Wilderness Hiking

**Women Who Wonder — Intergenerational Women's Circle** **The theme: Women and Nature** Since the industrialisation of the 19th century, we have been segregated into age groups since kindergarten. This disconnect between generations costs us well-being, resilience, and even years of our lives. Women Who Wonder brings back the receptive, responsive relationships between generations. We sit together in a circle for 90 minutes, not to advise but to share, listen to and witness each other. Each participant speaks without interruption and can ask for the kind of response she would like, or silent appreciation. Being witnessed this way creates a tangible, lifting energy. **This circle's theme is women and nature.** Every participant brings her own experiences and understanding. We pass an hourglass as our talking piece. To create a safe and confidential space, every attendee signs our circle agreements on arrival. The essentials: we don't interrupt, we are non-judgemental, we don't fix, and we don't sell services. What is shared in the circle stays in the circle. **About me** My name is Barbara, I'm a coach, healer, gynaecologist and obstetrician with experience from birth to consultation, from hormones to operation. I am interested in many things, have written and recorded songs and created an online networking event for polymaths that lights people up. I feel that it is time for women to support each other, to learn with and from each other across generations. **Practical details** This meeting is free. Places are limited to 20 women. The circle is held in Swiss German and English. Location: Café Bar Flor, Seefeldstrasse 63, 8008 Zürich Date: Friday, 16 May, 5:00–6:30 pm When it's truly heard, your story becomes wisdom.

**Deep Rest & Relaxation Circle – Yoga Nidra, Gentle Yoga & Sound Healing** *(By donation – all are welcome)* You’re warmly invited to a nourishing relaxation circle designed to help you slow down, soften, and reconnect with yourself. Together we’ll explore deep rest through gentle yoga, effortless Yoga Nidra meditation (practiced lying down), and soothing sound healing with Tibetan singing bowls — all held in a friendly, supportive circle. This is a space to pause, breathe, and return to your heart, your inner calm, and your natural intuition. **This practice can support:** * Relief from stress, anxiety, and tension * Deep relaxation and nervous system reset * Better sleep * Emotional balance and uplift * Greater clarity, confidence, and creativity * Enhanced intuition * Meaningful, heart-centred connections with others ### What to expect **Gentle, Nourishing Yoga** Slow, accessible movements to release tension, support energy flow, and reconnect with your body’s wisdom and vitality. **Yoga Nidra (guided deep rest)** A zero-effort meditation practiced lying down. Yoga Nidra allows the body and mind to fully rest and restore, helping to calm the nervous system, release anxiety, improve sleep, and gently unwind exhaustion and overwhelm. **Sound Healing** Tibetan singing bowls guide you into deep presence and relaxation. The vibrations support the release of tension, stress, fatigue, and emotional holding, creating an optimal state for rest and self-healing. Everything is provided — just bring comfortable clothes and an open heart. **Contribution:** Suggested donation: **30.–** If cost is a barrier, please contribute what you can — everyone is welcome. **Booking:** Please WhatsApp or text me on **078 246 50 91** to join, as I don’t use Meetup regularly and bookings are managed via WhatsApp. More info: **[www.reconnectiorest.org](http://www.reconnectiorest.org)** I look forward to sharing this peaceful, nourishing time together. With love, **Myriam** 💛

🌿 **Imagine finishing a peaceful walk in nature… feeling lighter, clearer, and deeply connected to yourself again.** If something inside you is asking for space, clarity, or an emotional reset, this session may be exactly what you need. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from your inner calm, this Nature Coaching Session offers a gentle space to pause and realign. This is a **1:1 guided coaching walk in nature**, designed to help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, and hear your inner voice again. Nature has a powerful way of softening the mind and opening deeper awareness. During our walk, you may experience: • releasing built-up stress • quieting the mental noise • moving from overthinking into embodied presence • accessing new perspectives and insights • feeling grounded, supported, and more like yourself again ***You don’t need to prepare anything, just come as you are.*** Depending on what is alive for you, we may explore topics such as: • finding clarity around a personal or emotional situation • reconnecting with your inner voice and intuition • navigating life transitions or uncertainty • reducing overwhelm or anxiety • identifying and shifting limiting beliefs • cultivating deeper presence, self-trust, and inner peace This is a **safe, compassionate space** where you can speak openly, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters to you. ### How the session works 🌿 We meet in a beautiful natural location in **Zurich Seebach** (exact spot shared after booking). 🌿 The session lasts around **60 minutes**. 🌿 We walk at a relaxed pace — it’s not about distance, but about **presence and connection.** 🌿 During the walk you’ll receive gentle guidance, reflective questions, grounding practices, and intuitive coaching support. 🌿 **This session is offered on a donation basis.** You’re invited to contribute an amount that feels aligned for you, based on the value you receive and what you’re able to give. ***Payment can be made after the session (cash or Twint).***

