Cartography

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-navigation-26)** **Navigation isn’t a lost art - it’s a life-saving skill. Whether you’re exploring remote backcountry or just trying to orient yourself on a trail, knowing how to read the land can make all the difference.** Join us for this *one-day navigation workshop,* which will equip you with the skills needed for safe and confident adventures. **Interested in joining this year’s Epics? Completing this and other relevant courses will support your approval process for advanced adventures.** **Morning: Theory** We’ll start with hot beverages and a hands-on classroom session where you’ll learn: * Why maps still matter in a GPS world * How to read a topo map and visualize the land * What contours tell you about your route (and your legs) * How to orient yourself when you’re turned around * Compass skills that could save your life **Afternoon: Practice** After a quick lunch, the real fun begins. With only a map, compass, and your brain, you’ll work in teams to complete a real-world navigation challenge. Each team gets a unique course and a grid reference sheet to plot and follow. Fastest (and most accurate) team earns top bragging rights as Wilderness Union’s best navigators. You’ll build and follow a route card, learn to trust your instincts, and develop the kind of confidence that only comes with practice. **Your Instructor:** Former Canadian Army Advanced Reconnaissance Instructor, Captain Buckingham is a decorated Pathfinder and the Canadian Infantry School’s top navigation instructor, he’ll guide you every step of the way. **Who It’s For:** This course is for beginners and intermediate explorers alike. No military mindset required—just curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a love of getting outside. This is an amazing opportunity not only to learn from a world-class expert but it's a fun, practical lesson at a uniquely low price. **About this series:** The Survivalist Series is an expert-led set of courses designed to develop applicable, and life-saving skills in the wilderness. Keep your eyes peeled for more courses that become available. **Due to the cost of parking at Bronte Creek, WU transport is recommended for this course.** **Highlights** **Expert Instruction -** Our amazing expert guides will teach you everything you need to know in a safe and fun way. **Practical Skills -** Develop essential skills to survive and thrive in the wild. ‍**Local Adventure -** Just 45 minutes from Toronto, this adventure is close to home for anyone living in the GTA. **Event cost: $80+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/intro-navigation-26)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

**Krav Maga (15+) at the Miles Nadal JCC** Build confidence, improve fitness, and learn practical self-defence skills in a safe and supportive environment. This dynamic program introduces the core principles of Krav Maga with a focus on real-world scenarios, situational awareness, and mental resilience. Through guided instruction and hands-on training, you’ll develop effective techniques for striking, defending, and reacting under pressure — all while enhancing strength, coordination, and conditioning. No prior experience necessary — just bring a willingness to challenge yourself and grow. Join our welcoming community and start your Krav Maga journey today! *** **Event Details** **Location:** Miles Nadal JCC — 750 Spadina Ave. (enter through Spadina doors) **Dates & Times:** Spots are open in upcoming sessions — join anytime! Late registration is welcome, and your fee will be automatically prorated. Drop-in options available. **Registration is required in advance** > Please note: RSVP’ing on Meetup does not reserve your spot. > [Register online](https://app.amilia.com/store/en/miles-nadal-jcc/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=yn6KVVL) > ☎️ Or call 416-924-6211 *** ️ **Fees** • Full-session registration available (prorated if joining late) • Drop-in spots available *** **What to Expect** ✔️ Practical, real-world self-defence skills ✔️ Striking, defending, and reacting under pressure ✔️ Improved strength, coordination, and conditioning ✔️ Supportive, beginner-friendly instruction ✔️ A focus on confidence, awareness, and resilience *** Come ready to move, learn, and empower yourself. We can’t wait to see you in class!

Join your community of fellow Intuitives and MBTI nerds for a casual evening of engaging conversation. We get together every second Sunday – with a mix of regulars and new friends. There is no fee to attend, though we ask that you support the venue by ordering something to eat or drink. **Feel free to contact event host B. via Facebook/Meetup messenger, or text/call 416-712-8635 for directions**. About the venue: The Pint Public House Nearest Subway: Union Station Map / Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G5GfXDSQXeifJ5ot5 We make an effort to find pubs that are quiet and introvert friendly, with a section to ourselves. We make no effort to muffle our extroverts, but should they get out of hand, our resident INTJ will use their death stare, to pull them back in line.

