Wilderness Hiking

If you’ve ever felt nervous speaking in meetings or presenting your ideas, you’re not alone. Public speaking is one of the biggest fears people have. But 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭. 𝐈𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭. That’s exactly what we do at Toastmasters. Many public speaking workshops last one or two days. You leave inspired, but a few weeks later the impact fades. Not because the workshop was bad, but because speaking is a skill. And skills are built through regular practice. That’s where Toastmasters is different. We meet regularly, practice speaking, receive feedback, and improve step by step. You can practice speaking for an entire year at Toastmasters for roughly the price of a one- or two-day workshop. Toastmasters is a global organization with clubs in more than 140 countries, making the system structured, proven, and trusted worldwide. 𝐎𝐧 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎, 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. **You’ll:** * **see how meetings work,** * **watch real speeches,** * **experience the supportive atmosphere,** * **and if you want, you can even try speaking yourself.** *Our meetings are conducted in English, which makes them especially valuable for professionals working in international environments who want to build more confidence when speaking English.* Come, join us and experience it. For easier organization, please apply here [https://forms.gle/4TmXMJKMdJaChyNh7](https://forms.gle/4TmXMJKMdJaChyNh7) ![🔷]()𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 – 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐙𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐂̌𝐍𝐀 𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐙̌𝐁𝐀 𝑇𝑜𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠: 𝐾𝑗𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑢𝑗𝑒𝑗𝑜 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑜𝑧𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑛𝑖 𝑔𝑜𝑣𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑖 𝑖𝑛 𝑣𝑜𝑑𝑗𝑒 Če ste kdaj občutili nervozo, ko morate spregovoriti na sestanku ali predstaviti svojo idejo, niste edini. Javno nastopanje je eden najpogostejših strahov ljudi. Toda samozavest pri govorjenju ne pride iz branja o tem. Pride iz prakse. Točno to počnemo v Toastmasters. Veliko delavnic javnega nastopanja traja en ali dva dni. Od tam odidemo navdihnjeni, a čez nekaj tednov učinek izgine. Ne zato, ker bi bila delavnica slaba, ampak ker je govorjenje veščina. In veščine se razvijajo z redno prakso. Tu je Toastmasters drugačen. Redno se srečujemo, vadimo govorjenje, prejemamo povratne informacije za izboljšanje in postopoma napredujemo. V Toastmasters lahko vadite javno nastopanje celo leto za približno ceno enodnevne ali dvodnevne delavnice. Toastmasters je globalna organizacija s klubi v več kot 140 državah, zato je sistem učenja strukturiran, preizkušen in zaupanja vreden po vsem svetu. 𝟐𝟎. 𝐚𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐨𝐝𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐨 𝐯𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐧𝐚𝐬̌𝐞𝐠𝐚 𝐤𝐥𝐮𝐛𝐚 𝐳𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐧 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐳𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜̌𝐞𝐧 𝐯𝐞𝐜̌𝐞𝐫. Videli boste, kako potekajo srečanja, poslušali prave govore, občutili podporno vzdušje in, če boste želeli, lahko tudi sami poskusite spregovoriti. Naša srečanja potekajo v angleškem jeziku, kar je še posebej koristno za strokovnjake, ki delajo v mednarodnem okolju in želijo postati bolj samozavestni pri komunikaciji v angleščini. Pridite in doživite izkušnjo tudi sami. See less [Ljubljana, Slovenia](https://www.facebook.com/events/explore/ljubljana-slovenia/111980668819694/)

