Charcoal Drawing
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out charcoal drawing events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the charcoal drawing events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find charcoal drawing events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Charcoal Drawing Events Today
Join in-person Charcoal Drawing events happening right now
Life Drawing - E2 - The Long Pose Class (Skill Level Beginner - Advanced)
**Friday 21st**
**Friday E2**
**7-9pm**
IN PERSON & ONLINE
The Garrett Centre
117 Mansford St
E2 6LX
One of London's only drop-in Long Pose classes, set in our main studio space, providing all the equipment you might need, the format for this class is a single pose for the evening, with three short warm up poses to get you started. We also serve hot vegan food in the break, just as we do on Wednesday, so perfect if you arrive hungry. Expect a calm and relaxing atmosphere, lots of time to explore your drawing practice and tutored support.
Real Life Drawing - Long Pose - Every Friday - 7pm:
Dear Friends
This is our legendary Friday Long Pose class - Each week we work with London's best models, providing you with tuition if you want it, and leaving you in peace if you prefer that. There is food and great company, this is the class for you if you would like to connect with a community of like minded artists. We will make you feel welcome and always have a good word to say about your work, even if you don't. That is what this group is all about, community, friendship and art, come and join us.
**£ COST - BOOKING TICKETS & DROPPING IN:** JOIN US IN PERSON OR ONLINE
**IN PERSON: £13**
This is a drop in class, but buying a ticket means you can simply drop in without needing to worry about paying on the night, use the link bellow to book:
https://bookwhen.com/londonlifedrawing_livestream
**ONLINE:** **£8**
These sessions are streamed via Zoom making it possible for you to join us where ever you are, we have a warm online community and this is the perfect way to keep drawing throughout the week even if you cant make it to a class. You can book to join online by using the same link and selecting **Zoom Online Ticket**
https://bookwhen.com/londonlifedrawing_livestream
**SCHEDULE & POSE LENGTH:**
6.45 pm > arrival
7.00pm > We start drawing at 7pm with 3 poses of 5mins each and follow this with a single pose for the rest of the evening We have a 15 min break at 8pm and the session ends at 9pm:
> > 7pm start
> > 3 x 5 min pose
> > Long Pose
> > 8pm break (15 min)
> > Long Pose
> > 9.00pm session ends
**DRAW MORE PASS:**
If you have a Draw More Pass - HOWEVER OLD - please select that ticket option in Bookwhen - this will give you a free booking confirmation - bring a print out or screen shot of the booking to the session along with your Draw More Pass - if you have any difficulties please call Adrian on 07966925723
**BUYING A DRAW MORE PASS :**
The Draw More Pass makes our classes the most affordable in London and it's incredibly versatile. The Pass enables you to drop into our classes in person or online, any time you want to. You don't have to come back every week, instead choose your times and just turn up, they never expire - you can buy a Draw More Pass in any class or via our website:
[https://www.adriandutton.com/shop](https://www.adriandutton.com/shop)
When you buy a pass online you will receive a PDF, simply screen shot this or print it out and bring it to any session and we will exchange this for a PASS, also, as soon as the transaction is made you will be listed to receive our link emails for online sessions:
5 sessions: £52.50
10 sessions: £100
20 sessions: £190
50 Sessions: £400
About the venue. **The venue opens at 6.30pm** our classes take place in the Lower Ground Floor The Garrett Centre - This is fully wheelchair accessible via a ramp to the space and has wheelchair accessible doors and amenities
Nearest tube: Bethnal Green (central line).
**Directions (see map below):**
Tube/train: approx. 8 minutes walk from Bethnal Green Tube (Central Line) and 12 mins. walk from Hoxton & Shoreditch overground stations.
Buses:
Nrs. 8, 388, D3 - stop Pollard Row.
Nrs. 26, 48, 55 - stop Hackney Road.
Nrs. 106, 254 - stop Old Ford Road.
Nr. 309 - stop York Road.
When walking/cycling, there is a footpath behind the Tesco's on Bethnal Green Road that will get you there faster (see highlight on map above). If driving you will need to go via Hackney Road and turn left on Mansford St, follow to the end of the Street where you will see the Garrett Centre on your left. Parking is free after 6.30 in the surrounding streets and directly in front of the centre, however, you should note that the thick white lines denote no parking areas, only use actual parking bays.
**Bikes:** please bring your bikes down to the basement, we are currently able to offer secure space in one of the rooms of the centre.
To view a BBC film taken at the Bethnal Green Life drawing class, see below: You can watch the BBC film of Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience' made at our life drawing class here: https://vimeo.com/120288888 (http://vimeo.com/ziplinecreative/review/78714935/a64159a7bb)
http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/9/1/8/600_434466424.jpeg
http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/5/f/9/600_433149721.jpeg
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/9/f/3/600_432579411.jpeg
✏️ Free Sketch & Social
Join us for a relaxed sketching session from 6–8pm followed by a warm drink and a chat in a nearby café 😊
We usually meet at the V&A Museum or outside in a local park when the weather allows. Please check the location listed in the event details each week, as it may change depending on rain, sun, or gallery access.