Hello dear Challengers, if you wish to join the Limmat swim and strengthen your body, join me to that swim. I will give you a short introduction on the "why" you should do it and then you will tell me if you want to do it. I am a trained lifeguard (SLRG), I did also the Hypothermia Module and I am swimming in the cold since 2015. Take with you all the necessary to swim, flip/flop, safe buoy (something like the orange donut here below, if you have it) and a Thermos. https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/a/7/5/600_466843637.jpeg See you there! Massimo ps: Limmat temperature https://www.zh.ch/de/umwelt-tiere/wasser-gewaesser/messdaten/wassertemperaturen.html

Welcome to an exclusive private poker evening for people who enjoy style, conversation, and a touch of friendly competition. Join us for a curated social night in an elegant setting, designed for both experienced players and curious beginners. Your ticket includes access to the evening, the poker table, a refined social atmosphere, and the chance to connect with a handpicked group of guests. Expect cards, drinks, networking, and a polished private-club experience with a relaxed but sophisticated energy. Limited seats available. Reservation required.

. **❤️ WELCOME HOME** **❤️** Event takes place, rain or shine (we got ultra rain-protected areas for everyone ❤️) * **See** **[VIDEO & PHOTOS](https://photos.app.goo.gl/o476bvQ6ZC8CGhG57)** of previous events * **Join** our **Whatsapp** with zero-spam promise [https://chat.whatsapp.com/G01nWpon13VB0gebrqFmfx?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G01nWpon13VB0gebrqFmfx?mode=gi_t) (if link does not work please open via laptop's browser on https://web.whatsapp.com/ ) * **Join** our **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/wearetheconnectionspace/)** * **Testimonials** (scroll to "photos" section to read testimonials) *"The best event I know on Meetup to connect to new friends."* *"First participation, an evening to remember!"* *"So far in 7 years this is the first time I see a really good organised event!"* *"Mega schön"* *"I was positively surprised. They organized everything so well; I met some interesting, friendly people. I highly recommend it"* *"Great! Everything excellent, super organized... lots of people. Great atmosphere"* *"Had a blast!"* *"I am really grateful for the warm atmosphere, inspiring moments"* . **why? Offline fun meaningful connections** with new **friends** for free! That's what we truly desire and makes us happy and healthy! . **how? No "forced" process, only optional fun activities**! In today's event we will have: * New-comer area (never was easier to spark a conversation, with ice-breakers, optional for first time attendees) * fun social games * mindful games * or simply join the great vibe and talk to anyone anytime! 😃 * 20:00 Speed-friending - guaranteed process to meet new people while having fun, with moderator * 20:30 Slow-Friending more time to connect & deeper connection **where?** join **WHATSAPP (see link above)** where we will post the exact location of our tables on the same day of the event (look for "pinned" message). Or just come and find Christos wearing [this hat](https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMse15UzdSJkJB9Tygbr0j3D9VEX1XBua4p0c33ysAJpE3vywTxIJ7hY0n4YtNc7w?key=UEhJR042X0tsQXBoZzB0QmgzSGhCU3R0QUdCQjJn) on the rooftop or call him on 0768175380 . . **coming late?** we got many people until closing at 00:00 so come whenever! . **coming solo?** 95%+ do too - perfect place to come solo! . . . . . . . ***MORE INFO? Read on...*** . **ABOUT US:** **Why?** **fun** **offline meaningful connections**! Have **fun** meeting **new friends** & **existing friends** thus building your **community.** Its scientifically proven that **offline** **human connections** make us **happy** and **healthy** (more on this below) **Where?** at the **rooftop** of Zürich's most famous and beautiful **garden** \- Frau Gerolds garden\! **How?** **Disconnect** your phone & Connect with people in a **free** and **super-fun** event! These recurring events create a "fixed" community without any specific reasons for connection (like interests, genders, age or countries). **Everyone is welcome**! The event is that **simple**😀 * 🌴NEW: beautiful **rooftop** in most beautiful **garden** in central Zürich that comes with its own bar * **🥇** **New comer area** for first-time-atendees with ice-breaker questions (optional area, in case you want to talk to first-time attendees) * 👭 **meet like-minded** **friends** by **voting** your favorite discussion topics - the top 5 will be turned into topic-based tables! * 🃏 **Fun social games** (read game names below) * **🎲 Mindful Connection Games** from [The School of Life](https://www.theschooloflife.com/shop/?_product_type=games-card-sets) with games and questions that go deeper in connection (game names below). Grab a game and start playing. * 👬 or simply **hang-out** and **meet new & old friends** **without** a process . **IMPORTANT:** * **Why so many options above for connection?** We always have: a first-timer area, Fun social games, Mindful games, ice-breaker questions or simply just talk freely to anyone. Often we add: Speed-friending and a Music jam. We believe **you are unique** and each of us prefers different ways of connection. Also we want to provide an opportunity for everyone to try something new * **Easy and "Safe":** We have the whole location reserved for us so its safe to open up and meet new friends (unlike bars in Zürich where people find it strange if strangers talk to them). Christos and volunteers will also help with connection. Read more info below. * **Christos** (see [PHOTO](https://photos.app.goo.gl/pdtVaVGCyDEJ28uE8)) and our co-organisers will be wearing name budges and will aim to **welcome** **everyone.