🎲 INTERNATIONAL MONDAY BOARD GAME NIGHTS @ Voyager Craft Beer Bar 🍺 Every Monday @ 19:00 \| Voyager Craft Beer Bar Forget the Monday blues. We’re turning the start of the week into a night of strategy, social deduction, and world-class craft beer. Whether you’re a ruthless tactician or just here for the laughs, your seat at the table is waiting. This isn’t just a one-off event—we are building Ljubljana’s premier boardgaming community. Our mission? To make Mondays your favorite night of the week. 👉 Join the Boardgame WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GQ939ioFYXY6pK71oXfh4h 🌍 International & Inclusive We are a global crowd! The primary language of play is English, making this the perfect spot for expats, nomads, and locals to connect. No cliques, no gatekeeping—just good vibes. 🎲 WHAT WE PLAY Mostly fun, social, easy-to-learn games: party games bluffing & social deduction light strategy quick, interactive games Think: laughing, debating, teaming up, betraying your friends 😄 👉 Not super “hardcore nerdy” — but those games are welcome too. Got your own? BRING IT! We encourage you to bring your favorite games from home. Share the games you love with the community. 🍻 Why Voyager? We’ve moved to Voyager Craft Beer Bar for a reason. Great gaming deserves great beer. Swap the basic drafts for premium, independent craft brews while you plot your next move. 💡 How it Works Come Solo or with Friends: Most people show up alone. We’ll get you into a group immediately. 📍 Event Details 📅 When: Every Monday @ 19:00 📍 Where: Voyager Craft Beer Bar 💶 Entry: Free (Support the venue by grabbing a craft beer or a drink!) 👉 Join the Boardgame WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GQ939ioFYXY6pK71oXfh4h Connect with the community beforehand and after the event. Find players for a game you love before Monday arrives. 🌍 Part of Ljubljana International Hosted by the city's biggest international community. Follow us for more: 👉 linktr.ee/ljubljanainternational

Have you ever had a great idea but failed to share it with others due to stage fright? Are you ready to conquer your fear of public speaking? Join us at Toastmasters Klub Ljubljana for an interactive workshop designed to help you build confidence and develop effective public speaking skills. Our experienced members will guide you through exercises to improve your communication skills, critical thinking, and impromptu speaking abilities. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced speaker looking to enhance your leadership and presentation skills, this workshop is perfect for you. Don't miss this opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, practice your English as a second language, and unleash your creativity in a supportive and encouraging environment. Learn the art of DIY presentations and gain valuable insights on how to excel in social networking settings. Join us and take the first step towards becoming a confident and successful communicator. See you there! MEETING STRUCTURE: 1st PART - prepared speeches 2nd PART - short impromptu speech competition (you can vote for the best speaker, and you can also participate) 3rd PART - evaluation of speeches and general feedback Toastmasters is an incredibly safe environment. We guide you every step of the way. Great communication skills make the leaders of tomorrow! https://toastmasters.si info@toastmasters.si WE MEET EVERY THURSDAY at Gozdarski inštitut Slovenije AT 18.45 (every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month meetings are in English, the rest in Slovenian.) Gozdarski inštitut Slovenije Večna pot 2 1000 Ljubljana OUR MEETUP IS MOSTLY USED BY GUESTS. MORE PEOPLE ATTEND. Ti je že kdaj tako zagodla trema, da je tvoja super ideja ostala na papirju, neizrečena? Če želiš več samozavesti pri javnem nastopanju, te toplo vabimo na naše Toastmasters srečanje. Brez skrbi, ne bo ti treba na oder, celo srečanje in vse govorce lahko opazuješ kot gost oz. gostja. Vse je prilagojeno tvojemu tempu. POTEK SREČANJA: 1. DEL - vnaprej pripravljeni govori 2. DEL - kratki improvizirani govori (lahko glasuješ za najboljši govor, lahko pa tudi sodeluješ) 3. DEL - evalvacija govorov in splošne povratne informacije Toastmasters je izjemno varno okolje. Vodimo te na vsakem koraku in skozi odlične komunikacijske spretnosti gradimo voditelje prihodnosti. https://toastmasters.si info@toastmasters.si VABLJEN/A VSAK ČETRTEK v Gozdarski inštitut Slovenije ob 18:45.Vsako 1. in 3. srečanje v mesecu poteka v angleščini, ostala srečanja pa v slovenščini. Gozdarski inštitut Slovenije Večna pot 2 1000 Ljubljana NAŠ MEETUP JE NAMENJEN GOSTOM. NA SREČANJA PRIDE VEČ LJUDI.

