Bushcraft

**Abenteuertour: Alpen-Action & Natur pur 🏔️** Teilnahme kostenlos. Bahn-Tickets usw. müsst ihr selbst bezahlen. Equipment müsst ihr natürlich auch selbst besorgen. Wir starten am 22.05.26 um 23:28 in Berlin mit dem ICE 905 Richtung Süden. Nach dem Umstieg in München um 7:06 (RE61/RE62) erreichen wir Garmisch-Partenkirchen am 23.05.26 um 8:24. Von Garmisch-Partenkirchen gehen wir am Eibsee spazieren. Danach erleben Adrenalin bei der Flying Fox Zip-Line ([https://flyingfox-gap.de](https://flyingfox-gap.de)). Im Anschluss wenn es noch Zeit übrig bleibt, erkunden wir gemeinsam Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Am Sonntag wandern wir 23 km durch das Reintal auf die Zugspitze (8–10 Stunden) und fahren um 16:30 mit der letzten Seilbahn zurück. Am Montag geht es um 8:02 weiter ins Ötztal (Ankunft 9:59). Gegen 12:00 folgt eine Canyoning-Tour durch beeindruckende Schluchten. Wir übernachten flexibel im Zelt. Der Campingplatz ist nicht reservierbar ([https://www.camping-resort-zugspitze.de/campingplaetze/3-sterne-loisach-ufer/unterkuenfte/zeltplatz/](https://www.camping-resort-zugspitze.de/campingplaetze/3-sterne-loisach-ufer/unterkuenfte/zeltplatz/)), daher reisen wir ohne Buchung an. Wenn es genug Leute zusammen kommen, dann können wir auch ein Haus/Unterkunft gemainsam mieten. Rückfahrt: 25.05.26 um 19:41 ab Ötztal (REX1), über Innsbruck (NJ420/NJ40420) und Nürnberg (ICE904), Ankunft Berlin 26.05.26 um 6:30. **Weitere Infos in der [Telegram-Gruppe](https://t.me/+EjXBcxyl38liMTEy)**

We play any kind of board and card games. Most of them are german or language neutral games. It doesn't matter if you are casual or core player. The main thing is to meet and have fun. Bring your own game or choose one of about 150 games we have on site. You want to play a certain game you don't own, ask Björn (spielfest-berlin@email.de) if he can bring it or ask in the comments. Please RSVP if you like to come. It makes things way easier to organize, if we know how big the boardgame-enjoying-crowd gonna be. If the front door is locked, call Björn 0049157 746 300 78 or someone named on the door sign. Entrance is 3€ and can be paid on-site (prepay is not possible). There will be snacks, tee, coffee and soft drinks for little money as well. Of course you can bring your own food/drinks as well. No Animals allowed. Try our discord channel to chat and find other players. https://discord.gg/dCXGmy2

Finding a partner in Berlin is like looking for a flat: all the nice ones are taken, and the rest are outside the ring! There is only one thing to do: **laugh about it!** Our Love Doctors shall provide Jokes, Scandalous Stories and Relationship Advice with the help of the audience. We're here to show You that even though You may be alone, You are never alone! **Box Office**: donation based for DNA. Members\* / Regular (Daily Membership\*\*) **Suggested donation:** * General: 10€-15€ * Students & unemployed 5€-7€ ***Note:*** *This is not a free show. We don't work for free, and neither should you. It's Pay What You Want. You just decide the amount You want to pay AFTER the show.*

Unser Verein berlinCreators e.V. trifft sich jeden Freitag ab 18 Uhr im Makerspace. Wir haben Gruppen rund um Elektronik, 3D-Druck, Nähen, Programmieren, Retro Computer. Egal ob Anfänger oder Profi – hier seid Ihr Willkommen. Ihr könnt mit anderen fachsimpeln, Euch inspirieren lassen oder auch mit unserer Hilfe Eure ersten Projekte starten. Wenn Ihr Euch bei uns wohlfühlt und Mitglieder bei den berlinCreators werden möchtest, freuen wir uns. Kommt vorbei, lernt den Space, uns und die Möglichkeiten kennen.