你有没有试过，让 AI 替你读一本书？ 十秒钟，梗概有了。 一分钟，重点也有了。 再问几句，它还会解释、比较、反驳。 很方便。也有一点可疑。 一本书，只看 AI 总结，算读过吗？ 工具书也许可以。 小说呢？传记呢？ 那些在某一页突然停住的时刻呢？ AI 能说出《悉达多》讲了什么。 哪一句会在你心里留下来，只有你知道。 **第一期「AI双面圆桌派」，我们聊：** **当 AI 可以总结、解释、陪读、反驳一本书时，人还为什么读书？** 我们该读得更多，还是读得更慢？ 我们和三位嘉宾一起，聊几个问题： * AI 眼里的重点，是我的重点吗？ * 读得快，会不会只是更快地产生“我懂了”的错觉？ * 哪些书可以交给 AI 先读？ * 哪些书，还是要自己慢慢读？ * 故事、共鸣、经验，算不算知识？ 两个小环节： * AI 帮我省下一小时。 * 我用 AI 搞砸的一件事。 带着问题来就好。 不用先有答案。 ***嘉宾介绍*** Anna，深耕北美市场营销与中国科技，互联网产品出海，腾讯，IDG投资的企业级AI软件小鹅通elink加拿大负责人，专注企业增长与数字化转型。 * 主导多个品牌北美市场进入与增长项目，实现从0到规模化增长 * 推动小鹅通eLink在加拿大落地，赋能企业私域与数字化转型 * 深度连接中美加商业资源，搭建跨境合作与行业生态网络 Swan, 加拿大注册会计师（CPA），7年审计经验，横跨财务审计与运营审计。曾先后任职于加拿大知名会计师事务所、五大银行，及政府审计部门。拥有横跨三类组织的审计实务经历，擅长从财报中梳理逻辑、发现问题，并快速理解运营流程、防范风险。作为误闯创业群的一名风险“守门员”，习追问，习惯质疑，抽丝剥茧，追本溯源。也是夹缝中生存的打工人，探索如何用AI杠杆减轻负担、加速成长。 张英锋，QHOW Technology 创始人，科技教育与知识传播实践者，长期关注 AI 时代的学习方式与认知模型重构。曾获知乎“2014 年度新知答主”，在科学、数学、教育、历史等领域创作 160 多篇回答和文章，累计阅读超过 3700 万，拥有 26 万关注者。在本场圆桌中，他将从一个略带“反方”的角度讨论 AI 阅读：AI 总结带来的，究竟是真正的知识，还是一种“我已经懂了”的幻觉？他关注的问题是，当 AI 可以快速提炼一本书时，人如何避免停留在叙事共鸣中，而是真正把阅读转化为理解、输出与解决问题的能力。 ***About Startup4Chinese*** Started in August 2017, Startup4Chinese's mission is to INSPIRE, EMPOWER, and CONNECT entrepreneurial minds not only among Chinese but beyond. We want to inspire your passionate entrepreneurship spirit, empower your brilliant startup idea, and connect you with your future reliable partner. We value Openness. We provide Pragmatic topics. We want to help you succeed! ***关于OneHub*** OneHub商业咨询是一家领先的加拿大咨询公司，提供商业咨询和顾问服务，帮助中小企业增长和成功。该公司以其战略咨询方面的专业知识而闻名，包括商业计划、市场研究、财务建模和数字化转型。创始人Eddie Lee有30多年企业实务经验，他注意到创业者常常面临相同的问题。OneHub团队，就是要为为初创企业或中小型企业遇到的问题提供全面解决方案。 ***About OneHub*** OneHub Business Consulting is a leading Canadian consulting company that provides business consulting and advisory services to help small and medium-sized enterprises grow and succeed. The company is known for its expertise in strategic consulting, including business planning, market research, financial modeling, and digital transformation. Founder Eddie Lee has over 30 years of practical experience in the corporate world and noticed that entrepreneurs often face similar problems. The OneHub team aims to provide comprehensive solutions for the issues encountered by startups or small to medium-sized businesses.

