Urban Chickens

Try out this stunning fusion style of smooth sensual moves and funky transitions in an easy-to-follow dance to classic & modern tunes. Kizomba is one of the most popular genres of dance and music originating from Angola, and reshaped in Portugal. It is a derivative of semba, with a mix of Kilapanda and Angolan Merengue. New styles derived from the traditional kizomba were developed in Europe such as urban Kiz and Tarraxinha. Danced to sensual music, happy folklore or electronic trance and fuelled by passion; kizomba is one of the most versatile genres that will help you express your deepest emotions! AED 99 /1 class AED 599 /8 classes (monthly package!) AED 899 /16 classes (monthly package!) Book your spot NOW! 8 classes https://moovnation.zbni.co/u/pabEn 16 classes https://moovnation.zbni.co/u/w7hbw For enquiries call/text 055 803 4003

•Costs 45 AED per person + ☕ Admin: •Farah: 0555778561 Follow our Instagram page [https://instagram.com/winner_dinner0?utm_medium=copy_lin](https://instagram.com/winner_dinner0?utm_medium=copy_link) Kindly note: Showing up without informing the admin or joining the WhatsApp group is strictly not allowed and could lead to a ban from the group. 🚫🚫?

Bring any book or choose one from the store and enjoy a quiet reading session at Bookends. This is not a book club, networking event, or social gathering. There will be no assigned book and no group discussion. It is simply a peaceful space for anyone who wants to slow down, disconnect for a while, and enjoy uninterrupted reading in a relaxed environment. You're welcome to come, settle in, and enjoy some quiet time 📚

**Crazy Clauders** 🎉 *Dubai’s 1st Clauders Meetup \| 25 May \| Dubai* Are you crazy about building stuff on claude? Do you feel alone? Want to showcase your builds to others? **JOIN HERE** https://crazy-clauders.eventbrite.com/?aff=meetup *PS: Builders on other tools are also welcomed.* Questions? WhatsApp Sumit! +971547174965

If you have basic snorkelling equipment please bring along a costume( no board shorts ) . If you do not have kit then please let us know and we will try to source some for you. Fees to play are 60aed per person and you must be a good swimmer. The location is Al Nasr Swimming Pool near al nasr, Oud Metha Dubai lesiure and. Please contact Phil before coming 050848788

