 PIN: 206 985 943#
**Agenda**
* 6:00pm - 6:30pm EST Networking and Refreshments
* 6:30pm \- 7:30pm EST A2A Summit \+ AI Dev 25 x NYC \| Key takeaways
* 7:30pm - 8:00pm Networking
**Resources**
* [A2A Summit](https://a2asummit.ai)
* [A2a Summit - George's key takeaways](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/a2a-summit-internet-agents-here-george-zoto-vbtce)
* [AI Dev 25 x NYC](https://ai-dev.deeplearning.ai/)
* [AI Dev 25 x NYC - George's key takeaways](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-prototypes-production-my-key-takeaways-andrew-ngs-george-zoto-ld6se)
The recording of this cool series 😎 is available at:
[https://bit.ly/dla-generative-ai](https://bit.ly/dla-generative-ai)
Join us on Slack:
Ask the hosts for an invite.
👉 **RSVP now and secure your spot! We can't wait to see you there!** 💖
David, Robert and George
Deep Learning Adventures is a member of Data Community DC, a nonprofit dedicated to data education in the nation's capital and around the world. Learn more at [www.dc2.org](http://www.dc2.org/)
13 Day Spain & Portugal Tour including Gibraltar
Overview
Add a dash of emoción to your journey across the Iberian Peninsula, following an enticing trail of tapas, architectural triumphs and centuries-old art on this 13 day adventure through Spain and Portugal. You’ll ramble through Barcelona, people-watch in Madrid, and stroll along the golden beaches of Costa del Sol. Other famous highlights along the way include the ancient cave dwellings at Guadix, Lisbon’s iconic Belém Tower and the world’s greatest Gothic Cathedral in sizzling Seville.
Highlights
Visited Places:
* Barcelona
* Peñíscola
* Valencia
* Guadix
* Granada
* Costa Del Sol
* Gibraltar
* Seville
* Lisbon
* Fátima
* Salamanca
* Madrid
Travel Experience:
* An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
* Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
* Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
* City orientation tours
* Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
* Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
* Extensive variety of Choice Optional Experiences
* On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Itinerary
Day01
Arrive Barcelona
Day02
Barcelona Sightseeing And Free Time
Day03
Barcelona – Peñíscola – Valencia
Day04
Valencia – Guadix – Granada
Day05
Granada – Costa Del Sol
Day06
Costa Del Sol – Gibraltar – Seville
Day07
Seville Sightseeing And Free Time
Day08
Seville – Lisbon
Day09
Lisbon Sightseeing And Free Time
Day10
Lisbon – Fátima – Salamanca
Day11
Salamanca – Madrid Sightseeing
Day12
Madrid Free Day
Day13
Depart Madrid
***
For detailed itinerary follow the link below:
[https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/13-day-spain-portugal-tour-including-gibraltar/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/13-day-spain-portugal-tour-including-gibraltar/)
Price:
$3590 (Double occupancy)
$4290 (Single occupancy)
Inclusions
Price Includes
* 12 nights hotel stay
* Breakfasts at hotel
* All transportation
* Airport transfer
* Experienced guides/Tour leader
* Activities as per the itinerary
Price Excludes
* Flights
* Meals
* Personal Expenses
* Optional activities
* Travel insurance / Visa
* Tips
***
Questions?
Text/Call: 2023787696 - Himanshu Organizer
GTUG Evenementen Bij Jou In De Buurt
Verbind met je lokale GTUG gemeenschap
Intro to GitHub Copilot: Your AI Pair Programmer - Chris Steele
**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you.
The building address is 4450 Bridge Park
The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400
**Abstract**
GitHub Copilot is rapidly changing how developers write, understand, and maintain code. Powered by generative AI and deeply integrated into modern development environments, Copilot acts as an intelligent coding assistant, helping developers move faster while maintaining quality and focus.
In this session, we’ll explore what GitHub Copilot is, how it works, and where it fits into a real-world developer workflow. We’ll break down what Copilot can (and cannot) do, where it can be used, and how licensing differs for individuals and organizations. Most importantly, this talk goes beyond theory with a live, hands-on demo showcasing Copilot inside the IDE and on GitHub, demonstrating how it can assist with code generation, refactoring, learning new APIs, and accelerating day-to-day development tasks.
Designed for developers, technical leads, and engineering managers, this session provides a practical introduction to AI-assisted development, highlights best practices for getting value from Copilot, and closes with guidance on how to continue learning and evolving alongside this rapidly advancing tool.
Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how GitHub Copilot can enhance productivity, improve developer experience, and fit into modern software teams today, not someday.
**YouTube Link**
TBA
Morning people unite!! 🐤 ☕ + 💬 @ Java Central Café and Roaster
Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Java Central Café and Roaster](https://javacentral.coffee/)**!**
Trails & Ales! Blacklick Woods Metro Park / Prost Beer & Wine Café
**History**
[Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system.
In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub.
The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups.
During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation.
In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants.
**Map of the Park**
Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg).
**Summary**
For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do.
**Where We'll Meet**
Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms.
Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay.
**After the Hike**
After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.
Celebrate a New Year of Friendship with lunch!! 😍🥳
Join us for lunch at True Food Kitchen in Easton as we celebrate the New Year and our friendships!






















