Wilderness Hiking

Come discuss books and make new friends 🌈✨ How the meeting works: While we are waiting for everyone to arrive, we have tea and get comfortable. Once most of the group is seated (please aim to arrive on time to help with this!) we go around introducing ourselves. From there we have a loosely structured discussion that can go in whatever direction feels natural. Once we've talked about everything we want to related to the book we often hang out for a while later to chat about other things for anyone who wants to stay. After a break in February, March's book will be Boulder by Eva Baltasar. It was originally written in Catalan. It is available to read in English on its own, or in Dutch as one of the novellas included in De vrouw op de berg. Both editions are available at de bibliotheek, or to purchase online. Working as a cook on a merchant ship, a woman comes to know and love Samsa, a woman who gives her the nickname ‘Boulder’. When Samsa gets a job in Reykjavik and the couple decides to move there together, Samsa decides that she wants to have a child. She is already forty and can’t bear to let the opportunity pass her by. Boulder is less enthused, but doesn’t know how to say no – and so finds herself dragged along on a journey that feels as thankless as it is alien. With motherhood changing Samsa into a stranger, Boulder must decide where her priorities lie, and whether her yearning for freedom can truly trump her yearning for love. The meeting will take place at De Uithoek handarbeidlokaal, an 8 minute cycle / 20 minute walk away from Utrecht Centraal. Everyone is welcome who has read the book (or DNF, and is okay with spoilers) by the time of the meetup. The book club is hosted in English. Please update your RSVP if you find out you cannot attend. Hope to see you there! 🏳️‍🌈📚

𝗔𝗜 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗰𝘂𝘁 𝗻𝗮𝗮𝗿 𝗸𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗶𝘁 – 𝗷𝗶𝗷 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗹. AI-tools, agentic oplossingen en LLM’s lijken het vakgebied Software Testen opnieuw te definiëren. Sommigen beweren dat AI straks al het denkwerk overneemt. Dat we alleen nog prompts hoeven te schrijven en de rest vanzelf gebeurt... ❌ Spoiler: nee dus. Nieuwe technologie vervangt ons testers niet; het daagt ons uit om scherper te denken, slimmer te werken en onze rol opnieuw vorm te geven. AI is geen magie. Het is een krachtig hulpmiddel, mits jij de regie houdt. We duiken in de beperkingen van AI, zoals het gebrek aan context, creativiteit en betrouwbaarheid én hoe jij als tester die gaten opvult. We gaan hands-on aan de slag met onder andere de Playwright Agents en kijken kritisch naar de waarde van deze toepassingen. Want AI kan veel, maar geen verantwoordelijkheid nemen. Geen risico’s inschatten. Geen ethische afweging maken. Daarover gaat deze Plug-In workshop, gebaseerd op ons manifest: Testen & AI. Wat kun je verwachten? ➡️ Een kritische blik op AI in het testvak en specifiek testautomatisering ➡️ Praktische tools en technieken die nu al werken ➡️ Een hands-on oefening met LLM’s ➡️ En vooral: veel ruimte voor discussie, reflectie en inspiratie 👉 De toekomst van testen vraagt niet minder denkwerk, maar juist méér. En precies dáárom ben jij onmisbaar. Inclusief eten, netwerk en sparringspartners. De sessie is gratis (parkeren ook). ***LET OP: Dit is een hands-on sessie, dus neem je laptop mee en zorg ervoor dat je applicaties erop mag installeren!*** Plug-In!

