Local History & Culture

⚠️NOTE: The venue is at the top of the bar's stairs.⚠️ Hey there! 👋 Are you passionate about exploring different cultures and connecting with people from all over the world? 🌎✈️ Join our vibrant international community where curious minds come together for some amazing cultural exchange! Our meetups are perfect for anyone who wants to dive into diverse perspectives, have authentic conversations, and build genuine friendships with people from around the globe. 🌍🤝 Whether you're looking to broaden your horizons, practice a new language naturally, or just love meeting people from different walks of life, you'll find like-minded individuals ready to share and learn together. Get ready for interactive sessions where cultural discovery takes center stage! 🎭 Connect with fellow cultural explorers in a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity, fosters understanding, and creates authentic connections. 🎉 We host events across multiple platforms with 30-50 regular participants, and during our peak meetups, we often grow to 60+ people! 🙌 Come join the fun! 👉 **Guidelines for an enriching experience:** * 🍺🥤 Please order a drink upon arrival to support the venue (Required) * 🧹 Show respect for venue staff and maintain cleanliness * 🤝 Embrace courtesy and mutual respect * 🌍 Our focus is on meaningful cultural exchange and understanding - we're here to learn from each other's perspectives and experiences Please note: Venue staff and organizers reserve the right to exclude participants who don't follow these guidelines. We're committed to maintaining a positive environment where everyone can enjoy meaningful connections and cultural exchange opportunities. 🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹 It’s not mandatory, but we are kindly asking for a warm donation of 1€ or more to help cover the cost of posting on meetup.com. If you enjoy the event atmosphere, we’d really appreciate your support🤗 [https://www.paypal.me/harinezumi928](https://www.paypal.me/harinezumi928) If there's a fee for the transfer, you're also welcome to give the donation in cash directly to the organizer on the day:)

*** **🌿 Du suchst dein nächstes Ehrenamt? Komm zum Ehrenamts-Picknick auf dem Tempelhofer Feld! 🧺** Bist du zwischen 18 und 30 Jahren und hast Lust, dich gesellschaftlich zu engagieren, weißt aber noch nicht genau, wo und wie? Dann komm vorbei zu unserem besonderen **Ehrenamts-Picknick**! Statt langweiliger Vorträge gibt es bei uns direkt Praxis und Austausch: **Speed-Dating mit Engagierten:** Schnapp dir eine Minute Zeit und sprich mit jungen Leuten aus verschiedenen Initiativen. Hör dir ihre persönlichen Geschichten an, erfahre, was sie bewegt und ob ihre Projekte auch zu dir passen könnten. **Direkter Kontakt zu youngcaritas:** Unser Team von **youngcaritas** ist vor Ort, um all deine Fragen rund um das Ehrenamt zu beantworten – von den ersten Schritten bis hin zu konkreten Einsatzmöglichkeiten. **!!!! Leider soll es regnen ☔☔☔, deswegen verlegen wir unser Ehrenamtspicknick nach drinnen:** **Ehrenamtspizza-Night @ caridoo** **📅 20.05. um 18 Uhr** **📍 Pappelallee 62, 10437 Berlin !!!!!** 📝 **Melde dich jetzt an**, damit wir dir den genauen Treffpunkt schicken können (youngcaritas@caritas-berlin.de)