🍑 NORD AFTERWORK THURSDAYS — 3+1 GRATIS Every Thursday in April • From 7PM 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center, Ljubljana Ljubljana, it's time to upgrade your Thursdays. Forget boring afterwork drinks — we're turning Thursdays into a Nord-powered social ritual. Together with Nord Hard Seltzer, Ljubljana International, and Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH, we’re launching a new weekly hangout where locals, expats, creatives, and party people meet to relax, connect, and start the weekend early. 🍹 3+1 GRATIS on all Nord Hard Seltzers all night Nord is Slovenia’s first hard seltzer — a fresh alternative to beer and cocktails: • light • refreshing • low calories • full of flavor Choose your favorite: 🍑 Cheeky Peach 🥭 Mango Tangerine 🫐 Bluberry Mint 🍋 Lemon Elderberry 🍊 Blood Orange Ginger 🌿 Lemongrass Green Tea 🍋 Matter Lemon 🥭 Mrfy Guava Fresh 🎶 What to expect • international crowd • indie / retro party vibes • new people & spontaneous conversations • music, laughter and good energy • creative and festival-style atmosphere Basically: the best way to spend your Thursday in Ljubljana. 🔥 Why come? Because Thursday is the new Friday. Because Nord is the perfect drink for social nights. Because the best nights start unplanned with good people. And because 3+1 Nord tastes better with friends. 📅 Every Thursday in April 🕖 From 19:00 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center Bring your friends, meet new people, and start your weekend early. QUIT YOUR JOB. DRINK A NORD. See you Thursday. 🌎 Join the Community Meet people before and after events in our Ljubljana International community: 👉 WhatsApp group https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK 👉 Events & socials https://linktr.ee/ljubljanainternational

We’re launching a beginner Bachata & Salsa course together with one of the best dance schools in Ljubljana — @utripplesa. You’ll learn the basics, get comfortable with the movements and simply enjoy dancing in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Perfect for those who have been wanting to try partner dancing but didn’t know where to start. 📅 **Sundays at 17:00 (starting 05.04)** ⏱ **4 classes (1.5 hours each)** 💶 **Price:** €45 for the full course €40 per person if you join with a partner or a friend If you didn’t attend the trial class, you can join the **first session for €10** to see if you like it before committing to the full course. 👉 **Register here:** [https://forms.gle/Gp47pWi8Pk2QsKTu5](https://forms.gle/Gp47pWi8Pk2QsKTu5) Please make sure to **check your email and WhatsApp after registering** — we’ll send all confirmations and updates there. Let’s dance ✨

🍺 LOO-BLAH-NAH International ZAP Pub Quiz — Every Tuesday @ 19:00! 🧠 Fun • Social • Competitive • International Looking for something to do on Tuesday nights? Want to meet people, challenge your brain, and have a few drinks? This is THE international quiz night in Ljubljana — lively, friendly, and always full of surprises. 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center (Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 1) 🕖 Every Tuesday @ 7 PM 💶 €5 entry • 🗣 English • 👥 Teams of 2–5 ⚠ LIMITED CAPACITY (45 people) The pub is cozy — seats disappear fast. Save your spot: 👉 Team Registration: https://forms.gle/V5fJieLx3ySXjnoS7 🙋‍♂️ NO TEAM? NO PROBLEM. Come alone → leave with a team. Just write “looking for a team” in our WhatsApp group: 👉 Pub Quiz WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK We match people up every week. 🎮 HOW THE QUIZ WORKS 1️⃣ Arrive \~18:45 2️⃣ Pay €5 at the bar 3️⃣ Grab a drink 🍺 4️⃣ Quiz starts at 19:00 sharp 5️⃣ 4 rounds × 10 questions 6️⃣ Winners revealed around 21:00 Prizes for the top teams! 🏆 📅 EVENT DETAILS 📅 Every Tuesday 🕖 19:00 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center 💶 €5 entry 👥 Teams of 2–5 🌍 Friendly international crowd 🗣 Quiz in English Organized by Ljubljana International x ZAP Events x Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🍺 LOO-BLAH-NAH International ZAP Pub Quiz – Vsak torek ob 19:00! 🧠 Zabavno • Mednarodno • Tekmovalno Iščeš druženje ob torkih? Rad/a spoznavaš ljudi, rešuješ kvize in piješ dobro pivo? To je najbolj mednarodni pub kviz v Ljubljani – sproščeno, zabavno in vedno polno dobre energije. 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center (Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 1) 🕖 Vsak torek ob 19:00 💶 5 € • 🗣 Kviz v angleščini • 👥 Ekipe 2–5 oseb ⚠ OMEJENA KAPACITETA (45 mest) Prostor se zelo hitro zapolni. Priporočamo registracijo: 👉 Prijava ekipe: https://forms.gle/V5fJieLx3ySXjnoS7 🙋‍♀ NIMAŠ EKIPE? SUPER — PRIDI SAM/A. Napiši “iščem ekipo” v WhatsApp skupini: 👉 WhatsApp skupina: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK Vsak teden povezujemo solo igralce v ekipe. 🎮 KAKO POTEKA KVIZ 1️⃣ Prihod okoli 18:45 2️⃣ Plačilo 5 € na baru 3️⃣ Pijača v roke 🍺 4️⃣ Kviz začne ob 19:00 5️⃣ 4 krogi × 10 vprašanj 6️⃣ Zmagovalci ob \~21:00 Nagrade za najboljše ekipe! 🏆 📅 PODATKI O DOGODKU 📅 Vsak torek 🕖 19:00 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center 💶 5 € 👥 Ekipe 2–5 🌍 Mednarodna družba 🗣 Kviz v angleščini Organizirajo Ljubljana International x ZAP Events x Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH.