Chtitedev est un collectif de minorité de genre de la tech (développeuses, devOps, data eng,…) qui se réunissent mensuellement sous forme de meetup en non-mixité choisie.
Vous êtes une femme cis, une personne trans et/ou non binaire ? Vous entretenez un intérêt pro ou perso pour la programmation ?
Nous vous proposons de nous réunir afin de nous entraider pour pouvoir avancer au mieux dans ce monde qui a du mal à nous réintégrer dans ses rangs ! Au programme :
 ⏰ 18h30: Arrivée, petit tour de table et papotage ⏰ 18h45: Présentation : A-t-on encore besoin d'Agilité en 2026 ? ⏰ 19h15/30: Apéritif et papotage Alors que l’IA redéfinit radicalement nos capacités de production, la place de nos méthodologies historiques arrive à une croisée des chemins décisive. Entre des rituels devenus parfois automatiques et une accélération technologique sans précédent, quel rôle reste-t-il vraiment au pilotage humain dans la création logicielle ? Ce meetup propose de confronter nos certitudes aux réalités de 2026 : nous explorerons si l'agilité doit être enterrée ou si, débarrassée de son folklore, elle détient la clé pour ne pas se noyer dans la production de software inutile.

Kom op 12 maart 2026 gezellig bijpraten onder het genot van een hapje en drankje bij Het Gegeven Paard in Utrecht. Wees welkom! We zullen ruimte reserveren voor hen die graag een hapje mee-eten. Daarom is het wel zo fijn als je kenbaar maakt dat je komt. NB: De kosten voor het eten en drinken zijn voor eigen rekening, met het eerste drankje op kosten van Fronteers. Het Gegeven Paard is vlakbij station Utrecht gelegen. Het café bevindt zich op de begane grond van TivoliVredenburg, is ook toegankelijk met een rolstoel en beschikt over een rolstoeltoegankelijk toilet. Heb je een beperking waarbij wij het voor jou op enige manier ook gemakkelijker kunnen maken om deel uit te maken van deze bijeenkomst, stuur dan gerust van te voren een bericht naar anneke@fronteers.nl . We hebben je er graag bij :)

¡Compartamos juntos con el grupo de personas más divertido de la ciudad!... ¡en español! No necesitas ser un hablante fluido o nativo.... ¡Solo atrévete a compartir! Te esperamos a las 20hrs.... ¡Entrada gratuita! ¡Nos vemos! ¡Hasta entonces! 😃 Let's share together with the funniest group of people in town!... in Spanish! You don't need to be a fluent or native speaker.... Just dare to share! We wait for you at 20hrs ....Free entry! Nos vemos! Tot dan! 😃 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/habladores/ Meetup Link: https://www.meetup.com/nl-NL/los-habladores/ Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/los_habladores_utrecht/ Los Habladores!

