Backcountry

Peru: Coast to Clouds – Sea Lions, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Trails. **1 spot left** Would you like to go on unforgettable journey through Peru? where ancient legends, natural wonders, and thrilling adventures collide. This unique itinerary takes you from the vibrant streets of Lima to the mystical heights of the Andes, offering a rare blend of wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and bucket-list experiences. ✅What’s Included: Shared accommodation (SEPARATE BED) Entrance & Guide Machu Picchu Experince swim with sea Lion Hike & Guide to Rainbow Mountain Francisco Monastery Catacombs Breakfast, Buffet lunch 1x Lima Walking tour **Date: 16-24 May 2026** Arrival Airport: Lima Airport Meet up: at the accommodation [Click here ](https://www.joinmytrip.com/en/trips/peru-discovery-adventure-machu-picchu-rainbow-mountain-sea-lions-Ufws)for more details or [DM me on WhatsApp here ](https://wa.me/393755267768)or Instagram [@windyrann_](https://www.instagram.com/windyrann_), if you are interested in joining!

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) **Stay updated**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

2 EURO DONATION FEE PER PERSON IS REQUIRED (on site, in cash), to pay back the Meetup subscription fees and support my Events. READ THE DESCRIPTION WITH THE INFO (IMPORTANT). WHATSAPP LINK BELOW 📳​ We take the RE3 train that arrives to Eberswalde at 11,02 🚉😀 and stops in Berlin Hbf at 10,23 The train stops not only in Berlin Hbf (I attach below the screenshots with the stations and the timetable 🕐) Once in Eberwalde station, we follow this route 🍃🍃 [https://www.komoot.com/tour/2383133702](https://www.komoot.com/tour/2383133702) Bring your own food 🍔 and water 🥤, for the about 15kms of Hike. After the Hike, we come back to Eberswalde town center 🏘️ to take a coffee ☕ or a cake 🍰 here, for the people who want (the others can directly take the first train to come back to Berlin): [https://maps.app.goo.gl/YeLEY8FFMWsSLwtv6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/YeLEY8FFMWsSLwtv6) One train per hour is available to come back to Berlin 🚉 NFO ℹ️ℹ️ Route distance: 15 kms Pace: about 14 minutes per km (know by experience with my events) Breaks ⛔: 2 breaks at approximately 1/3 and 2/3 of the way I do not provide a "personal support" for people who do not take the indicated train. You are responsible to check for the weather and decide if come or not. Thanks for understanding. If you have to contact me, make it via Whatsapp, not here on Meetup. WHATSAPP COMMUNITY 💬 to find each other (join it, we use this group to find and synchronize us, as well as post photos) [https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/](https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/)

**A place to meet sound, without maps** Facilitated by **Vesti Gium (they/them)** Everyone enters as they are. No score. No threshold of skill. We follow the room, moment by moment— listening, nudging, letting the music find itself. A breath, a shoelace, a laugh, a footstep— each carries weight. Silence is welcomed; noise is celebrated. There are no wrong directions here. We practise a listening that reaches outward and inward: to ourselves, to one another, to the space we shape together. That is where the music begins. * 🌀 Bring a voice, an object, an instrument, a movement—or nothing at all. * ✨ **Priority given to FLINTA folks and people with migration background.** * 🎧 No experience needed. Curiosity is enough. * 📍 Berlin – \[theodorstraße 5,12099] * 🗓 Every Saturday 12:00 * 📬 DM or email **[vestigium.impro@gmail.com](mailto:vestigium.impro@gmail.com)** to join Come make sound—come be heard.

We are exploring the running routes of our community members! Join us to explore Astrid’s area 🥰 On May 16 we’ll gather at U-Bahn Turmstraße at 11 am for another 5k run in Moabit. The meeting point - Bike Stands at Heilandskirche Church https://maps.app.goo.gl/KRupENA2g2raX1dXA Don’t worry if you are new! We run at a pace which is comfortable for everyone, so it’s a great chance to start 😉 Take care and see you soon to enjoy another active morning together ❤️ P.S. ‼️️ Please cancel your participation if you can’t show up, even if it’s at short notice so that we don’t wait for you. Thanks! ‼️