This is a calm, informal, free meetup — you're welcome to draw at your own pace, chat a little, or just get into the flow. It’s open to all levels, from total beginners to experienced artists.
🖍️ Art materials:
In museums/galleries, we can only use dry, non-messy materials: pens, biros, colour pencils, markers, and fine liners (no paint, pastel, or charcoal).
In parks or outdoor spaces, feel free to bring paints, pastels, or whatever you like!
Bring your own sketchbook and materials, and come just as you are. We’d love to draw with you. ✨✏️☕
FREE UPCYCLING AND TRANSFORMATION OF SECOND-HAND CLOTHING (IOD)
**\*FREE FOR MEMBERS, JOIN WHEN YOU ARRIVE!\***
Come and join us at the **Living Room Club Glengal Groove** on Fridays between 1 p.m. and 3 pm to upcycle second-hand clothes. We gather for creative transformation and upcycling of second-hand clothing items and materials to sell in our cafe.
The income from this project supports our Homeless Project in Soho.
For further information, please contact Neide on 07585560345
Dragons Keep Role Play Games in South East London
**We are currently full. Should you want to attend, please contact our organisers first via our website.**
We meet every Friday to play various Tapletop Role Playing Games (RPGs). Our venue is in Chislehurst, South East London within easy reach of Bexley, Bromley, Dartford, Eltham, Lewisham, Greenwich, Orpington and Sidcup.
Doors open at 19:00 for our ‘kebab chat’ to catch up and discuss all things geeky! Feel free to bring your own food and drink.
Our games usually start by 19:45 and end around 23:00 (although time is not a limit should the group be happy to play longer).
If you’re interested in joining or running a game, please either message the management team or drop a message in the chat below. We are open to playing all RPG’s if there is an interest.
You can find out more Dragons Keep on our website: https://www.dragonskeep.co.uk or on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DragonsKeepUK
Tarot Practice @Mikis
Meet up fee £7 to be paid at the beginning of the meet up.
Card or cash payments.
Meeting at Mikis Paradise Cafe.
Please bring your favourite Tarot deck.
Comic and Manga Creators Group London
If you are you interested on creating your own comic, but need help to put your vision together or do not know were to start then we may have the solution for you.
Come talk shop with fellow creators, share experiences, ideas, techniques and tips to help each other grow and have a chance in the industry.
Charcoal Drawing Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Sketchbook: National Portrait Gallery
Trying out something a bit different this week. Let's sketch inside the National Portrait Gallery! (Ive changed this from a Friday night late to Saturday instead)
This is by far and away my favourite gallery in London so this one should be special :D
Let's meet outside the entrance to the gallery at 13.00 I'll wait outside for a bit for any stragglers and then we can all meet again back outside at 15.00. Maybe we can grab a drink at the lovely Marquis pub afterwards!
Nearest Tube Stop: Leicester Square/Charing Cross
Completely free of charge, no need to sign up, bring a friend! Feel free to drop in for the whole two hours or just short while if you'd prefer. Look for the tall ginger fella sketching away as the central meetup spot, but feel free to roam as far and wide as you like and sketch anything you damn well please!
Please bring your own sketchbooks and pens/pencils.
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
About Sketchbook London
Every week we will choose a location around the magnificent city of London and draw people, buildings, pigeons, bins, anything you want....
No payment, no pressure, no need to sign up, just show up and draw for a couple of hours. All levels, abilities and professions welcome, bring a friend!
Zero pressure to interact, network, impress in any way, this is just a way to get out and about and appreciate the joy of urban sketching and all the weird and wonderful creatures that inhabit this thriving metropolis.
I am a storyboard artist working in animation and I am happy to discuss sketching techniques or give feedback on any work but this is by no means an exclusive event for artists, all are welcome :)
Dibuja con nosotros ✏️🎨- Club Londinense de Dibujo
¿Hablas español? 🇪🇸 🇲🇽 🇨🇴 🇦🇷 ¿Vives en Londres o alrededores? 🇬🇧 🏙¿Te gusta dibujar? 🎨
Ven y dibuja con nosotros. No hace falta que tengas experiencia o vocación artística. Todos los niveles de habilidad son bienvenidos, pero sí esperamos que hables español
La primera mitad del evento (90 min más o menos) dibujaremos, y al terminar compartiremos lo que hayamos hecho, dejando el resto de tiempo para socializar y conectar.