** * **Thank YOU** for being so open in meeting new people and making 50+ events with 7500+ attendees in 2.5+ years happen! * more info via our **[LINKS](http://linktr.ee/connectionspace)** * Yes YOU are **good** & **courageous** for looking for new fun connections! * 95% of people come **solo** \- you can too❤️ * Everyone is in same situation and you ll be surprised how **friendly people** are ❤️ * Come **early** though **later** also ok as many people there **until 00:00** * **It works**! We heard of many new friendships, living together and even getting a new job * For **volunteering** for free please msg Christos 0768175380. We can provide free drinks for your service . **TIPS on HOW TO CONNECT:** * **Look out for a good smile/vibe** in a person/group of 2-3 people and say "Hi my name is xxx, can I join?". * **Try something different** (person, game, table, activity) often until you find **fun** **quality connection** * **Ask** **Support:** we understand going out to meet friends can be a stretch. We make this easy with a fun and safe event. Also you can ask for help from our clearly communicated (see photos of this event) "**People Connectors**" who can help you discreetly to connect with others * **Invest time**(not quickly just come by) as friendships are an investment * **Come back**: big turnaround, people come randomly at each event, so you never know who you ll meet . . . . . **ABOUT US:** **(in detail)** . . **WHY Connection Space**? * ... we ❤️ **uniting people** while having **fun!** We make the world better by enabling **fun quality offline connections** & building **community!** * ... we truly believe **Human Connections** is what we truly **deeply crave** for and what we truly **need** so we can be **happy** and **healthy**! This is proven by data in [ANCIENT HISTORY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg_47J6sy3A), in [MODERN HISTORY](https://www.kiltrohealth.com/blog/blue-zones-social-connection-the-secret-to-longevity-and-well-being) and also scientifically proven by [HARVARD ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KkKuTCFvzI)in an 87 year old study. Yes this makes you [HEALTHY](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/relationships-boost-survival/#:~:text=Overall%252C%2520social%2520support%2520increases%2520survival,%252Da%252Dday%2520smoking%2520habit) and is what you really need - the other things are not as important as society tells you. . * **WHAT is Connection Space?** Imagine a co-working space where everyone is with headphones, laptops, mostly being 'alone' all day ... or a cafe/restaurant/bar where pretty much all people talk to people they already know.. . The **"Connection Space"** is exactly the opposite of that; its a **fun** social environment outside family and work, a cultural exchange, where we **unite** and hangout with **new and old friends** as **one community**. . Thats it. . No to phones, laptops, zoom-calls, books No to a specific reason to get together (eg. only for specific hobbies, genders, age groups, languages etc) No to just talking to your friends Not a dating, not a party, not an expat-only meetup NO to division (political racial gender etc) . Yes to simple and real in-person connection with new and old friends YES TO FUN! We got many optional activities for you to try out Yes to feeling like home & come as you are Yes to unity, love and respect for one another Yes to eating, drinking and music Yes to everyone-is-welcome & always-free events YES to UNITY! Getting along with each other in spite of different opinions . Our events are **inspired** by the Greek village culture of "[Καφενείο](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kafenio)" (village coffeeshops) with photos [HERE](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=569660528&sxsrf=AM9HkKlXnclaLfgcockKtdr9qHdmD5jaGw:1696060562834&q=greek+%CE%BA%CE%B1%CF%86%CE%B5%CE%BD%CE%B5%CE%B9%CE%BF&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi52fX67dGBAxXnlf0HHZNiBHUQ0pQJegQICRAB&biw=1460&bih=913&dpr=2). When myself Christos was a kid, my granddad took me to these "[Καφενείο](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kafenio)". Every neighbourhood had one, and people met, without an exaggeration, on a daily-basis. It was the community center of the village. People met new and old friends, played games, socialised, ate snacks, drank coffee and ouzo. It was a very friendly, welcoming and homey environment. Unfortunately this concept is rapidly dying in Greece. As a kid I had extremely good memories of these coffeeshops, and for this reason I am passionate to revive and recreate this environment and also add a modern twist. Hope you enjoy it! . * **WHAT is NOT Connection Space? NOT** a drinks or party event (responsible drinking only, no shots, no free drinks). **NOT** a dating event. **NOT** foreigners-only, but everyone is welcome * **What KIND of event is this?** Its a mix of **social** and **cultural event** that build **community**. We have many people from so many different cultures socialising, we promote culture with events with Art exhibitions and Live Music and we also revive the social culture of the Greek traditional village coffeeshop (Καφενείο - read more above). * **WHO?** Wir wollen gerne mehr **Schweizer/innen** dabei haben! Alle sind willkommen und die meisten können Deutsch sprechen. Not an expat event. **Everyone welcome**! * **Mindful Connection Games:** from [The School of Life](https://www.theschooloflife.com/shop/?_product_type=games-card-sets) available: Confessions Game, The Friendship Game, Connection Game, The Loser Game, Games for grown-ups and three sets of "100 questions" (Conversation Toolkit & Careers & Relationships) * **Fun Social Games:** bring your own **board/card games** or choose from: Cards against humanity, Exploding Kittens, Codenames, Debatable, Sotally Tober, Taboo, Mafia, Uno, Monopoly and more. . Looking forward to **fun quality Connections**! 🙂