***Sketch Berlin’s iconic Museum Island with fellow artists while learning composition, linework & proportion in a relaxed outdoor session.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS EVENT?** Click on link below to get complete info and to sign up for this event by getting your ticket. [https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/museum-island-sketching-16may2026](https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/museum-island-sketching-16may2026) **SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW USERS** * 10% New User Discount using promo code: **MEETUP10** * Valid for this trip or any other trips available on our website. **WHY GO?** * Join us, the afternoon of ***Saturday, May 16th at 13:00*** on Museum Island for an afternoon of sketching. We will meet in front of Humboldt Forum along Karl-Liebknecht Strasse to begin a day of deep seeing while improving our sketching skills. We’ll be meeting up with fellow ***Sketchers & Artists*** to practice our ***sketching skills while enjoying iconic historical architecture.*** We’ll be walking around to three separate sites on Museum Island where we will do guided warmups where we practice ***drawing composure, line weight, and proportion***. These practice warmups will come with an ***accompanying set of worksheets to help you get started on your sketching journey*** no matter if you are a beginner or a professional. You will receive feedback while you sketch by the instructor, and will have time to practice what you’ve learned before moving on to the next subject. Museum Island is a place rich in details for drawing. There is no shortage of subjects to spend your time studying, admiring, and drawing. * If this is your first time sketching or 100th time sketching, you can find subjects that are right for you. ***You don’t need to be a professional at all!*** You should just want to practice your sketching skills while meeting new people, and hopefully sketching a bit better than you did the day before. * If this is your first time to Museum Island, ***please be aware that this is a tourist destination***, and there will be tourists walking around in the area. * We will be stopping to do at least ***3 30 min sketches with the goal of improving our foundational drawing skills***. ***Composition, line weight and proportion are foundational skills that every artist needs to develop*** in order to simplify a scene while communicating the necessary details for a viewer to see and feel a scene or detail. These are sketching skills that can be applied across artistic mediums. * Bring your preferred drawing medium for 30 min ***sketches***, and meet up with fellow Berlin sketchers. There are benches in the area, but you may wish to bring a small chair or cushion to make things more comfortable. Many find that if this is their first time drawing, a simple B4 or B6 pencil, and plain white paper is best to learn on. Others who enjoy ink will benefit equally from instruction. * The drawings are purely for fun, and to get to know other artists and hobbyists in the area! * (This meet-up does *not* include entry to any of the museums on museum island) * Join us at 13:00 at the Humboldt Forum with our host - Elizabeth, we’ll get to know one another and then set out as a group to sketch around the island. We will sketch from 13:00-15:30, before going our separate ways. **FOR FUTURE TRIP UPADATES:** Please do join our WhatsApp/Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [WhatsApp Channel](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

Fuelled by our pre-workout Espresso we go on a scenic run to Treptower Park. Whether you're training for a marathon or just decided to give running a shot: with us, you are welcome. We offer 5k or 10k routes, both with plenty of talk and good vibes all the way. > Meet us @ 9:20 AM @ Green Wall Coffee Lichtenberg > Get your pre-workout Espresso for only €1

***Discover the mystical sunken birch forest, the valley and its unspoilt nature while hiking along river Briese.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS EVENT?** Click on link below to get complete info and to sign up for this event by getting your ticket. [https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/briesetal-fairytale-forest-17may2026](https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/briesetal-fairytale-forest-17may2026) **SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW USERS** * 10% New User Discount using promo code: **MEETUP10** * Valid for this trip or any other trips available on our website. **WHY GO?** The Briesetal is one of Brandenburgs most scenic valleys, formed by river Briese. The quiet nature preservation area is home to mischievous beavers whose dams created a sunken birch forest. The valley is still dominated by unspoilt nature, seemingly untouched by humans. It's only a 40 minute train ride north of Berlin, making it the perfect day trip getaway from the city's hustling. Following the meandering river we traverse the mystical forest, walk on wooden planks through moors and marshes and explore natural habitats and endemic wildlife. On this hike, immerse yourself into nature’s wonder! Have you ever observed the tiny details of the outdoors? Such as the intricate veins on the back of a leaf? Or the delicate edges of flowers’ petals? Or the movement of a cheeky squirrel? On this walk, you will have the chance to truly connect with the natural world around you. No experience or preparation is needed, just your curiosity. You will be guided through every step of the way. **TRIP DETAILS** **Distance:** 13 km walking, 7 hours from start to closing, multiple break times **Hiking Difficulty:** Easy – walking on marked paths / dirt roads, mostly flat terrain, relaxed pace **Kid Friendly:** Yes **Pet Friendly:** Yes **What is Included?** * Community Leader and Guide for the entire duration. * Guided hike. * Access to Google photos album dedicated for this trip for sharing all your amazing pictures and videos from the trip. * Access to a WhatsApp group for the confirmed participants. **Note:** Please contact us immediately if you do not have WhatsApp and we can make alternate arrangements from our end to ensure you do not miss out on any communication. **FOR FUTURE TRIP UPDATES:** Please do join our WhatsApp/Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [WhatsApp Channel](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