Famous for its unique culture and stunning landscapes, **Bhutan**, the legendary **Kingdom of the Himalayas**, is a country unlike any other. Often called **the last Shangri-La**, this is a place where time runs slower, and the government operates by the unique philosophy of **Gross National Happiness**. Many factors contribute to the famed **happiness and contentment** of Bhutan’s population, from the country’s pride in **preserving its traditions**, languages, and customs to the **prioritization of wellbeing** over material wealth. In this land of dense forests and towering mountains, incredible vistas are all around, and a **connection to nature** is deeply ingrained in the culture. In addition, the practice of **Mahayana Buddhism** profoundly influences the Bhutanese way of life, emphasizing inner peace, compassion, and community harmony. With **stupas and monasteries** on every corner, spirituality is embedded in daily life here. Centuries of religious devotion have led to the creation of incredible landmarks and sacred spaces, including the country’s iconic crown jewel: Taktsang monastery, or **the** **Tiger’s Nest**. One of the most venerated places of pilgrimage in the Himalayas, the monastery appears like something out of a fairy tale, clinging to the rock a towering 800m (2,600ft) above the valley floor. Nowhere in the Himalayas is the natural environment richer and more diverse than it is in Bhutan, home to high, rugged mountains and deep valleys which have been recognized as one of the world’s ten most important **biodiversity hotspots**. One of Bhutan’s ancient names was Menjong Yul, meaning **‘the land of medicinal herbs’**, and the people’s respect for the natural environment means that even today it remains pristine and mostly undisturbed. Here we’ll discover ancient spiritual practices, trek into untouched landscapes and feel the awe of nature’s majesty in this hidden corner of the world. [https://vimeo.com/238777975](https://vimeo.com/238777975) **Let’s go!** **DAY 1 :: MAY 26** Recommended departure to Kathmandu at 02:10-08:05. Connecting flight to Bhutan at 13:00. On sunny days, the inbound flight to Bhutan is marked by **panoramic views of the Himalayas, including the towering Everest**. The approach through the tiny airstrip of Paro has been termed as “adventurous”, to say the least! Arrival in the afternoon, after which we’ll check in to the hotel in Thimpu and have our first experience with fiery **Bhutanese cuisine**. Later we’ll visit Thimphu’s Memorial Stupa, also known as the **Thimphu Chorten**, a prominent religious landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells. Afterwards we’ll take a short 3-4km hike to Kuensel Phodrang, reaching the **gigantic Buddha Dordenma** at the top of the hill. The **50-meter-high, gilt gold** **statue** fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D. and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. Overnight in Thimpu. **DAY 2 :: MAY 27** Today we drive via Dochu-La Pass to Punakha and hike to iconic **Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility),** located on a round hillock on the edge of Punakha Valley. After lunch our exploration continues with a visit to the majestic **Punakha Dzong fortress**, a stunning example of traditional Bhutanese architecture which serves as a winter residence for the Dratshang Lhentshog, the commission for the monastic affairs of Bhutan. Built in 1637, it is picturesquely located in between two rivers – the **Pho Chhu (Male River) & Mo Chhu (Female River)** – and houses sacred Buddhist relics. We’ll then take a walk along the **Punakha suspension bridge**, Bhutan’s longest, stretching 180 m (590 ft) across the water of the Pho Chhu, before checking into the hotel and resting up for the evening. **DAY 3 :: MAY 28** Today after breakfast and formalities we’ll drive to the **Dochula Pass (3,100m)** and begin the hike to the 18th century **Lungchutse Lhakhang temple (3,565m)**. This uber picturesque route passes through primary forests of rhododendrons, magnolias, birches, and bamboos, and occasionally meadows being used as yak pastures. When we reach the temple we’ll be richly rewarded by views over the **entire span of Bhutan’s Himalayan range** and its majestic, snow covered peaks. We will then make our way downhill for about an hour until we reach Dochula Pass, encountering several landmarks and stupas along the path. In the afternoon we will have an opportunity to witness **rural life in Bhutanese village,** and those who would like to can experience a **traditional** **hot stone bath**. For even richer immersion, there is also the option to spend the night in the village. **DAY 4 :: MAY 29** After breakfast we’ll start our last hike, to the sacred **Taktsang Monastery**, known as **the Tiger’s Nest,** situated at an altitude of 3100m in the Upper Paro Valley. During the hike we’ll keep our strength up with a picnic lunch in the woods with spectacular views. Our ancient destination is the abode of gods and monks, a place of great spiritualty since the 8th century. As per the legend of Taktsang, this was the site of a cave in the sheer cliff face used by mystic Guru Rinpoche for meditation. He assumed a wrathful form, Guru Dorji Drolo, riding a flying tigress to subdue the evil spirits in the area. After many centuries, a religious complex took shape here, clinging to the rock face, with the oldest temple built by a Nyingma Buddhist master around 1508. **DAY 5 :: MAY 30** Departure to Kathmandu at 11:40-12:40. Bye bye Bhutan! Short, optional city tour in Kathmandu before recommended return flight at 19:55. Back home at 22:55. **Level of difficulty:** Easy - short but steep trails. The grade may be perceived as moderate to beginners. **Activities:** hiking, walking, sightseeing and getting amazed! Altitude: 2280–3600m, **Duration:** 5 days. **Accommodation & meals:** Comfy 3\* hotels, double sharing. Meals included. **Cost: 8,450 AED incl. flights Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu, until MAY 22.** Past this date please inquire about cost and availability. **Connection from Dubai to Kathmandu - excluded.** **Trip starts at Kathmandu airport** on MAY 26th with a flight to Paro. **Specifically included:** * Return flights Kathmandu - Paro - Kathmandu, * Bhutan visa, * All arrangements as per program, **Specifically excluded:** * Connecting flights Dubai - Kathmandu, * Overnight in Kathmandu between the flights, * activities and meals in Kathmandu, * any costs related to visa on arrival to Nepal, * Insurance. **Optional:** * Sightseeing Kathmandu on MAY 30 at 85 USD. **Visas:** **Visa to Bhutan (SDF) is included in trip budget.** [Visa to Nepal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Nepal) available on arrival, if required. See yah in Bhutan x Trekkup Bhutan Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [docs@trekkup.com ](info@trekkup.com)