Join us for an amazing day trip to the beautiful Swiss Alps and explore some of Switzerland's most stunning valley. Info: 📅 Date: Sunday, 17. May 2026 🚌 Bus departure: 9:00am sharp (Meeting at 8:50) 📍Meeting Point: Zurich HB Bus station/Sihlquai 🏠 Return: Arrive back in Zurich 19:30 💸Cost: 34.50 return (Zurich- Lauterbrunnen-Zurich) 💺 To book your seat on the rented bus please follow this link (limited space) [Link](https://buytickets.at/zurichtogether/2128774) 📲 Join the WhatsApp Chat once you have purchased your ticket for all further information! [Link](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KafZv9vCEJXHRaGrdvkQ71/) Joining for the first time? Then watch this Zurich Together Day Trips explanation video: [Link](https://youtube.com/shorts/lzlcK-I9rjY) What to bring: * Hiking shoes * Suncream * Appropriate clothing based on the weather forecast What is not included in the day trip? \- Gondola price not included this is transport ticket only\. \- Food and Drinks +Additional info: Once we arrive, you are free to choose from a variety of hiking routes based on your fitness level. However, you are also welcome to follow the route suggested by the Admin Team. ⚠️Please Note⚠️ Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. They will be voided if not used. Please remember that each participant is responsible for their own safety during the hike/trip. The organizer / Zurich Together will not be held liable for any injuries or inconveniences that may occur during the event.