[*Registration form required below*] **Interested in Japanese sword fighting or Japanese culture? Come join a trial and experience the traditional Samurai art at Katori Shintō-ryū in Schöneberg.** **Trial Fee**: **25€**/ session (2hr). Classes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 19:00 to 21:00. **!!SIGN UP HERE**: [Katori Shinto-ryū Berlin Sign-up (google.com)](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBt4A13VgnEcgQQ2PDaruthmYMRWineG4KtUCKsuC9KBsCUQ/viewform) Registration is required before your participation so that we can prepare enough training equipment. **Address**: Belziger Str. 25, 10823 Berlin. **No previous experience required!** The classes are in English and German. **Our website**: [Kenjutsu Berlin - Official school of Katori Shinto-ryu in Berlin (katoriberlin.org)](https://katoriberlin.org/) **Katori Shintō-ryū** is one of the oldest Japanese sword fighting traditions (koryū) still practised today and is recognized by the Japanese government as a cultural intangeable asset. The school was founded in the middle of the 15th century by Iizasa Chōisai Ienao at the Katori Shrine (Katori jingū) and has become the origin of numerous other martial arts schools over the course of its almost 600-year history. The training consists of the continuous repetition of fixed sequences of movements (kata) and includes the use of classic Japanese weapons such as the sword (iai-jutsu, battō-jutsu, ken-jutsu, ryōtō-jutsu, kodachi-jutsu), the long staff (bō-jutsu), the lance (naginata-jutsu) and the spear (sō-jutsu), as well as unarmed disciplines, tactics and spiritual aspects. **The Katori Berlin dojo** is the only official shibu of Otake Nobutoshi-shihan’s dojo Shinbukan in Germany and fully dedicated to the transmission and study of one martial tradition: Tenshinshō-den Katori Shintō-ryū. Through these efforts we aim to contribute to the cultural preservation of this martial tradition. The dojo has one officially appointed shidosha. **Our sensei**: Sebastian Graetz has been active in martial arts since 1997. After almost 15 years of taekwondo in Berlin, he started with Katori Shintō-ryū in Asia in 2014. Since then, he has studied in Japan with Ōtake Risuke-shihan and Ōtake Nobutoshi-shihan, and in Vietnam with Malte Stokhof-shihandai. In 2023, he received his Menkyo license and permission to set up a training group in Berlin the following year.

Join me for my **Beginner Calisthenics Class** every Wednesday at 7pm at a park (check the location below) and learn how to build strength, flexibility, and confidence using just your bodyweight. My name is Maroof, and I’ve been practicing calisthenics for the last 4 years. I love this sport because I’m fascinated by the incredible movements the human body can achieve, and I believe calisthenics connects people, builds communities, and is one of the most sociable forms of fitness out there. In this class, we’ll cover the fundamentals like push-ups, squats, and core exercises, and also dive into the basics of more advanced movements such as the planche, front lever, back lever, and freestyle calisthenics, all in a fun, supportive environment where you can progress at your own pace. \*\*No experience needed, just bring comfortable clothes, some water, and a positive attitude. \*\* **Price:** Free. This will be a recurring event every Wednesday unless stated otherwise. **Disclaimer:** * Please keep in mind that you are responsible for your own safety. * Only confirm if you are attending the event, and update your RSVP accordingly. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out!

Hi guys! I want to meetup more often and start a monthly thing. Would you guys be interested in something like that? Next meetup Wednesday, May 20th 2026 at Goldberg in Neukölln <3

**We’ll now be meeting twice a week at Denizen House (Köpenicker Str. 40, 10179 Berlin), on** **Mondays and Wednesdays!** * **Mondays:** **levels A1 to B2** * **Wednesdays:** **levels A2 to C1** **We work with dedicated materials tailored to each level, so everyone will have a place to practice and improve.** **Event schedule** * **18:00 – 18:30** **Arrival and registration** * **18:30 – 19:50** **Sprachcafé** * **19:50 – 20:00** **End and clean up** **Please be aware that the moderated event starts at** **18:30. Before this time, we are busy setting up the space. Registrations usually take place around** **18:15 / 18:20. Participants are kindly asked** **not to arrive too far in advance** **at the house.** **If someone arrives much earlier, Denizen may ask them to pay either for a drink (consumption) or for a** **day pass, as the space is a co-working environment during the day.** **Please remember, our event is only happening from 18:00 to 20:00** **How the Sprachcafé works** **We use different materials to help participants gain confidence in German. Together with whiteboards and our volunteers, the Sprachcafé is based on** **interactive conversations** **in small groups.** **Participation fee** **The Sprachcafé has a** **participation fee of 5 €, which helps cover organizational costs and** **includes one soft drink for free.** **Tickets can be purchased directly on the day of the event, card and cash payments are accepted.** **As the Sprachcafé has become very popular, we now need to** **limit the number of participants. Please understand this measure; it ensures that everyone has a comfortable space to practice.** **We kindly ask you to be** **rücksichtsvoll** **and only RSVP “Yes” if you are certain you can attend.** **If your plans change at the last minute, please update your RSVP so someone on the waiting list can take your spot.** **Getting your ticket early can help secure your place.** **Please note** **Our event will begin** **promptly** **at the scheduled start time.** **If you arrive late, we cannot guarantee your participation, even if you have a ticket or have RSVP’d. We encourage all guests to arrive on time to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.** **About Denizen** **Denizen is a new-style co-working space focused on being an integral part of local communities. Located on the ground floor of the historic Eiswerk on Köpenicker Straße in Kreuzberg, Denizen House is a communal place providing work, refreshment, and recreational facilities throughout the day. Think of it as a living room for the neighborhood.** **If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to let me know. If you’d like to contribute to this night, send me a message!** **Ich freue mich schon!** **Grüße,** **Nacho**