🥨🍻International Pretzel Day @ Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH 📅 Saturday, 25 April ⏰ From 20:00 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center Ljubljana — we’re celebrating International Pretzel Day the right way. Simple idea: 👉 free pretzels 👉 good drinks 👉 fun, social energy 🥨 THE CONCEPT Pretzels are made to be shared. So this night is about: • meeting new people • easy conversations • a relaxed, slightly chaotic Saturday vibe 👉 come for the pretzels 👉 stay for the people 🥨 FREE PRETZELS ALL NIGHT We’ll be serving: • FREE Gourmet Soft Pretzels (The warm, buttery classics) • FREE Artisanal Hard Pretzels (The ultimate beer companion) • simple snacks to keep the energy going 👉 no catch — just grab and enjoy 🎯 WHAT TO EXPECT • international + local crowd • social, open atmosphere • easy interactions (perfect if you come solo) • games, laughs, and spontaneous moments 🍺 PERFECT PAIRING Pretzels + drinks = unbeatable combo 👉 grab a beer, meet new people, enjoy the night 🎉 THE VIBE Not a heavy party. Not a quiet meetup. 👉 something in between — social, playful, and fun 👥 WHO SHOULD COME • internationals & expats • locals • students & travelers • anyone looking for a fun Saturday night 🌍 HOSTED BY Ljubljana International × Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Powered by Ljubljana International — the biggest international community in Ljubljana (1000+ members): • weekly events • active WhatsApp community • open, welcoming vibe 👉 come once — leave with new people in your life 📲 JOIN THE COMMUNITY 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK 👉 https://linktr.ee/ljubljanainternational ⚡ FINAL 🥨 Free pretzels 🍻 Good drinks 🌍 Great people Saturday sorted. See you there.

📚🍻 ZAP Pub Quiz – Your New Wednesday Tradition! Powered by Ljubljana International 🧠✨ If you want a fun night, new friends, good vibes, and a mix of internationals & locals — this is the Wednesday event you don’t want to miss. Come solo. Come with friends. Either way, we’ll put you in a team and you’ll leave knowing new people. 📍 The Place, Plečnikov trg 1 ⏰ Every Wednesday @ 19:00 💶 €5 entry • All English • Open to everyone ✨ The Vibe 🌍 A big, friendly, international crowd 😄 Easy to socialize — zero awkwardness 🍺 Chill drinks + good music + fun atmosphere 🧠 5 trivia rounds (memes, geography, music, movies, pop culture) 🏆 Prizes & bragging rights 🔥 Great mid-week energy boost It’s not about winning — it’s about connecting, laughing, and having a good time. 🕹️ How To Join 1️⃣ Join our WhatsApp Group Team forming + updates happen here: 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK 2️⃣ Sign Up (recommended!) This helps us organize seating & teams: 👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-nHP7z815r8oxeyqlPTFRuQ_wSaQNZCgzRQ30nG9rIvB5-A/viewform 3️⃣ Show up (solo or with friends) 4️⃣ Pay €5 at the bar 5️⃣ Grab a drink 🍺 6️⃣ Meet your team & enjoy the quiz! 👥 Teams 👫 Teams of 2–8 players 🙋 Solo players get matched right away 💬 Coordination is super easy through WhatsApp WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK Sign-Up Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-nHP7z815r8oxeyqlPTFRuQ_wSaQNZCgzRQ30nG9rIvB5-A/viewform 🕺 Timeline 🕧 18:30–19:00 — Arrivals, chit-chat, team formation 🧠 19:00–22:00 — Quiz (5 rounds) 🏆 22:00+ — Prizes + after-quiz drinks 📍 Essentials 📅 Every Wednesday 📍 The Place, Plečnikov trg 1 💰 €5 🗣️ English 👥 Teams 2–8 🍻 Friendly, social, international crowd 🔗 Important Links 🌍 All links in one place (Linktree): 👉 https://linktr.ee/ljubljanainternational 💬 WhatsApp Group: 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK 📝 Quick Sign-Up: 👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-nHP7z815r8oxeyqlPTFRuQ_wSaQNZCgzRQ30nG9rIvB5-A/viewform 💡 If you want a mid-week plan that’s fun, social, relaxed, and full of new people — you’ll love this quiz night. 📲 See you on Wednesday — come meet the community! 🎉✨