The weather on Ascention Day is forecast to be very rainy. So we move this to Sunday. This is a fairly flat hike along the Limmat from Neuenhof towards Zürich. Towards the end, we stop-over (or finish) at a place where they operate live steam outdoor model trains on 5 inch and 7 inch tracks. This weekend is when they have their annual open days. See link and the photos linked below! ############################## MEETING: * 08:05h: Meet at Zürich HB under the «Blue Angel» TRAVEL OUTBOUND: * 08:14h: S12 Zürich HB (pf. 41/42, dir. «Brugg AG») to Neuenhof * 08:36h: Arrival at Neuenhof and start of the hike HIKE DATA: * Duration: 5¾ hrs (plus breaks) * Distance: 24 km * Ascent/Descent: 160m/140m * SAC classification: T1 * Map: [https://schweizmobil.ch/en/tour/341738489](https://schweizmobil.ch/en/tour/341738489) HIGHLIGHT & STOP-OVER: * At ca. 14:00h, stop-over at the outdoor steam engine club at Zürich-Tüffenwies. Let's take a ride … * I have factored in a stop-over of about 1 hour for this (look around, ride, food, drinks) * [https://www.dmc-ch.ch/](https://www.dmc-ch.ch/) * [https://www.dmc-ch.ch/veranstaltungen](https://www.dmc-ch.ch/veranstaltungen) * Photos from 2023: [https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/33534062/](https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/33534062/) * Photos from 2025: [https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/35368898/](https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/35368898/) LUNCH: * Picnic EARLY DROP-OUT: * If you are not sure if the distance and time is for you: There are many S-Bahn stations, bus stops and then tram stops along the way RETURN TRAVEL: * The hike finishes at Zürich HB COST / TICKET PRICE: Total ticket cost: * Outbound: CHF 7.10 (w/HT) * Return: n/a (or ticket from how far you've got) ############################## DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a guided tour. Instead, this is a get-together of individuals who themselves are responsible for their judgement, choices and actions. It is your own responsibility to prepare appropriately before the event: You need to understand what activity is foreseen, assess the difficulty, risks and dangers and the expected weather conditions. Furthermore, you need to assess the requirements regarding experience, capabilities and fitness condition, and judge if you personally have the necessary experience, capabilities and fitness level. You yourself also need to assure adequate preparation, equipment (boots, clothes, gear...) and insurance cover and do everything as if you were going by yourself. During the event it is also your own responsibility to apply your own judgement and to take considerate responsible decisions yourself, fully within your own responsibility and judgement. The event is entirely at your own risk. The organiser also does not warrant on the accuracy or completeness of the description above. The organiser just offers you to join one another and to go together, but holds no responsibility for anything, including injuries or death that might result directly or indirectly from this event.