We’re heading to Kensington Market for a mix of vintage finds and tabletop strategy. Sunday, May 10th at 1:00 pm. Limited to 15 people. First, we’ll meet up to explore a thrift stores around the market. Afterward, we’ll make our way over to Harmony Cafe for some board games. I shall update with the list of games. You are free to bring your own as well. 1:00 PM: Meet at the Thrift store. [https://maps.app.goo.gl/zgm3LGXJ34nSybzb7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/zgm3LGXJ34nSybzb7) 1:45 PM: Head to Harmony Cafe for board games. [https://maps.app.goo.gl/BHPNJcftkxCR5dfC7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/BHPNJcftkxCR5dfC7) There is a cost of the meetup $5. To keep up with the meetup app platform subscription and Harmony cafe for hosting us. Pay using the link below or cash. (Please get in touch with me for cash as I need to keep track of the count to save you a spot) [https://buy.stripe.com/14A14o1u3bEoaSS6JGcAo00](https://buy.stripe.com/14A14o1u3bEoaSS6JGcAo00) This event is limited to 15 people. Its a cozy cafe. See you there! Games list. If you are brining a game, please let me know I'll update the list. 1. UNO 2. ⁠CHESS 3. ⁠MONOPOLY 4. ⁠NEVER HAVE I EVER 5. ⁠ABSURD BOX 6. ⁠PLAYING CARDS 7. ⁠the game of life 8. ⁠guess who 9. Stock exchange

World Premiere-- *Ticket link is below*. $30-$72 (look at the seating map--and your age!) In 2035, a decade after the Trinity Bellwoods Collapse, an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of a young girl leads to a very peculiar house that has sunk into the earth. **Could a strangely luminous painting** unlock long-buried secrets of what flowed beneath the home? Howling winds, storms, and the ever-present sound of cicadas remind us that nothing stays buried. ***cicadas*** is a modern eco-thriller from the minds of Governor General’s Award and Siminovitch Prize laureate David Yee and award-winning composer Chris Thornborrow that serves as both mystery and warning. Directed by Nina Lee Aquino https://nac-cna.ca/en/bio/nina-lee-aquino **Ticket link here: (Sunday May 10th)** https://tarragontheatre.com/plays/2025-2026/cicadas/ (Play around with the seating map, and ticket prices. Any seat is a great seat--even the last row!)

Nordheimer ravine is relatively short but as with other midtown ravines like Cedarvale, it's well-used and surrounded by moneyed neighbourhoods. There are spectacular vantage points in the surrounding parks. This neighbourhood also has popular attractions like Wychwood Barns, Casa Loma, Spadina Museum, and a bunch of murals. I hope you like hills because there will be several of them. This hike is sandwiched by restaurant rows at St Clair Ave W and Dupont St. There isn't any standout cuisine but Dupont is home to a mini-empire of Middle Eastern restaurants. On St Clair Ave W are some of the best upper mid-range restaurants in Toronto for Italian, North Indian, and Persian cuisine. And possibly one of the best gelaterias in the city. There will be long lines at Bar Ape so come earlier if you want to get gelato there. **Highlights** 1. Bar Ape Gelato (depart 2:30 pm) 2. Pura Vida / Baker and Scone 3. Pink Ice Cream 4. Sea Witch / JABS 5. Wychwood Barns (depart 2:55 pm) 6. Hillcrest Park 7. Tollkeepers' Cottage 8. High Level Pumping Station 9. Nordheimer Ravine 10. St Clair Subway Station, south side of St Clair Ave W (depart 3:55 pm) 11. Sir Winston Churchill Park 12. Casa Loma (outside) 13. Spadina Museum (depart 4:35 pm) 14. The Backyard Smokehouse / Euphoria Cake 15. Roti Cuisine Of India (arrive 4:55 pm) **Neighbourhoods** Wychwood > Casa Loma > The Annex **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=16joz8-VYsQ8lr155TDonvYdkgl70iwI&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=16joz8-VYsQ8lr155TDonvYdkgl70iwI&usp=sharing) Uphill and downhill at Hillcrest Park, Nordheimer Ravine. Stairs at Winston Churchill Park and Casa Loma. **How it works** Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints. We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. Grab ready-made food, or see the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way. Not sure what to try? Join our omakase for $5, which gives a tiny sample from different restaurants. Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to [globaltorontoeats@gmail.com.](http://globaltorontoeats@gmail.com.) No refunds after orders are placed. Details of sampled food will be uploaded after the hike. Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers for omakase and bringing back leftovers. See our [About section](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.