**Ready to build a Java project — even if** you've never written a line of Java before? This special edition of our Java Bootcamp series brings together everything we've been building with you, and takes it one step further. Whether you're just starting out or already deep in your Java journey, this evening is packed with practical insight, live demos, and hands-on coding — all in one session. **What's happening on the night:** **🤖 Talk:** Building with AI Agents & MCP Discover how Model Context Protocol (MCP) and AI agents are changing the way developers build software. Learn how to leverage these tools to accelerate your own projects — even when you're still learning the language. **⚡ Live Demo: Zero to Java in 10 Minutes Watch a complete beginner build** a working Java project in under 10 minutes using vibe coding. No prior Java knowledge required — and yes, it's real. **📚 Bootcamp Update:** What We've Covered & Where We're Going A recap of what participants have been building in the Java Bootcamp, what's coming next, and how you can join the journey from beginner to production-grade Java developer. **💻 Mini Project:** Build Your Own Project Get hands-on! We'll set up a mini project so you can experience Java for yourself — in Java, guided by our mentors every step of the way. **Mentors will be on hand throughout the evening to guide you through the vibe coding process, answer questions, and help you get unstuck.** **To join the full Java Bootcamp, register here: [Java Bootcamp Form](https://forms.gle/kw7fgyvwzwxsZPFX7)** The bootcamp is self-paced, built on[ JetBrains Academy](https://academy.jetbrains.com/), and structured across Beginner and Advanced phases. Complete it and earn a certificate recognising your achievement. **Schedule — March 12th, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM (London Time)** **•** Welcome & Networking (6:30 PM - 7:00 PM) • Talk: Building with AI Agents & MCP (7:00 PM - 7:15 PM) • Live Demo: Zero to Java in 10 Minutes (7:15 PM - 7:25 PM) • Bootcamp Update (7:25 PM - 7:40 PM) • Mini Project: Build Your Own (7:40 PM - 8:40 PM) • Closing & Networking (8:40 PM - 9:00 PM) *** **Host:** **🎙️ Speaker Adriana Zencke Zimmermann \| Senior Software Engineer \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dricazenck/) \| [GitHub](https://github.com/dricazenck)** Founder & Director of Women Coding Community and Senior Software Engineer at Centric Software, with 15+ years specialising in backend systems, engineering leadership, and inclusion in tech. **🎙️ Speaker Sonali Goel \| Senior Software Engineer\, Tesco Tech \| [Website](https://sonaligoel.carrd.co/) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonali-goel-tech/)** Women in Tech Award 2025 Winner, with 15+ years in large-scale e-commerce, cloud-native Java, and Agentic AI. A core leader at WCC passionate about mentorship and open source. **🎙️ Speaker Dr\. Ying Liu \| Senior Data Scientist\, Magic AI \| [Website](http://www.yingliu.site/) \| [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/yingliu-data/)** Senior Data Scientist at Magic AI with a Ph.D. in Physics. Ying builds human pose estimation models from RGB and sensor data, specializing in real-time 3D pose estimation and end-to-end ML architectures. Outside work, she builds AI agents and tinkers with robotics. **👩🏽‍💻 About Women Coding Community** Our mission is to empower women in tech through education, mentorship, community, and career support. We run workshops and events, connect members with industry mentors, and champion more inclusive practices across the industry. **[Website](http://womencodingcommunity.com/) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/103490940) \| [Slack](https://bit.ly/women_coding_community)** **👩🏽‍💻 Code of Conduct** All attendees are expected to follow our Code of Conduct: **[womencodingcommunity.com/code-of-conduct](https://womencodingcommunity.com/code-of-conduct)**

Are you an **expat** in **Diemen** and do you want to **learn how to swim?** Look no further! Dive into **personalized swimming lessons** with **Your Personal Swim Coach**. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced swimmer seeking to refine your technique, our expert coaches offer **tailored sessions** that fit your needs. The **AGO** pool in Diemen is a small private pool originally utilized for **aqua therapy**. Therefore the water is nicely **warm** which gives ideal teaching conditions. **Don't wait any longer:** **[Sign up for a Try Out Lesson!](https://www.your-personal-swim-coach.nl/product/try-out-adult-swimming-lesson/)** Want to learn more first? Go to our **[website](https://www.your-personal-swim-coach.nl/)** or **[schedule a call!](https://calendly.com/ypsc/new-meeting)**

**Sunday, March 15th – 13:00** **Meeting point:** Bus stop *Donderberg*, Leersum For the third edition of **Real Estate**, our series dedicated to exploring some of the most fascinating villas, estates and historic residences in the Netherlands, we head to the green heart of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug to discover **Kasteel Broekhuizen**. Hidden among forests and rolling landscapes near Leersum, Broekhuizen is a country estate with **medieval roots and a turbulent history**. Over the centuries, it has known periods of prosperity, destruction and reconstruction — and today it stands as a quiet witness to how history, landscape and architecture continuously reshape each other. During our walk, we’ll explore the **estate and its surrounding park**, uncovering stories about: * the rise and fall of the estate * its phases of destruction and rebuilding * hidden corners and forgotten traces in the landscape * and the role of the **Van Nellesteyn family** in shaping its history This is not just a visit to a beautiful country house, but a journey through **layers of time**, where nature and history are deeply intertwined. ### Practical information * **Walk length:** approx. 3.4 km * The route goes through parkland and forest paths, so comfortable shoes are recommended. ### After the walk We’ll finish at **Bistro LOF**, the café/restaurant located within the castle estate itself, where we can enjoy a drink together — and for those who wish, also stay for something to eat — in a setting that perfectly complements the atmosphere of the place. A hidden estate. A story of loss and renewal. A walk through history in the landscape.