**[⚠️ >>Ticket needed (click here)<<](https://eventfrog.ch/de/p/freizeit-ausfluege/wanderung/walk-connect-daytrip-to-seealpsee-appenzell-7459334125192795157.html)**[ ](https://eventfrog.ch/de/p/freizeit-ausfluege/wanderung/walk-connect-daytrip-to-seealpsee-appenzell-7459334125192795157.html)or **[www.social-circle.ch](https://social-circle.ch/)** Cliffside hut, hermit caves, alpine lake — all in one Sunday 🥾 We take the train and cable car to that mountain restaurant from every Switzerland postcard, then hike down past Seealpsee back to the train 🌊🏔️ Make new friends on this daytrip, in a setting National Geographic once called the most beautiful place in the world. **Coming alone? That's totally fine!** We'll match you with people who share your vibe using the Social Circle app — we'll introduce you to it during the event **Stay in the loop:** Join our WhatsApp group for updates and the live meeting location on the day: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CkFmnu2NL5BDJCUYXv53VG](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CkFmnu2NL5BDJCUYXv53VG) *If the link doesn't open on your phone, try using WhatsApp Web on your computer.* **Timeline** * **09:30**⏰ – Meet under the big clock at Zürich Main Station (HB) * **10:08**🚆 – Take the IR 13 toward Sargans from Gleis 6 * **11:14** – Arrive at Gossau SG (Gleis 3) * **11:21** – Change to the S23 toward Wasserauen from Gleis 11 * **12:13** – Arrive at Wasserauen (Gleis 1), cross the road to the Ebenalpbahn * **12:20**🚠 – Cable car up to Ebenalp (departures every 15 min, ride is \~6 min) * **12:30**🥾 – Walk through the Wildkirchli caves down to Aescher * **12:50**🍽️ – Lunch at Berggasthaus Aescher on the cliff terrace (first come first served, no reservations) * **13:30**⛰️ – Hike down the steep mountain path to Seealpsee (\~1h) * **14:30**🌊 – Time at Seealpsee (photos, snacks, feet in the lake if you're brave) * **16:00** – Walk down the valley path to Wasserauen (\~1h) * **17:00** – Arrive at Wasserauen * **17:18**🚆 – S23 back to Gossau SG, then IR 13 toward Zürich HB * **19:20** – Back at Zürich HB **✅ Included** * Snacks for the trail * Moderated Speed Friending rounds along the way * A guided tour through the Wildkirchli caves, Aescher, and down to Seealpsee **❌ Not included** * Train tickets to and from Wasserauen * Cable car up to Ebenalp * Lunch at Aescher **What to Bring** * Sturdy hiking shoes (the descent from Aescher is steep and uneven) * Water and a small extra snack * Cash can be useful for the cable car and lunch * Sunscreen and a light jacket, mountain weather shifts fast * Your smartphone for the friend-matching **Disclaimer** Participation in this event requires a valid ticket, which must be purchased in advance via the link provided in the event description. Please note that tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. We do not accept cash payments on the day of the event. To ensure a smooth and safe experience, we kindly ask all participants to follow the instructions and announcements from the event organizers. While our team works hard to create an enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere, attendance is at your own risk. We want everyone to feel comfortable and respected. If you encounter any issues or uncomfortable situations during the event, please speak directly to a member of our team — we're here to help. We reserve the right to exclude participants from the event if they do not adhere to basic standards of respectful interpersonal behavior. This decision is at the discretion of the responsible organizers. By signing up, you agree that any content captured during the event (including photos and videos) may be used on Social Circle's social media channels and those of our partners. Please be aware that we cannot wait for late participants, as this disrupts the planned group flow and connections. If you're delayed or choose a different route, it's your responsibility to catch up with the group. A live location will be shared in the event's WhatsApp chat to help you reconnect. Want more events like this, join our newsletter: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KWSK2jINyuG9uHHjtxfnmP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KWSK2jINyuG9uHHjtxfnmP)

Join me for a beautiful panoramic walk along Lake Lugano on the famous Olive Tree Trail (Sentiero dell’Olivo). We will start in Lugano, reach Castagnola and follow the scenic lakeside path surrounded by olive trees and amazing lake views all the way to the charming village of Gandria. Once we arrive to Gandria, we will stop for a visit and lunch, then take the boat to Lugano Centrale and train back to Zürich HB. 📍 Hike Details Route: Lugano – Castagnola – Olive Tree Trail – Gandria Distance: around 5.5km Time: around 1.5h walking + time for lunch & photos Difficulty: Easy (T1) 🍽️ Lunch We will stop for lunch in the beautiful lakeside village of Gandria, with several restaurants and terraces directly by the lake. 🚆 Transport Meeting point: Zurich HB under the blue angel (08:45) From Zürich HB: train to Lugano Centrale (09:05 -> 10:58) From Gandria: boat to Lugano Centrale and then train back to Zürich HB. The exact time TBD. 🎒 Bring Comfortable shoes, appropriate clothes, water/snacks, sun protection, sunglasses, etc. ⚠️ Note The hike will be cancelled in case of bad weather or any other unexpected event. This is not a guided tour, everyone is responsible for themselves.

**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.

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

This is a small but pretty park with a 1.7-mile loop. We will walk it 2 times. It goes along a ridge and has moderate elevation changes.

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

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles so please wear your shoe of choice. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

June 17, 2026: Worthington Library. Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage. Jim McCormac. Worthington, Ohio. 7 pm.