**Hi Footballers!** Get ready for a game at **ISD Sports City**! We’re playing **7v7** on a modern artificial turf pitch (**Outdoor**). Whether you're a beginner or a veteran player, everyone is welcome to join and have fun! 🙌⚽️ The participation fee is **59 AED**, which covers the field booking and organizer costs. To join the game and see who else has signed up, make sure to download the **CeleBreak app**. You can find it on both the **[App Store](https://apps.apple.com/co/app/celebreak/id1244710855?l=en-GB)** and **[Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lewisblack.celebreakOne&hl=en)**. 🚨 **Important:** Please join through the app to **reserve your spot!** 🚨 One of our organizers will be at the pitch to welcome you, provide bibs, and get everything set up. Come as you are and **have fun in our games!** We can’t wait to see you on the pitch! 💪 **PS:** Don’t worry about the number of attendees on Meetup—the real player count is shown in the app!

Try out this stunning fusion style of smooth sensual moves and funky transitions in an easy-to-follow dance to classic & modern tunes. Kizomba is one of the most popular genres of dance and music originating from Angola, and reshaped in Portugal. It is a derivative of semba, with a mix of Kilapanda and Angolan Merengue. New styles derived from the traditional kizomba were developed in Europe such as urban Kiz and Tarraxinha. Danced to sensual music, happy folklore or electronic trance and fuelled by passion; kizomba is one of the most versatile genres that will help you express your deepest emotions! AED 99 /1 class AED 599 /8 classes (monthly package!) AED 899 /16 classes (monthly package!) Book your spot NOW! 8 classes https://moovnation.zbni.co/u/pabEn 16 classes https://moovnation.zbni.co/u/w7hbw For enquiries call/text 055 803 4003

🚀 Introducing the newest innovation in housing economics: **Monetizing Your Couch™** 💸🛋️ (1. site, 2. list your couch, 3 Meet at events, 4. Receive DM bookings) Example profile on site, ***"Female live in marina couch available 100 aed / night on weekends, I provide night-out experience, women-only"*** Here’s the situation: * Marina rent = absurdly expensive. * You = somehow surviving financially in Marina. * Your couch = just sitting there unemployed - not paying rent. Meanwhile… There are thousands of people thinking: “Man, I wish I could spend weekends in Marina instead of rotting in my depressing apartment next to a gas station and a vape store.” So we thought: What if Airbnb… but less “strangers in your house” and more “friends who buy you drinks”? 🍻 Here’s how it works: 1. Meet cool people at events. 2. Become weekend friends. 3. Invite them to crash on your couch. 4. They pay you - or kick them out. 5. You both go out and pretend you have social lives together - yay! Boom: ✨ New friends ✨ Extra income ✨ Weekend escape from sadness ✨ Someone finally appreciating your IKEA couch It’s basically: **Airbnb + nightlife + friendship speedrun.** Join our upcoming events and start turning your living room into a revenue-generating social experience. 🛋️💰 Join upcoming events here 👉 [https://eseek.app/pages/?page_id=5](https://eseek.app/pages/?page_id=5)