**GUARDIANS Masks Workshop** UPDATE: This workshop date is already full booked! but you can reserve on the next dates (May & June) [here](https://www.meetup.com/creative-art-workshops-berlin/events/314890798/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link&utm_version=v2&member_id=298628301): **See a video of [previous sessions](https://www.instagram.com/p/DXrmpYbjBvc/).** 📍 Berlin (Kreuzberg) 🗓 2 sessions (3.5h each with a pause for snacks) 🗓 Next Dates> **May 29 & June 5** (Fridays) 6:00–9:30 PM (*Only few spots available)* **July 3 & 10** (Fridays) 6:00–9:30 PM €115 (all materials included) 👫 *Bring your friend, and both receive 10€ off.* ***Small Group only!*** *After reserve, I will send you an email to confirm your place.* **A two-session sustainable experience inspired by folk characters and traditional mask-making. You will design and create your own character mask in a hands-on and creative way.** **Guardians are masks with presence—imagined characters that accompany and bring personality to a space**. You can create a small or large mask, designed either to wear or to hang. **Day 1:** Inspiration & Mask Building *"In Japan, masks often embody transformation, character, and symbolic presence.* *In the Andes, masks connect animals, imagination, and collective storytelling (...)"* We begin with a visual introduction to mask-making across cultures, exploring how artists draw inspiration from celebrations, nature, animals, and imaginary characters to create expressive forms. You’ll bring your own idea (or choose from a selection of references) to design your Guardian character. You can choose between different formats — wearable masks or small sculptural faces for the wall — working with accessible materials such as recycled cardboard, papier-mâché, fabric, and mixed textures. **Day 2:** Painting & Finishing In the second session, we bring the characters to life through colour, texture, materials and detail. You will choose a colour palette and combine acrylic paints with acrylic markers to create different finishing effects. The workshop closes with a relaxed sharing moment, where participants can present their character and creative process. **All materials are included:** *cardboard, paper, paste, papier-mâché, acrylic paints, fabrics, threads, and decorative textures.* You are welcome to bring \*personal materials \* if you wish — colours, fabrics, small objects, or symbolic elements you would like to incorporate into your piece. * Where: At my studio in **10963 Kreuzberg, Berlin**. It’s a bright, sunny space ☀️ I’ll send you the exact address by email after you fill out the form. It will be fun! **A bit about me** Hi! I’m Rosi Diaz Roigt a Berlin-based mask artist and graphic designer for films. My work explores nature, imagination, and sustainable materials through illustration, sculpture, and mixed media. I guide participants and motivate them to develop their own personal forms of expression! **To save your spot:** Please RSVP here and also complete the **registration [form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjU-H1YSLnua4JDuvfKaaoGFqTV7yNNZpjc3iyFKj1SF7JyQ/viewform)**, so I can confirm your spot. (Meetup RSVP alone may not guarantee your place.) **Previous workshops;** [www.instagram.com/p/DXrmpYbjBvc/](https://www.instagram.com/p/DXrmpYbjBvc/) [www.rosidiazroigt.myportfolio.com/](https://rosidiazroigt.myportfolio.com/)

Tolle Berlinerinnen und Berliner, als ich schreibe, sitze ich im Wald zwischen Buchen und Eichen auf meinem Campingstuhl und genieße die Ruhe des Sonnenlichts. Suchst du nach Freiheit von dem Lärm der Szene, Lärm der Stadt? Möchtest du Brücken mit interkulturellen, diversen Leuten aufbauen? Dieses Jahr möchte ich unbedingt neue Leute, die Tiefe und Empathie haben kennenlernen. Diesen Leuten meine Zeit geben, und gegenseitige Freundschaften hoffentlich aufbauen. Selbst glaube ich, dass Mädels und Jungs einander nicht verstehen können, wenn der Sinn von einer Person 100% einer Geschlecht ist und die Person keines der Geschlecht gegenüber kennt. Idealerweise sollte der Sinn 50/50 weiblich/männlich sein, dass wir uns ideal verstehen können. Selbst bin ich Künstler, der sich für Farbphysik (Colour Phenomena) interessiert. Zum Beispiel ein roses Kirschbaum in der blauen morgen Stunde. Oder blaue Bäume im Licht eines bedeckten Sommer Tag, auch wenn jeder glaubt, dass man sachlich weiß, ‚Bäumen sind grün!‘ Colour sind, glaube ich, hauptsächlich weibliche Phänomene. Und als Künstler empfand ich seit langem eine Affinität für Colour. Das Bild oben ist ein Kunstwerk von mir. Ich möchte die ruhigen Leuten erreichen, also der Treff ist entweder Online, per Signal Messenger (Link zur Gruppe im Kommentar) um neue Verbindungen leicht zu machen, oder auch sogar besser persönlich, wenn du dich spontan unterwegs sein will und persönlich treffen will. Wenn du mich persönlich triffst setzen wir uns auf eine Wiese, eventuell in der Wuhlheide, oder auf dem Tempelhofer Feld. Schick mir eine Nachricht per Signal Gruppe und wir können uns vereinbaren. Ich freue mich neue Leute kennenzulernen!