Este es un meetup para conocer y conectar. con hispanohablantes que gustan de expresarse y relajarse dibujando o coloreando en un espacio relajado.✨
Ofrecemos material básico para que puedas dibujar pero te alentamos a traer material con el que te sientas más a gusto.
Hay un café en el espacio donde puedes comprar alguna bebida o snack.
Saturday Secret Sketch Life Drawing Salons
**A gem of a life drawing session in our secret hideaway - a good vibes intimate sit down drawing session with wonderful models and lighting**
Vaulty Towers really is a very special venue with a wonderful atmosphere- walk through the main bar with its glittery décor and down the little staircase into the twinkly hideaway downstairs where the life drawing magic happens!
As with all our drop in classes – expect professional tutors and models in an inspiring and unique space. With poses from 30 seconds to one hour – there is something for everyone. This is a general life drawing class with tuition for beginners and advice for those who are more experienced, all designed to encourage you to develop your own style and approach.
**Please don’t come to class if you feel ill- you can rebook to another date- just email info@londondrawing.com**
**Classes can be booked ahead via tickets below**
Secret Sketch is a sit down sketch class- drawing boards provided
Materials available to buy, or bring your own-
Paper 20p per sheet, charcoal 25p per stick
Every Saturday
11-1pm
£15/ £10 students and under 25's
**Or you can drop in and pay cash or paypal on the door**
**PayPal link:**
**[PayPal.Me](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LondonDrawing)**
Or buy tickets here:
[BUY TICKETS HERE](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/saturday-secret-sketch-weekly-drop-in-life-drawing-waterloo-tickets-426760932437)
SUNDAY SECRET SKETCH LIFE DRAWING SALONS: 3.30-5.30pm
**A gem of a life drawing session in our secret hideaway - a good vibes intimate sit down drawing session with wonderful models and lighting**
Vaulty Towers really is a very special venue with a wonderful atmosphere- walk through the main bar with its glittery décor and down the little staircase into the twinkly hideaway downstairs where the life drawing magic happens!
As with all our drop in classes- expect professional tutors and models in an inspiring and unique space. With poses from 30 seconds to one hour- there is something for everyone. This is a general life drawing class with tuition for beginners and advice for those who are more experienced, all designed to encourage you to develop your own style and approach.
**Please don’t come to class if you feel ill- you can rebook to another date- just email info@londondrawing.com**
Materials available to buy, or bring your own- Paper 20p per sheet, charcoal 25p per stick
**Sunday Secret Sketch**
**Every Sunday**
**3.30-5.30pm**
**£15 / £10 students and under 25's**
**We also run [Saturday Secret Sketch session](https://londondrawing.com/buy-tickets-for-saturday-secret-sketch-including-session-information/)**
**11-1pm Every Saturday**
**And a second Sunday Secret Sketch**
**1-3pm every Sunday**
**Drop in and pay cash or paypal on the door**
**PayPal link:**
**[PayPal.Me](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LondonDrawing)**
Or buy tickets here:
[BUY TICKETS HERE](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sunday-secret-sketch-weekly-drop-in-life-drawing-waterloo-tickets-426778555147)
**Venue:**
**Vaulty Towers**
**34 Lower Marsh**
**London**
**SE1 7RG**
SATURDAY STUDIO 2: Life Drawing Drop In Sessions 4-6pm Waterloo
**Our 4-6pm session: Join us for a great crowd, good vibes life drawing session- friendly, helpful tuition if you need it and super professional models.**
As with all our drop in classes- expect professional tutors and models in an inspiring and unique space. With poses from 30 seconds to one hour- there is something for everyone. This is a general life drawing class with tuition for beginners and advice for those who are more experienced, all designed to encourage you to develop your own style and approach.
**Don’t come to class if you feel ill- you can rebook to another date- just email info@londondrawing.com**
**Classes can be booked ahead via tickets below**
**We also have drop in places available- cash or PayPal on the door**
Easels and drawing boards provided Materials available to buy, or bring your own-
Paper 20p per sheet, charcoal 25p per stick
**Saturday Studio**
**4-6pm**
**£15£10 students and under 25's**
Buy one Saturday class- get a second on the same day for £10 cash / paypal - ask the tutor for this option when you arrive
**Tickets in advance – or cash / PayPal on the door**
**[BUY TICKETS HERE](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/saturday-studio-4-6pm-weekly-drop-in-life-drawing-waterloo-tickets-426750661717)**
**We also run a morning session 11-1pm at Vaulty Towers [INFO HERE](https://londondrawing.com/buy-tickets-for-saturday-secret-sketch-including-session-information/)**
**And a mid afternoon session 1.30-3.30pm at The Waterloo Action Centre [INFO HERE](https://londondrawing.com/saturday-studio-1-3pm-in-person-tutored-life-drawing-sessions-2/)**
**If you go to two sessions- get the second for £10 cash or paypal only**
4-Hour Saturday Long Pose: Life Drawing at The Garrett Centre
### **About this event**
Ready to move beyond quick sketches? Join us for the **Saturday Slow-Draw**—a dedicated 4-hour session designed for artists who want the luxury of time.