This time we will take you off the beaten trail and bring you inside equatorial wilderness, **African adventure Eldorado**, as we search for gorillas, trek through Uganda jungle, meet the pygmies and take in the views from relaxing shores of Lake Bunyonyi! Meeting face to face with mountain gorillas is one of the **most overwhelming experiences in the world of safaris**. Encounter of jungle beast, only a few feet away can be scary, but there is no need to panic! They are actually quite calm animals, **laziness ambassadors by excellence.** Observing the mountain gorillas in their habitat is an amazing spectacle; you will notice the **social dynamics, hierarchy** and most touching of them all, the **gorilla mothers and their babies**, since they live in family units of 30 to 40 members. The timing spent with them is **mesmerizing and hypnotic, it is impossible to stop looking at them**. They pretend to ignore you, from time to time they cross their gaze with yours, and that is when you realize that the differences between humans and them are minimal. Their eyes speak as the human gaze does, with the movements of the lips we can know if they are smiling, worried or angry, the gestures of the hands are almost identical to ours. **Humans and Gorillas share 98% of DNA.** The KING of the Jungle, the silver back, is **one of the most beautiful creatures on earth**… he is imposing, majestic, elegant, strong and gorgeous. His sudden appearance can leave you breathless, shivering… but do not worry, he will ignore you - green leaves are tastier for breakfast. There is a lot of action in the group: **eating, playing, fighting, grooming each other, rolling on the floor, hitting the chest... it is endless**. The baby gorillas will rock it in a proper show of naughtiness… they will make you laugh. Those cute cubs have so much curiosity for humans, so be ready to witness a show of funny and noisy games to catch your attention. Following the rangers advice, choose a good spot, look around and get the best shots of lifetime memories! At the beginning, we will **traverse through the jungle aka impenetrable forest**. The length of the trek is entirely dependent on the gorillas, sometimes the guides can track them down in less than two hours, other times it takes much longer. **Mountain gorillas are nomadic**, travelling in families and staying in an area just long enough to clear it off food. They also don’t follow a clear path, you’ll realize when tracking them, they like to meander. On your first sighting, you may see mothers holding their babies, juvenile gorillas playing, or dominant silverbacks keeping an eye out for their family! But gorillas are only a part of our trip - we will head to **Lake Bunyonyi, an undiscovered treasure of serenity and scenic views**. We will visit the indigenous Batwa people, who are the original forest dwellers of southwestern Uganda. Expect lots of interactions, cultural demonstrations, and storytelling sessions. The Batwa are known for their vibrant music, dance, and folklore. You can enjoy traditional dances, drumming sessions, and songs that tell stories of their forest life, spiritual beliefs, and the deep connection they have with nature. Definitely a trip on **the wild side** with more relaxed approach to seek out gorillas in their habitat and enjoy pristine jungle in the **heart of Africa**! **Lets go!** **DAY 1// TOUCHDOWN RWANDA, KIGALI – VOLCANOES NP.** Meting at DXB T2 at 00:15 for a flight to Kigali at 01:50. Welcome to Africa! Immigration clearance, short rest and a coffee. We will start with key spots of Kigali: Genocide Memorial Museum, Hôtel des Mille Collines, Nyamirambo Women's Center, Parliament and Kandt House Museum. Further on, transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Overnight at hotel. **DAY 2// GOLDEN MONEKY TREK + IBW'ACHU CULTURAL** After an early breakfast, we will move to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing. By 8:00 AM, we will proceed to the trailhead just outside the park to begin our trek. The golden monkeys inhabit the bamboo forests near the edge of the park, offering relatively flat and accessible terrain. After spending approximately one hour observing the golden monkeys, we will return to the trailhead and drive back to the lodge for lunch. Post lunch, we will visit Gorilla Museum at the Karisoke Research Center to learn about Rwanda's gorilla conservation history. Further on we head to Uganda via Cyanika border towards Bwindi with a stop at Ibw'achu Cultural Village. Overnight accommodation at Ichumbi. **DAY 3// GORILLA TREK IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST** Early in the morning, we will head to Bwindi National Park for gorilla trekking. This experience is considered one of the most thrilling wildlife adventures. The trek takes between 2 to 6 hours and is led by an experienced ranger who will provide insights regarding the jungle's flora, fauna, and the gorillas' lifestyle. After spending one hour with the gorillas, we will return to the lodge and subsequently be transferred to Lake Bunyonyi. Overnight accommodation at Bunyonyi. **DAY 4 // KIGALI** Following a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, we will head back to Rwanda and Kigali. Quick look at bazaars for souvenir shopping and a dinner. Head back to airport for a flight back home. **Level of Difficulty:** Easy to Moderate, including jungle trekking. **Duration:** 4 Days. **Room & Meals:** Comfortable lodges / hotels - double sharing, meals in Uganda included, meals in Rwanda excluded. **Cost: AED 7,920 excl. flights until MAY 10.** **Specifically Excluded:** Any expenses related to visas, insurance, meals in Rwanda, single supplement. **Visas:** **Rwanda:** Eastern African visa on arrival or eVisa (for both countries). **Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate required for border crossings.** See yah with gorillas x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) [Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