Have you always wanted to learn bouldering but never had the right company? Or are you an experienced boulderer who just wants to find boulder-buddies? If yes, this is the right event for you. We are going to meet inside "urban apes Basement Boulderstudio", close to S Anhalter Bahnhof, also not far from Potsdamer Platz. If you have never been there, you will need to sign up with them, which will take a bit of time. After that, **you can find us on the couches near the lockers (not in front of the reception), next to a red smiley**. When you enter the actual gym, enter the hall by turning left immediately - you are walking towards them. We will start warming up around 11:10, so everyone has enough time to arrive and get changed before that. ***\*\*\**** *Spots are limited, so please update your RSVP at least 24 hours in advance if you won't be joining. **NO-SHOWs ARE NOT COOL \*\*\**** We enter the gym at 11:00, if you are late, you will need to look for us inside. IMPORTANT: they only accept cards as a payment method. No cash. One day ticket will cost you 13,90 EUR (10,90 EUR if you are a student, free if Urban Sports Club). **What to bring: well, first of all, a good mood.** But you could also bring * climbing shoes if you have any. If not, you can rent them there, no worries. They cost 3,50 EUR. * a lock (for the locker). * chalk. You won't need that if you are a beginner. Renting is possible. * water. * extra clothes. It's quite chalky there and humans sweat, not the best mix, don't you think? :D Please, note: the organizer is not responsible for anything, including injuries. A basic introduction will be provided.

**Relax. Connect. Create. ☕** After a full week of work, meetings, study sessions and life in fast-forward, it’s time to slow down. Join us this Saturday afternoon in Berlin for a relaxed coffee hang-out where this week's agenda is good company & warm drinks. You're also invited to bring some boardgames, drawing/coloring materials (I will bring an adult coloring book) **What’s the plan?** We’ll meet in a cosy spot, draw, chat about everything and nothing, swap stories and simply enjoy the moment. No pressure. No formalities. Just a bunch of friendly people sharing a Saturday coffee. **Who’s welcome?** Everyone! Whether you’re a Berliner born and raised, newly arrived in the city, from Germany or abroad, if you like meeting open-minded folks and spending some relaxed time—come join us. **When & how?** Saturday afternoon. Detailed time and place in our Telegram group. ➡️ Join us on Telegram: [https://t.me/berlinsaturdaycoffee](https://t.me/berlinsaturdaycoffee) Hop in, say hello, and we’ll share the final details. **Why join?** *Because you deserve a break. - Because you enjoy being creative. *Because you enjoy boardgames - Because meeting new people sparks fresh energy. *Because coffee tastes even better when shared. - Because Saturday afternoons were made for this. Respect and Safety: There is always at least one organizer present at every meetup. If you ever feel unsafe or bothered by someone’s behavior, you can reach out to an organizer privately. Your identity will remain confidential, your concern will be taken seriously, and no inappropriate behavior is tolerated — anyone making others feel uncomfortable will be removed from the group immediately. We hope to see you there. Bring yourself, your smile, drawing materials, your stories—or just your comfy self. Let’s make Saturday a little more laid-back, a little more social and a lot more nice. See you soon! —Your Saturday Creative Coffee Crew ☕