🌿 Join us for a beautiful 7km hike through Amelisweerd-Rhijnauwen on Saturday 14th of March! ✨ Starting from Utrecht Lunetten station, we’ll explore forest paths, cross charming bridges, and follow the scenic Kromme Rijn river. Along the way, we'll pass the stunning Landhuis Nieuw-Amelisweerd, historic Oud-Amelisweerd, and the famous pancake spot Theehuis Rhijnauwen, before making our way back via a picturesque towpath. Utrecht Hiking Community is not about fast hiking, but about social hiking. Everyone can join: beginners, more advanced hikers, students, professionals, locals, expats, etc. Every month we organise one hike in a different location each month, so you may explore places where you haven't been before. And if you have been somewhere before already, it's still a good opportunity to be active and to get to know some fellow hiking enthusiasts.🚶‍♂️ 🔔 Tips: Wear comfy walking shoes, bring water, and check the weather. In case of bad weather, the hike may be postponed, so please look for any latest updates on the day before the hike. Please try to arrive to Utrecht Lunetten train station in time. We want to depart around 10.30AM, so try to be there before that time. Are unforeseen circumstances causing you to arrive later? Then please contact us via WhatsApp on +31621177691. We won't make the whole group wait for you, but we can share our location with you so you can come after us. There are no toilets at Utrecht Lunetten train station. Therefore please visit a restroom before arrival. For those coming by car, there's a small free parking lot directly next to Utrecht Lunetten train station, address: Furkaplateau 2. Dogs are allowed on this route, but need to be kept on a leash during parts of the route. The route is not suitable for people with strollers. For those who like to, there is the option to go for drinks/lunch in the shopping center of Lunetten afterwards. Organising our monthly hikes comes with some costs (travel costs, yearly MeetUp subscription). Therefore we would be very glad for any donations to support us via this link: [https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=zXP3ACEFu2KEgnjtqUPIb7BeSr44EGBL](https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=zXP3ACEFu2KEgnjtqUPIb7BeSr44EGBL) For an impression of this and previous hike, find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utrecht.hiking.community See you on Saturday 14th of March!

Gather, water-walking wonders and anti-monarchs! 💧✨ This time we’re trading sandy drama for liquid realness with the fabulous Walk Through Water Hike at Fort de Roovere - because nothing says queer confidence like literally strutting through water without ruining your eyeliner. Inspired by the iconic sunken pathway of the Mozesbrug (yes babes, we are parting waters now), this 18 km adventure serves forests, historic fortifications, dreamy polder views, and enough reflective surfaces to contemplate your life choices. Come prepared to walk on water, spill tea responsibly, and prove once again that queer joy flows in every direction. 🌈🚶‍♀️💦 **Practical info** 📏 **Distance:** \ 18km (5h) 📍 **Start & end:** Station Bergen op Zoom (circular-ish route) 🥾 **Difficulty:** moderate to hard - quite a long distance! *🤝🏼 Meeting point*: **Utrecht Centraal** (underneath the light cloud) *🕙 Gathering time*: **10:15** *🚆 Travel schedule*: Train to **Den Bosch** (direction Maastricht) at **10:39** (platform 18) ➡️ arrival at **Den Bosch** station at **11:06** ➡️Train to **Bergen op Zoom** (direction Vlissingen) at **11:11** ➡️ arrival in Bergen op Zoom at **12:15** ❗You can also travel on your own from another direction and meet us along the way or in Den Bosch or Bergen op Zoom. 🚗 If you come by car, you can park around Bergen op Zoom station. 🚶🏾After a round of introductions, we start walking around **12:20** 🏁 We expect to arrive back in Bergen op Zoom around 17:00, from where we will take the train back. We might head for dinner or drinks first if there’s interest. Pack your: 🥾 sturdy shoes 🍱 lunch box & snacks 🚰 water 🧥 rain coat/umbrella ☀️ sun screen 🏳️‍🌈 anything else you might need ❌ If you signed up and cannot make it in the end, please cancel your RSVP attendance so we know how many people will show up and someone else can take your place instead. 💗 A voluntary donation helps us to keep the Meetup group up and running :) you can either pay via a Tikkie or in cash after we finish the hike. *Hiking Queers Netherlands*