​Step into a vibrant dining gathering where great people, exceptional cuisine, and effortless conversations come together in a stylish and welcoming setting. Register and get more details! No late confirmations **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-dubai-foodies)** ​Our dining socials are curated experiences bringing together ambitious, curious, and socially intelligent people. * ​Stylish setting designed for social energy. Room full of great and interesting people. Environment where connections happen effortlessly. ​Because the best nights happen when the right people come together. Register and get more details! No late confirmations **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-dubai-foodies)** ​Expect a diverse mix of interesting people including entrepreneurs, ambitious professionals, and creatives. ​👥 **Who you’ll meet** * ​People who enjoy meaningful conversations. Individuals open to meeting inspiring personalities. A socially intelligent and vibrant crowd. ​But more importantly, they share something in common: Curiosity, ambition, and great social energy. **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-dubai-foodies) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Dining 😊

Join us for the very first gathering of the Bookends Business Book Club. This opening meetup will be a relaxed introduction to the new club. No specific book has been chosen, this session is all about getting to know each other, sharing ideas, and shaping the direction of the club together. We’ll talk about: * What kind of business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth books members are interested in * How the club will be coordinated going forward * What everyone hopes to gain from the discussions * Books we’ve already read and would recommend to others * Possible themes and book choices for future meetups Whether you enjoy biographies, leadership lessons, startup stories, strategy books, or practical business reads, this is a chance to help build a thoughtful and engaging business book community from the start. Come ready to share what you’ve been reading, what inspires you, and what you’d like this club to become.

​Step into a vibrant dining gathering where great people, exceptional cuisine, and effortless conversations come together in a stylish and welcoming setting. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-dubai-foodies)** ​Our dining socials are curated experiences bringing together ambitious, curious, and socially intelligent people. * ​Stylish setting designed for social energy. Room full of great and interesting people. Environment where connections happen effortlessly. ​Because the best nights happen when the right people come together. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-dubai-foodies)** ​Expect a diverse mix of interesting people including entrepreneurs, ambitious professionals, and creatives. ​👥 **Who you’ll meet** * ​People who enjoy meaningful conversations. Individuals open to meeting inspiring personalities. A socially intelligent and vibrant crowd. ​But more importantly, they share something in common: Curiosity, ambition, and great social energy. **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-dubai-foodies) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Dining 😊

​Step into a vibrant dining gathering where great people, exceptional cuisine, and effortless conversations come together in a stylish and welcoming setting. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-dubai-foodies)** ​Our dining socials are curated experiences bringing together ambitious, curious, and socially intelligent people. * ​Stylish setting designed for social energy. Room full of great and interesting people. Environment where connections happen effortlessly. ​Because the best nights happen when the right people come together. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-dubai-foodies)** ​Expect a diverse mix of interesting people including entrepreneurs, ambitious professionals, and creatives. ​👥 **Who you’ll meet** * ​People who enjoy meaningful conversations. Individuals open to meeting inspiring personalities. A socially intelligent and vibrant crowd. ​But more importantly, they share something in common: Curiosity, ambition, and great social energy. **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-dubai-foodies) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Dining 😊

Community Backyards Workshop .Community Backyards Workshop - Westerville Join us for the Westerville Community Backyards workshop! This is a FREE class on how you can protect our waterways and environment with small changes in your gardening habits. We will discuss rain barrels, rain gardens, composting, and native plants. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek. 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. * Location: Westerville Community Center, 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082 * Date and time: Sat, May 30, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM * Organizer: Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org (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) https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/h2w5ms8 **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

The number of ticks and tick diseases in Ohio have quickly multiplied over the last 10 years. Dean Kreager discusses tick species, tick pathogens, tick-borne diseases, tick bite prevention, and proper tick removal. Kreager is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with OSU Extension in Licking County * Lakewood Public Library (in Hebron)- May 26 at 7pm [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621) * Johnstown public library at 7:00 pm June 8 [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622) Free to attend, no RSVP needed

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

The number of ticks and tick diseases in Ohio have quickly multiplied over the last 10 years. Dean Kreager discusses tick species, tick pathogens, tick-borne diseases, tick bite prevention, and proper tick removal. Kreager is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with OSU Extension in Licking County * Lakewood Public Library (in Hebron)- May 26 at 7pm [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621) * Johnstown public library at 7:00 pm June 8 [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622) Free to attend, no RSVP needed

Who’s up for a pizza night at the highly requested Pizza House? 🍕🍻 Join us at for great pizza, good laughs, and even better company! Come hungry and ready for a cheesy good time.