🎨🏙️ **GRADEX 111 – OCAD UNIVERSITY ART EXHIBITION & SOCIA**L 🏙️🎨 Emerging Artists, Creative Energy & A Cultural Hangout If you want to feel inspired, this is the kind of event that does it. Join us for GradEx 111 at OCAD University — Toronto’s largest free art and design exhibition, featuring work from over 800 graduating artists and designers. This is a chance to step into the next wave of creativity — exploring everything from painting and photography to design, installation, and experimental work, all in one space. It’s vibrant, it’s varied, and there’s always something that catches you off guard in the best way. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social outing — come explore, react, and experience it together. 👉 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) \*\*\* 🚶‍♂️ **What We’ll Do** We’ll meet outside and head into the exhibition together, spending about 1.5–2 hours exploring the different displays across the building. You’ll have time to move at your own pace, take it all in, and check out the wide range of disciplines on display. **There’s also:** 🎓 Student work available for purchase 🏅 A special medal-winning exhibition in the Great Hall 🛋️ An alumni lounge space Afterward, we’ll head out to find a nearby spot for drinks or food and keep the conversation going. You’re welcome to join or head out whenever you like. \*\*\* 🎨 Vibe & Expectations This is a relaxed, low-pressure event — no art expertise needed. Just: ✔️ Curiosity ✔️ Openness ✔️ A willingness to explore Also — this is NOT a guided tour. It’s about experiencing the exhibition in your own way, while being part of a social group. \*\*\* 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: Corner of Dundas St W & McCaul St (AGO side) 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 11:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. We’ll head in promptly. End Point: Back at the starting location \*\*\* 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) The exhibition itself is free. This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* 🎒 **What to Bring** Water Comfortable shoes (we’ll be on our feet) Curiosity and an open mind 🎨 Optional: cash/card for food & drinks afterward \*\*\* 🌈 **Who Is This For?** This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. **We also host:** 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. \*\*\* **REMEMBER:** You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. \*\*\* 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the art. Stay for the conversation. Leave feeling inspired by what people are creating right now. 🎨✨11

40.6 km cherry blossom ride from Pioneer Village to Union Station Via Humber River Trail and High Park Route Map: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2821848844

## Details Our hike leader is Gadi Prager From the website... * [TommyThompson](https://www.hphc.ca/TommyThompson01.html) \-\- description of hike with driving instructions * [Schedule Spring 2025](https://www.hphc.ca/schedule.html) * [What to Bring](https://www.hphc.ca/WhatToBring.html) \-\- on a hike * [Hiking Etiquette](https://www.hphc.ca/HikeEtiquette.html) * [Taking Photos](https://www.hphc.ca/Photos.html) * [Après Hike](https://www.hphc.ca/ApresHike.html) Hello Hikers (and those currently questioning our identity), This coming Sunday, May 10th, we are trading our vertical inclines for horizontal velocity. We’re "walking" more than "hiking." What’s up with that, you ask? Think of it as a strategic recovery mission at a brisk pace. We’re tackling the Leslie St. Spit, formally known as Tommy Thompson Park. Fun fact: Tommy is world-renowned for the phrase “Please Walk on the Grass,” so feel free to rebel by staying on the path—or don’t. He’d want you to live your best life. **The Mission** This is a classic 11 km out-and-back journey to the lighthouse. It’s paved, level, and straighter than a ruler, with unpaved "finger trails" for those who have an itch for the scenic route. Navigation Warning: It is virtually impossible to get lost unless you decide to swim to St. Catharines or the Island Airport. If you plan on stowing away in the cargo hold of a jet to the Caribbean, please let me know by the 5 km mark so we don’t count you as "missing." **The Scenery** Far from a boring stroll, the views are spectacular—pure "Kodak moment" territory for the shutterbugs among us. As a nature reserve, the park is teeming with locals, including Marty the Mink. You’ll have Lake Ontario on one side and the iconic Toronto skyline on the other. It’s basically a 360-degree flex. **The Details** Runners: You are more than welcome to "Run, Forrest, Run" ahead of us. Trail runners are a solid choice if you want to explore the grit. Meeting Time: 10:00 AM sharp at the park entrance. Cost: $0.00. Free parking, free entrance, priceless memories. Transport: Carpooling is available for those who prefer to be chauffeured in style. "Champagne wishes and caviar dreams" (though you’ll have to provide your own Grey Poupon). Supplies: Bring water and lunch. Marty the Mink does not share his snacks. **Location**: 1-3 Leslie St. Toronto, ON M4M 3M9 The views for this walk are truly unbe-leaf-able. (Sorry, I had to). Looking forward to seeing everyone out there! Gadi Prager