Join our Backgammon Meetup to play, socialize, and enjoy this classic game! Everyone’s welcome! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player. Expect fun, friendly games, laughter, and new friends. 👉 Please RSVP only if you plan to attend. 👉 Bring your own set if you have one. *** **How to Play (Quick Guide):** * Each player has 15 checkers and moves them toward their home board. * Dice rolls decide how many spaces you can move. * Land on an opponent’s single checker to send it to the bar. * Once all your checkers are home, start bearing off (removing them). * First to remove all checkers wins! *** **Fun Fact:** The Origin of Backgammon: Backgammon is one of the oldest known board games, with roots deeply embedded in the ancient civilisations of Mesopotamia. But it is in Persia, where the game truly flourished and evolved into what we now know as 'Takhte Nard'. Archaeological findings suggest that early forms of backgammon were played in Iran over 5,000 years ago. Artifacts such as game boards and dice have been discovered in sites like 'Shahr-e Sukhteh' (The Burnt City), indicating the game’s ancient origins.

**Route:** [Link](https://www.komoot.com/tour/2955043547?ref=itd&share_token=ap7b44apshBXv9yZbxaMOqj1HmDLRPkQv5bobKaR8qtrs6g1oi&ref=its) **Walking Speed:** ~4.5 km/hr **Highlights:** Köthener See, Triftsee, Mittelsee, Schwanensee, and Wehlaberg Observation Tower. **General Notes:** Participants with past no-shows or unexplained cancellations on the event day will be deprioritized, and only confirmed RSVP may join the hike. Regular group members as well as hikers who show genuine intent could be given priority on the waiting list. We will take brief breaks for refreshments, but don't plan for coffee stops. Please bring your water, snacks, mosquito repellent, and dress suitably for the day's weather. Please make every effort to be on time. I'm not a professional guide and according to Meetup rules not liable for anyone's safety. If you can't make it, please be respectful enough to update your confirmation of participation in a timely manner to give those in waiting list a fair chance to prepare.

Lange Dammwiesen und Annatal is a beautiful and scenic nature reserve in Brandenburg in the area of Strausberg. It has a mixture of dry grassland, wet meadows and forest. It has unique small hills in the shape of a dam. We will hike in this nature reserve. After the nature reserve we will pass the beautiful lakes Kleiner Stienitzsee and Stienitzsee. After 3 hours of hiking I plan to have a coffee but can't promise there will be something open. I am asking for a donation of 2€ for this event. **Good to know:** We will meet at the Station Strausberg (not Strausberg Stadt) **at 12pm** in front of the Service store/main station building. You need ABC-Ticket or Deutschland Ticket.

This Sunday's hike starts in Stücken, a village near the Nuthe-Nieplitz nature reserve. It features a bird-watching watchtower and maybe a stork in the village of Körzin who has been living there for several years. Next comes a long stretch along the shore of the Nieplitz river into the town of Beelitz, where you can try its famous asparagus in a restaurant before taking the train back to Berlin. Meet us in the **first car of the train RE7**, departing from **Alexanderplatz station at 12:08 on platform 2 (direction Dessau),** **arriving at Michendorf (Mark) at 12:50, then taking the Bus 608 at 13:01 to Stücken (Dorf)** Unless you are subscribed to the Deutschlandticket, you'll need to buy a ticket to Stücken (Dorf). Please note: * As a grown-up, you are responsible for yourself. * Come prepared for cold and windy weather. * Wear appropriate footwear, we may come across some muddy sections. * Forecasts predict low chance of rain, but you never know... * Bring enough water, food and some cash with you. * Please be fair and only RSVP if you are sure you can make it and update if your plans change. See you on Sunday!