🍻 LOO-BLAH-NAH International ZAP Pub Quiz – Every Tuesday @ 19:00! 🧠 The most international quiz night in Ljubljana. 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center (Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 1) ⏰ Every Tuesday @ 7 PM 🗣️ In English • 💶 €5 entry • 👥 Teams of 2–5 Every Tuesday we turn the pub into a fun, social, slightly chaotic quiz arena — with internationals, Erasmus, locals, and travelers all mixing together. If you want a friendly community night with a bit of competition, this is it. ⚠ LIMITED SEATING — ONLY 45 SPOTS This venue is small and fills up fast. Registration highly recommended! 👉 Register your team: https://forms.gle/V5fJieLx3ySXjnoS7 🙋‍♂️ NO TEAM? COME ANYWAY. If you’re new, alone, or just want to join a random team: 👉 Join the WhatsApp group & say “looking for a team” https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK We’ll match you with other players before the quiz starts. 🕹 HOW THE EVENING WORKS 1️⃣ Arrive around 18:45 2️⃣ Pay €5 at the bar (card/cash) 3️⃣ Find your team / join a team 4️⃣ Grab a drink 🍺 5️⃣ Quiz starts at 19:00 sharp 6️⃣ Winners announced around 21:00 Perfect for meeting new people, making friends, and enjoying a fun Tuesday night. 📍 EVENT DETAILS 📅 Every Tuesday 🕖 19:00 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center 💶 €5 per person 👥 Teams of 2–5 🌍 International crowd 🗣 Quiz in English Organized by Ljubljana International, ZAP Events, and Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🍻 LOO-BLAH-NAH International ZAP Pub Quiz – Vsak torek ob 19:00! 🧠 Najbolj mednarodni pub kviz v Ljubljani! 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center (Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 1) ⏰ Vsak torek ob 19:00 🗣️ V angleščini • 💶 5 € vstopnine • 👥 Ekipe 2–5 oseb Vsak torek pub napolnimo z energijo, smehom in novimi prijateljstvi. Popolno za internacionalce, študente, expate in domačine. ⚠ OMEJENA MESTA — SAMO 45 LJUDI Prostor se hitro zapolni. Priporočena registracija! 👉 Prijava ekipe: https://forms.gle/V5fJieLx3ySXjnoS7 🙋‍♀ NIMAŠ EKIPE? BREZ SKRBI. Če prideš sam/a: 👉 Pridruži se WhatsApp skupini & napiši “iščem ekipo” https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK Najdemo ti super družbo. 🕹 KAKO VEČER POTEKA 1️⃣ Prihod ob 18:45 2️⃣ Plačilo 5 € na baru 3️⃣ Najdi svojo ekipo / pridruži se drugi 4️⃣ Vzemi pijačo 🍺 5️⃣ Kviz se začne 19:00 6️⃣ Ob 21:00 razglasimo zmagovalce Odličen večer za druženje, spoznavanje in zabavo. 📍 PODROBNOSTI 📅 Vsak torek 🕖 19:00 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center 💶 5 € na osebo 👥 2–5 oseb na ekipo 🌍 Mednarodna publika 🗣 Kviz v angleščini Organizirajo: Ljubljana International, ZAP Events in Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center.

**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. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

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.

We will hike the Ridge Trail and Meadows Trail twice, for a total of 3.8 miles. There are some pretty good inclines so plan on getting a cardio workout :). This is a loop which is pretty easy to follow; thus faster walkers can take the lead and the rest (like me) will bring up the rear at a slightly slower pace. You could also just do the loop once for 1.9 miles. No one left behind. Optional lunch to follow in Canal Winchester. I'm working through the metro parks - this is the third one!

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.

Join us for one of our favorite hikes this Tuesday (4/21/26) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hoover Dam Scenic Trail, starting at the west end of the dam. This hike includes some paved paths/roads along with some dirt trails, with a few beautiful views of the reservoir. Join us for this 2 mile hike, finding us in the parking lot at the corner of Sunbury and Smoke Burr.