Call on 416-938-2223 to find me :) -Ritik

Come out to Improving for our monthly iOS and Mac meetings. This Month's Presentation: Nothing yet. (You should volunteer). What is Cocoaheads (http://cocoaheads.org/)? CocoaHeads is a group devoted to discussion of Apple Computer's Cocoa Framework for programming on MacOS X and iOS (including the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch). During monthly meetings, members present on their projects and offer tutorials on various programming topics. What is BuckeyeCocoa (http://buckeyecocoa.org/)? BuckeyeCocoa is a group of Objective-C/Swift developers/enthusiasts. We host monthly Cocoaheads and near-weekly NSCoder meetings in Columbus, Ohio. The meetings are free to attend. Presentations! Presenters welcome! We are always in need of people willing to present material. Any Swift and/or Objective-C related topic is welcome. Times can be 5 minutes (i.e. lightning talks) to a maximum of 2 hours. Interested? Contact info is on the BuckeyeCocoa website. To volunteer for a presentation contact us at @BuckeyeCocoa on Twitter. Follow us on Twitter! @BuckeyeCocoa (https://twitter.com/#!/Buckeyecocoa/) For more information: http://buckeyecocoa.org/

**Total Eclipse of the Chart: School Redistricting Dashboards** In this presentation, we will explore the utilization of maps, sets, and SQL within a Tableau dashboard to help provide “what-if” analyses generated through the use of a mapped dashboard, providing different scenarios and the potential implications of these. While in this use case we are focused on a large school district, the concepts of utilizing existing data to explore the future impacts of modifying different geographic boundaries can be useful to many industries, balancing the mix of maps with visual analytics. **About Our Speaker** Robert Kramer is the Data Systems and State Reporting Coordinator at South Western City Schools in Grove City. He has worked there for 17 years, serving previously in the roles of Data Analyst, Programmer, and Operations Coordinator. Prior to working at South Western, he worked as a Systems Engineer at Pinnacle Data Systems in Groveport. He graduated in 2005 from The University of Toledo with his Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering, and a minor in Mathematics. Robert resides in Obetz with his wife, and their 15 and 12 year-old daughters. He was also just elected to his 3rd four-year term on the Obetz City Council. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Welcome to the Art School - 20's & 30's artists Meetup group! This is a community for young artists who are passionate about exploring different mediums and techniques in the world of art. Whether you're a painter, sculptor, photographer, or mixed media artist, this group is the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals, have a space to work on your craft, and showcase your work. Let's inspire and support each other on our artistic journeys! Whether you're a novice or a seasoned artist, all skill levels are welcome. Join us and unleash your creativity! Afterwards, we will have time to work on our individual art projects, hang out, and if anyone is interested in feedback on their work, there will be time for that as well.

**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.

FREE event [https://www.ccad.edu/chroma](https://www.ccad.edu/chroma) Friday, May 15, 3–7 p.m. CCAD campus, 60 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH Join Columbus College of Art & Design for *2025* *Chroma: Best of CCAD*, our annual campuswide exhibition showcasing outstanding student work from across the college’s academic programs. This faculty-juried show features select work from CCAD students of all class years, and is a can’t-miss end-of-year campus celebration recognizing their tremendous achievements. It’ll be a night of fun and entertainment, with interactive games, animation and film screenings, art symposiums, poetry and prose readings, and more (along with some of the best local food trucks). *Chroma* is free and open to all. Many exhibitions including... **Game Art & Design:** **DSB, first floor, Welcome Center lobby and Room 115**

Bring your work or your hobby, hang out, and code with us. Follow @buckeyecocoa for more information.

Join the Columbus AI community for our quarterly gathering — a casual, community-focused evening where everyone has a chance to share, learn, and connect. These open mic–style events give anyone in the community up to **5 minutes** to present a project, share a tool, pose a question, or offer a perspective on the evolving AI space. No slides required — just a welcoming space to exchange ideas and keep the local AI conversation moving. If you’d like to take the stage, message \*\*Chris (the organizer)\*\*with a **title and short description** of what you’d like to share. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.linkedin.com/company/transformlabs/) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/transformlabshq)