In diesem Workshop wagen wir uns an das vielschichtige Themengebiet *Liebe und Beziehungen* heran. Menschen sind Beziehungswesen: Zugehörigkeit, Verbundenheit, Nähe, Sexualität, Sicherheit und Geborgenheit zählen zu unseren Grundbedürfnissen. Für die meisten von uns ist eine erfüllte Partnerschaft eines der erstrebenswertesten Ziele im Leben. Wenn wir uns jedoch in der Gesellschaft und in unserem persönlichen Umfeld umsehen, scheint es, als wären wir kaum imstande, gesunde Beziehungen zu führen. Der Großteil von uns hat bereits mehrere Beziehungen hinter sich. Oft können wir nicht einmal klar benennen, woran sie gescheitert sind. Anhand der Erfahrungen, Beobachtungen und Interessen aller Teilnehmenden nähern wir uns den Fragen, die uns immer wieder bewegen. Wir erforschen, * was eine erfüllte Beziehung für jede:n bedeutet * was wir brauchen, um gelingende Beziehungen zu führen, * was uns dabei - persönlich und gesellschaftlich - im Weg steht, * und vor allem, wie wir daran arbeiten können. Wir forschen gemeinsam mithilfe des [re:nature® Kompasses](https://umainstitut.net/ueber-uns/renature-ansatz/). Dieses Lebensrad hilft uns dabei, komplexen Themen wie unseren Liebesbeziehungen eine Struktur zu geben. Angelehnt an die jahreszeitlichen Zyklen der Natur (Frühling - Sommer - Herbst - Winter) sind schließlich auch Beziehungen diesen Zyklen unterworfen: Verliebtheit - Commitment - Krisenzeiten - Trennung oder Neuausrichtung. Unser theoretisches Erforschen verbinden wir mit Übungen zur bewussten Körperwahrnehmung sowie mit kreativen Aufstellungen. Denn unser Ziel ist es, aus dem Erleben heraus neue Erfahrungen und Inspiration in die eigenen Beziehungen hinein zu tragen. Wir, Susanne und Ben, geben diesem Forschungsraum eine Richtung und einen Rahmen. Was dazwischen passiert, hängt von den Beiträgen der Teilnehmer:innen sowie der sich ergebenden Gruppendynamik ab. Persönliche Erfahrungen, drängende Fragen, Impulse und Ideen sind ausdrücklich erwünscht und sehr willkommen! Der Workshop ist offen für alle: ein inklusiver Raum für Menschen aller Geschlechtsidentitäten und sexuellen Orientierungen. Die Teilnahme erfolgt auf Spendenbasis. Bitte melde dich (zusätzlich) per Email an: [kontakt@benjaminpontius.de](mailto:kontakt@benjaminpontius.de)

### About this Event Weekends in Berlin are for slowing down. Whether you’ve lived here for years, just moved to the city, or are just passing through, come join us for a caffeine-fueled afternoon! The goal is simple: **Good coffee and even better conversations.** No forced networking, no strict agendas—just a relaxed group of people enjoying a break from the city hustle. ### Why join us? * **Meet Locals & Expats:** Expand your social circle in a low-pressure environment. * **Discover Berlin’s Cafe Scene:** We’ll explore one of the city's many cozy hidden gems. * **Perfect Weekend Kickoff:** It’s the best way to transition from your Saturday errands into the evening. We meet at W66. A cafe at Leipziger Straße! Looking forward to seeing you all there and sharing a slice of cake! 🍰☕

An intimate yoga + painting experience in Berlin designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and create freely. We’ll begin with a gentle guided yoga flow focused on grounding, nervous system regulation, and soft movement before transitioning into an intuitive painting session with music, candles, and a relaxed community atmosphere. No painting experience needed - this is about expression, not perfection. Come alone or with a friend. The space is intentionally small to keep the experience warm, calm, and personal. ✨ Included: – 40 min Slow Yoga + 15 min meditation – Canvas + all painting materials (2hr ~) – Yoga mats + blankets & cushion – Tea & cozy atmosphere 📍 b23 Space, Greifswalder Str. 23, Berlin 🗓 Saturday, May 23 ⏰ 16:00–19:00 Limited spots available.