🌸🥾 Hello Hikers! Spring has officially sprung—let’s get back to nature and shake off the winter blues! We’re hiking the **NS‑Wandeling Utrechtse Heuvelrug route**, a stunning **15.5 km point-to-point trail** from Driebergen-Zeist → Maarn. 🌿✨ 📍 **Start:** Driebergen-Zeist train Station ⏰ **When:** Saturday\, 14 March \| Hike starts **11:00 AM** (please arrive 10–15 min early to gear up!) We’ll wait 15 minutes for everyone (11:15 AM) and then share our **live location** in the WhatsApp group for anyone joining late. 🥾 **Distance:** 15.5 km ☕ **After-hike plan:** We’ll finish at Maarn train station, where we can grab a celebratory drink or snack before heading home. 👀 **What to Expect** * Beautiful estates: Groot Heidestein and Bornia * The iconic Pyramide van Austerlitz * Rolling forest paths and open heathlands * A classic, popular Dutch trail perfect for a weekend escape * Optional photo stops at scenic viewpoints * **Getting there:** * Train to Driebergen-Zeist Station (excellent connections) * Limited parking at the station area; public transport is highly recommended 🎒 **What to Bring** * Hiking shoes with good traction (note: some paths may be muddy!) * Plenty of water * Snacks and lunch for a midway break * Layered clothing and a waterproof jacket ⚠️ **Disclaimers** * Everyone is responsible for their own safety * The organizer is not responsible for personal injuries, transportation issues, health problems, loss, or damage * Hike at your own pace; the trail can be slippery after rain – wear proper footwear 📲 **WhatsApp group** for hike updates & carpool coordination: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EmzXm6TxZ9lJfwdQZ20x4T](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EmzXm6TxZ9lJfwdQZ20x4T) 🔗 **Join our WhatsApp group** for future events: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMIoNQ1ovkO4sYEkWPZP92](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMIoNQ1ovkO4sYEkWPZP92) 📸 **Instagram** to share photos: [https://www.instagram.com/arezoo_hike?igsh=cWFrb2xkanR1cXFh&utm_source=qr](https://www.instagram.com/arezoo_hike?igsh=cWFrb2xkanR1cXFh&utm_source=qr) Let’s hike, celebrate the arrival of spring, and enjoy nature together! 🌲✨