Whether you're a painter looking to capture light and tone, or a sketcher wanting to dive deep into anatomy, this is your space. We feature a **single, professional pose** held for the entire afternoon, allowing for a focused, uninterrupted creative flow.
**The Schedule:**
* **11:45 AM:** Doors open (Arrive early to get your favorite spot!)
* **12:00 PM:** Session begins with the main pose.
* **2:00 PM:** Halfway break with **complimentary snacks and refreshments.**
* **4:00 PM:** Session ends.
**The Vibe:** Relaxed, friendly, and self-directed. We provide the easels and drawing boards and all essential materials (charcoal, pencils, sharpeners etc).
**Price:**
* **£24** per session.
* You can **drop in** and pay on the day, stay as long as you like for £7.50 p/h or secure your spot in advance via our bookwhen [https://bookwhen.com/londonlifedrawing#focus=ev-soa46-20260418120000](https://bookwhen.com/londonlifedrawing#focus=ev-soa46-20260418120000)]
***
### **📍 Finding Us (The Secret Entrance)**
The Garrett Centre can be a little tricky to navigate!
1. Head to **117 Mansford St, Bethnal Green, E2 6LX**.
2. From the front of the building, **walk around to the right-hand side** toward the rear.
3. Take the **foot ramp down to the basement** level.
4. Turn left upon entry; our studio is the door on your **right**.
> **Check out our Instagram @adriandutton_life_drawing for a pinned "How to find us" video!**
SATURDAY STUDIO: Life Drawing Drop In Sessions 1.30-3.30pm
**Join us for super good vibes every Saturday - in our light studio with great tuition and models, a brilliant way to spend the afternoon!**
As with all our drop in classes- expect professional tutors and models in an inspiring and unique space. With poses from 30 seconds to one hour- there is something for everyone. This is a general life drawing class with tuition for beginners and advice for those who are more experienced, all designed to encourage you to develop your own style and approach.
**Don’t come to class if you feel ill- you can rebook to another date- just email info@londondrawing.com**
**Classes can be booked ahead via tickets below**
**We also have drop in places available- cash or PayPal on the door**
**PayPal link:**
**[PayPal.Me](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LondonDrawing)**
Easels and drawing boards provided Materials available to buy, or bring your own-
Paper 20p per sheet, charcoal 25p per stick
**Saturday Studio**
**1.30-3.30pm**
**£15 / £10 students and under 25's**
Buy one Saturday class- get a second on the same day for £10 cash / paypal - ask the tutor for this option when you arrive
**Tickets in advance – or cash / PayPal on the door**
**[MORE INFO & TICKETS](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/saturday-studio-130-330pm-weekly-drop-in-life-drawing-waterloo-tickets-426739097127)**
**We also run a morning session 11-1pm [INFO HERE](https://londondrawing.com/buy-tickets-for-saturday-secret-sketch-including-session-information/)**
**And a late afternoon session at Waterloo Action Centre 4-6pm**
**[INFO HERE](https://www.meetup.com/londondrawing/events/288412205/?fromSeries=true)**
**If you go to two sessions- get the second for £10 cash or paypal only**
Charcoal Drawing Events Near You
Connect with your local Charcoal Drawing community
Sunday Arts & Crafternoon: Launch Event! 🎉
**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.**
Art & Craft Maker Meetup
**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.**
Cocoaheads
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/
Columbus Yarn Club at the Grandview Heights Library
12:45-3:45 in Conference Room B, Library lower level. Bring your yarn projects, meet new friends.
If you've RSVP'd yes but cannot attend, please change your RSVP to no so those waitlisted can move up in line.
Plenty of parking in the lot, in the overflow lot across the street, and on the street.
See you there!
Art Night - Bring Your Own Work
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.
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**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.
Drop-In-Person Coaching (In-Person)
Have a small business? Ever wish you could just ask some questions around how to grow your business, get more customers or just know what the freak you are doing with sales?
Now is your chance!! Every month we are hosting the "Ask an Expert" at the Columbus Metro Library, Main campus. I will be there to answer your Sales related questions.
Drop-in for sales coaching designed to help small business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals sharpen their sales approach. Whether you have questions on how to refine your pitch, are looking to close deals more quickly, or are working on building better client relationships, Smashing Your Sales Goals Coaches are here to help.
Drop-in to get expert insights, actionable strategies and real-time solutions to grow your business and generate higher profits.
Drop-In Sales Coaching is FREE + OPEN to the public. No appointment needed. First come, first served.
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