**Neue Leute kennenlernen, nette Gespräche & frische Luft. Am Sonntagnachmittag.** . **💶 2 Euro Gebühr (vor Ort, in bar)** . **🛑 Falls Du es nicht schaffst, sag bitte rechtzeitig ab.** 😊 **Zusagen sind bis kurz vor Beginn möglich. Ich freu mich Dich zu sehen.** . 👋🏼 Wir treffen uns an der [S-Bahn Station Treptower Park, am Hinterausgang Richtung Park (Link Google Maps)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/4kVsM838mCSftVPc9). . Wir machen eine kleine Vorstellungsrunde. Danach gehen wir los. . 💐 Wir laufen auf dem großen Uferweg entlang der Spree, vorbei am Vergnügungspark Plänterwald bi szum Ende des Plänterwalds. Dort kehren wir um, gehen zurück durch den Plänterwald um dann wieder das wunderschöne Spree-Ufer entlang zu laufen. 😊 Ich bereite Deep-Talk-Fragen vor, damit Ihr gut uns Gespräch kommt. . **💧 Empfehlungen:** * Bring etwas Wasser mit, falls Du durstig wirst (1 Liter) * Gegen Abend kann es kühler werden: Bring Dir etwas Warmes anzuziehen mit. . **👉 Rechtlicher Hinweis** Auch wenn wir uns als Gruppe treffen und ich einen schönen Weg für uns herausgesucht habe, **bist Du voll verantwortlich für Dich selbst**. . **👱🏼‍♂️ Mehr über Abenteuer Freundschaft** Ich bin Georg Preller. Ich habe Abenteuer Freundschaft gegründet, um Freundschaft zu erforschen. Mein Ziel: Mehr echte Freundschaften auf dieser Welt. . Auf Meetup findest Du zahlreiche Events zum Kennenerlenen oder um über Freundschaft zu lernen. . **👋🏽 Weitere Gruppen & Kontaktmöglichkeiten** . **✈ Telegram-Kanal: [t.me/abenteuer_freundschaft](http://t.me/abenteuer_freundschaft)** für Events, Workshops & Treffpunkte für neue Freundschaften . **✉ Freundschafts-Newsletter:** [https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter) Alle 4 Wochen das Neuste aus der Freundschaftsforschung; oft seltener, denn ich schreibe nur dann, wenn es wirklich etwas zu berichten gibt. . **🔥 6 Zutaten großartiger Freundschaften** Seit 2020 forsche ich, was großartige Freundschaften wirklich ausmacht. Das Ergebnis ist das 30seitige eBook: "Die 6 Zutaten großartiger Freundschaften". Du erhältst das eBook zurzeit kostenlos mit der Anmeldung zum Newsletter: [https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter) **💯 Wie wird man Freunde in Berlin:** * [Freunde finden: Wie wird man Freunde?](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/freunde-finden) * [Was ist Freundschaft?](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/freunde-finden) * [Wie schnell wir man Freunde?](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/wie-schnell-entsteht-freundschaft)

This event is for people who believe that our thoughts and feelings create our reality. This time we’re getting together in Treptower Park for a picnic to talk about our manifestations, the techniques we use, and also share books/meditations/author recommendations for anyone who’s interested and wants to dive deeper into the topic. Please bring a blanket, some food and drinks. **Meeting point**: Entrance to the S-Bahnhof Treptower Park (from the park side) **Please note: In case of rain, we’ll meet at [Presscafé am Alexanderplatz](https://share.google/t0SP7jNViEjKENSjn) (stay tuned for updates!).**

**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.

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

Community Backyards Workshop Join us at the Ohio Herb Center in Gahanna to learn about sustainable home gardening. We can make small changes in our yards to make a BIG impact for a better environment and healthier waterways while saving money. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek and hosted by Ohio Herb Center. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but NOT required. Click here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/65f65aw (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) * Location: Ohio Herb Center, 110 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230 * Date and time: Sat, May 23, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM * Organizer: The Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

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.