🏃🏻‍♂️🏃🏼‍♀️

**Meer snelheid, betere output én verantwoord gebruik van AI in je dagelijkse werk.** Je hebt de **AI Essentials** onder de knie. Je experimenteert met prompts, ziet de potentie en gebruikt AI inmiddels regelmatig. Maar je voelt ook: dit kan scherper, sneller en bewuster. In deze **AI Next Level-workshop** zetten we de volgende stap. Geen herhaling van de basis, maar verdieping. Meer grip op prompting én meer inzicht in wat verantwoord AI-gebruik in de praktijk écht betekent. **Wat houdt deze workshop in?** Deze interactieve dag bestaat uit twee nauw verbonden onderdelen: **1\. Prompting like a Pro** Je gebruikt al een basisstructuur voor prompts — nu is het tijd om door te schakelen. In dit deel leer je: * Geavanceerdere promptstructuren die sneller tot betere output leiden * Hoe je minder hoeft te “stoeien” en gerichter kunt werken * Hoe je AI effectief inzet als denkpartner bij complexere vraagstukken * Hoe je context, rol en doel zó meegeeft dat je output direct bruikbaar wordt Het resultaat: **meer snelheid, meer kwaliteit en meer vertrouwen in wat je terugkrijgt.** **2\. Using AI Responsibly** Minstens zo belangrijk — en vaak onderschat. AI is krachtig, maar niet neutraal en niet zonder risico’s. Hoe ga je daar professioneel mee om? Je leert onder andere: * Welke informatie je wel en juist niet in prompts moet verwerken * Hoe om te gaan met privacy, vertrouwelijkheid en bedrijfsinformatie * Hoe AI-modellen zijn getraind en wat dat betekent voor de antwoorden * Hoe je bias, aannames en “mooie maar onjuiste” output herkent Dit deel helpt je om **bewuster, veiliger en professioneler** met AI te werken — voor jezelf én je organisatie. **Hoe werken we?** Net als bij de Essentials-workshop geloven we niet in zenden, maar in **samen ontdekken**. * Praktisch en interactief: werken met je eigen cases * Creatief en laagdrempelig: leren door te doen * Leren van elkaar: verschillende rollen, contexten en perspectieven * Geen technische training, geen tool-overzicht * Wel: denken, beoordelen, toepassen en verbeteren De ervaring leert **dat de groep een groot deel van de waarde bepaalt** — en dat hoor je terug in de feedback. **Wat neem je mee na afloop?** Na deze workshop: * Werk je sneller en gerichter met AI * Weet je welke prompts écht werken voor jouw werk * Kun je AI-output beter beoordelen en bevragen * Ga je bewuster om met data, privacy en betrouwbaarheid * Weet je concreet wat je maandag anders doet En: **Drie weken later organiseren we een vrijblijvende terugkom-call,** waarin deelnemers ervaringen delen en leren van elkaars praktijk. **Voor wie is deze workshop bedoeld?** Deze workshop is bedoeld voor: * Professionals en managers zonder technische achtergrond * Deelnemers van de AI Essentials-workshop (of vergelijkbare basiskennis) * Mensen die AI al gebruiken, maar daar meer rendement en zekerheid uit willen halen * Iedereen die AI professioneel, bewust en verantwoord wil inzetten **Pilot & praktische informatie** Deze workshop is opgezet als **Next Level-pilot**. Dat betekent: kleinschalig, persoonlijk en met ruimte voor feedback om de training verder te verfijnen. 📅 Datum: vrijdag 13 maart ⏰ Tijd: 09:30 – 14:30 (Inloop 9:00) ⏱ Duur: 5 uur (incl. lunch) 📍 Locatie: Computerweg 37, Amersfoort 💶 Prijs: €99,- ex btw 👥 Groepsgrootte: 8-12 deelnemers 📍 Vorm: interactief, fysiek ☕🍴 Voorzieningen: koffie, thee en lunch inbegrepen 👥 Begeleiding: Edgar Stormbroek & Ziryan Salayi **Aanmelden op:** https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/tickets-ai-next-level-prompting-as-a-pro-and-using-ai-responsibly-1982428964398?aff=oddtdtcreator