***Experience Kenya’s wild beauty—Big Five safaris, Kilimanjaro views, flamingo lakes & unforgettable moments across 4 iconic parks.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS TRIP?** Click on link below to get complete info and to sign up for this event by getting your ticket. [https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/kenya-7n-may2026](https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/kenya-7n-may2026) **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 THIS JOURNEY IS TRULY ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME?** This is not just a safari. This is Africa — raw, untamed, and unforgettable. From the golden plains of the **Masai Mara** to the shadow of **Mount Kilimanjaro**, this journey takes you deep into the heart of Kenya’s most iconic landscapes. You’ll track the **Big Five**, walk among wild giraffes, cruise past hippos at sunset, and witness nature in its most powerful form — all while staying in carefully selected lodges immersed in the wild. ✨ **8 days. 4 iconic parks. Endless unforgettable moments.** **🌟WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?** **🦁 Masai Mara Safari (2 Days)** Track the legendary **Big Five** across vast savannas 🎈 **Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari** Float above wildlife at sunrise — a once-in-a-lifetime view 🌍 **Masai Village Experience** Step into local culture, traditions & tribal life 🦩 **Lake Nakuru National Park** Rhinos, flamingos & acacia forests 🚤 **Lake Naivasha Boat Safari** Spot hippos & fish eagles from the water 🦒 **Crescent Island Walk** Walk freely among giraffes, zebras & antelopes 🐘 **Amboseli National Park (2 Days)** Massive elephant herds with **Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop** 📸 **Iconic Wildlife Photography Moments** Capture “National Geographic” style shots 🗓 **TRIP DETAILS** **Start and End Date:** Sunday, 24 May 2026 - Sunday, 31 May 2026 **Meeting Location:** Meet your guide and the other participants in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. **Finishing Location:** Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. **Note**: You can arrive anytime on the trip start date & leave anytime on trip end date, please however, let us know in the sheet that will be shared with you closer to the event date, so that we can accordingly make the relevant pickup & drop off arrangements from our end. **What is Included?** * Guide for the entire duration (Guide speaks English). **Note:** English is the main language spoken in this trip. * 7 nights accommodation for this trip (twin-share rooms) that **includes 2 Nights accommodation in Masaimara, 2 Nights in Amboseli National Park and 1 Night each in Lake Nakuru National park, Lake Naivasha National Park** & Nairobi. * Private transportation for the entire trip. * Private **Safari mini-van for transportation during the safaris**. * 6 days full board meals during safari. * Park entry fees included. * Guided game drives across all parks. * 1-hour **Lake Naivasha boat ride**. * Airport transfers. * Daily bottled water. * Access to a WhatsApp group and Google photos album, dedicated to the trip. * **Note:** Email 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. **How to get to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport?** **Flight:** Flying is the easiest and most convenient way to reach Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with direct and connecting flights available from most major European cities (Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris, London, etc.). **From Europe:** • Direct flights: \~8–9 hours • One-stop connections also widely available via major hubs **Arrival in Nairobi:** Once you land at NBO Airport, our team will arrange your **airport pickup and transfer** to the hotel. **Need Assistance:** Please reach out directly for **customized flight-inclusive offers** from anywhere in Europe ✈️ 📲 WhatsApp / SMS: +49 152 2150 6123 +49 151 2486 7229 **🏡 ACCOMMODATION** 🏨 **Day 1 – Nairobi:** Stay at **The Concord Hotel** (or similar) – Comfortable city stay to relax before the safari 🦁 **Days 2–3 – Masai Mara:** Safari Lodge (Full Board) – Immersed in wildlife-rich plains 🦩 **Day 4 – Lake Nakuru:** Safari Lodge (Full Board) – Close to rhino sanctuary & flamingo lake 🌊 **Day 5 – Lake Naivasha:** Lakeside Lodge (Full Board) – Peaceful stay near freshwater lake 🐘 **Days 6–7 – Amboseli:** Safari Lodge (Full Board) – Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro **🌄 THE EXPERIENCE FLOW** **Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi ✈️** Welcome to Kenya! Relax, recharge & prepare for your safari adventure **Day 2–3: Masai Mara Magic 🦁** Drive through the Great Rift Valley into Kenya’s most famous reserve • Game drives tracking the **Big Five** • Optional **Balloon Safari** 🎈 • Visit a traditional **Masai village** **Day 4: Lake Nakuru 🦩** • Rhino sanctuary • Flamingo-lined shores • Scenic acacia landscapes **Day 5: Lake Naivasha 🌊** • Boat ride with hippos & birdlife 🚤 • Walk among wildlife on **Crescent Island** **Day 6–7: Amboseli 🐘** • Giant elephant herds • Views of **Mount Kilimanjaro** • Classic African safari photography moments **Day 8: Departure ✈️** Return to Nairobi & transfer to airport **🎒 OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE** 🎈 **Hot Air Balloon Safari (Masai Mara)** – $500 per person A breathtaking sunrise experience over the savanna **🌱 TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE** By joining this trip, you contribute to **nature conservation efforts** in the region 🌍 **✨ FINAL THOUGHT** This is the Africa you’ve always dreamed of. Wildlife roaming free. Sunsets that stop time. Moments that stay with you forever. 🌍 **The Grand Kenya Wildlife Odyssey is not just a trip — it’s a story you’ll tell for life.** **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)

**Let’s kick off our very first CBUS Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Karl Road Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

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.

**Get your creative flow going with a Sunday Afternoon Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Martin Luther King Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

**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.