**History** [Slate Run Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/slate-run/), located south of Canal Winchester in Pickaway County, has roots tracing back to the early planning efforts of the Columbus and Franklin County Metropolitan Park District. In 1963, Metro Parks officials identified the land along Slate Run as having strong potential for a large metropolitan park due to its expansive acreage, diverse habitats, and natural features like the stream that gave the area its name. The largest stream in the vicinity, Slate Run, flows south to northwest through a ridge, providing a logical basis for the park's designation. Between 1964 and 1968, Metro Parks acquired approximately 1,662 acres through multiple parcels, including a key 212-acre farmstead that had been continuously operated since 1805. This acquisition phase positioned Slate Run as a future major addition to the system, following the openings of other parks like Sharon Woods in 1968 and Highbanks in 1973. The park officially opened to the public in 1981, marking it as the sixth Metro Park in the district and, at the time, the largest with its substantial land holdings. From the outset, Metro Parks envisioned incorporating a living historical farm to educate visitors about 19th-century Ohio agriculture. The focal 212-acre parcel, purchased from the White family heirs in 1964, included historic structures that made it ideal for this purpose. The park's development preserved natural areas such as grasslands, wetlands, meadows, and forests while integrating interpretive elements. Upon opening, Slate Run quickly became a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Central to the park's identity is the Slate Run Living Historical Farm, which interprets life on a typical Ohio farm in the 1880s. The gothic revival farmhouse on the site was constructed in 1856 by owner Isaac Fridley and later restored by Metro Parks for historical accuracy. Visitors can explore interiors like the living room, parlor, and kitchen, where interpreters demonstrate period activities. The multi-bay barn, built in 1881 by Samuel Oman (the fourth owner), was meticulously restored with help from Amish carpenters. Heirloom animals such as Percheron horses, pigs, geese, and turkeys inhabit the farm, enhancing the immersive experience. The historical farmstead reflects a long lineage of ownership and agricultural use dating back to the early 19th century. Continuous farming on the land since 1805 made the site authentic for recreating late-19th-century practices, including grain harvesting and animal husbandry. Metro Parks focused on authenticity by restoring original buildings and introducing period-appropriate methods, such as horse-powered threshing machines from the late 1880s. The farm operates with volunteers and staff in period attire to portray daily rural life. This educational component has drawn school groups and families for decades. Today, Slate Run Metro Park spans about 1,705 acres and attracts roughly 250,000 visitors annually for its blend of natural preservation and historical interpretation. The park maintains diverse habitats supporting wildlife like nesting sandhill cranes and reintroduced northern bobwhite quail. Trails and open spaces offer opportunities for hiking and observation amid the preserved landscapes. The Living Historical Farm remains a crown jewel, continuing to teach about Ohio's agricultural heritage. Ongoing programs and restorations ensure the site's relevance for future generations. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Slate Run](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SLR-parkmap@2x.gif). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Five Oaks, Sugar Maple, Covered Bridge, Shagbark, and Lake Trails. This will be around 4.5 to 5 miles. While Slate Run is moderately strenuous in a few places, it's generally a good place to hike and doesn't seem to wear people out. Some spots on the hike are unshaded, though, so be prepared for the possibility of some sun. I find Slate Run to be very underappreciated for the quality of its hiking. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet at the [Shady Grove Picnic Area](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B045'30.1%22N+82%C2%B050'13.2%22W/@39.758347,-82.83701,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d39.758347!4d-82.83701?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). You can use the map pin I've provided here; it's accurate. There's a latrine at Shady Grove, but there is no running water (no water fountains). We will pass a water fountain when we get to the Buzzard's Roost Picnic Area, although I can't guarantee this fountain won't be off for the winter. I'd recommend bringing some water just in case, at least for after the hike. I'd also recommend [hiking shoes](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D972KN3W) for this park. **After the Hike** Once we're finished at Slate Run, we'll head over to [Loose Rail Brewing](https://looserailbrewing.com/) for [drinks](https://looserailbrewing.com/canal-winchester-canal-winchester-loose-rail-brewing-drink-menu) and [food](https://looserailbrewing.com/canal-winchester-canal-winchester-loose-rail-brewing-food-menu). The brewery's actual address is [37 W Waterloo St, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/37+W+Waterloo+St,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/@39.8432511,-82.8071032,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88387be3ac496d83:0x23e8ee9d9391dd6b!8m2!3d39.8432511!4d-82.8071032!16s%2Fg%2F11cp8n8x1j?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's about 10-12 minutes from Slate Run. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. If trail conditions are poor, we will use the Multipurpose Path.

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.

Hike approx 4.0 miles at approx. 18 minute mile pace. Meet in front of the Nature Center.