**Ton français est rouillé ? Dein Deutsch könnte etwas Übung vertragen? ¿Hace tiempo que no hablas español?** *Rejoins-nous pour notre soirée d'échange linguistique! Komm zu unserer Language Exchange Nacht! Ven a practicar Espanol con nosotros :)* After the success of our previous Sprachyfass events, we’re excited to present our latest edition; this time focusing on our 3 fav languages **German, Spanisch and French**! This event offers a relaxed environment to practice your language skills while meeting new people. Whether you’re improving your German or perfecting your Spanish or French, Sprachbar – Sprachyfass is the perfect opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with fellow learners and native speakers. **Event Details:** * **Location:** Sisyfass – Wildenbruchstr. 7, 12045 Berlin * **Time:** from 19:30 – Open End * **Fee:** Free participation – but don’t forget to grab a drink at the bar to support the venue * **Host:** The event will be hosted by **Laura**! **How It Works:** * Focused on German, Spanish and French – all levels are welcome, with a target range of **A2–B2**. * We encourage also **native speakers of French and Spanish** to join, enjoy a chat in their native language and practise their German – a great opportunity to find a Tandem partner! * Depending on the table you sit on, we will speak French, Spanish or German. There will be some **conversation starters**, but feel free to chat about whichever topics feels right! * **Regular** **rotations** give everyone the chance to meet new people and practice languages. **FAQs:** 1. **I’m interested in practicing German/French/Spanish but don’t speak the other language. Can I still participate?** Yes, you’re welcome to join even if one language is stronger for you. However, the goal is to create a tandem environment between German, Spanish and French, so it’s ideal if you have some knowledge of both. 2. **My proficiency isn’t very high, but I’d like to participate. Is this event suitable for me?** Absolutely! This event is all about practicing and connecting, so all skill levels are encouraged. Just keep in mind that the focus is on German, Spanish and French. 3. **Is there a fee to attend?** No, the event is free. However, purchasing a drink at the bar helps support the venue, and we encourage everyone to enjoy the cozy atmosphere with a drink or two! **Nous nous réjouissons à l'avance de passer une soirée fantastique d'échange linguistique! Wir freuen uns auf einen schönen Abend mit Euch! Ojala verte este jueves!** P.S. This SprachyFass event will be the last one at Sisyfass before the summer month. Starting in June, we are planning to host FR/ES/DE Language Exchange picnics in the parc ☀️. More info will follow!

Dear friends 🌷 We are starting our “Jam Session - Acoustic Plug Out” programs at our newly opened Minimalist Atelier 🌷 We have planned the Jam Sessions for “The first Thursday of every month.” It can also be held every two weeks if requested 🙏 Those who have an instrument or even those who just want to join in the music are wholeheartedly invited 🙏 And you can also come to wish us good luck in our new place ❤️🌷 Since it's still new, we have a lot of shortcomings, please overlook them 🙃 ✅✅We want to do the first Jam Session test this Thursday ❤️ Concept: “Jam Session Minimalist Atelier Acoustic Plug Out” Address: Minimalist Atelier Shop | Culture | Project Lab (S Bahn Westend Station, Spandauer Damm 113, 14059) Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026 Time: 19.00-21.45 Best regards and love, See you soon! 🙋‍♀️❤️

**Meet:** Treptow Sbahn. Outside Sesam Cafe (see pin) **Time:** 18:00 **Distance:** 35km **Theme:** Cycle Loop + History + Social Let’s make the most of the long evenings with some history-themed cycle tours this summer. The idea is to meet up after work, get a little cycle in, see some sights and end in a beer garden. **The Tour** The first destination will be Schöneweider: the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis – where modern electricity was pioneered. (see more on this below). We will – more or less – follow the [route of industrial cultur](https://industriekultur.berlin/erleben/fahrradrouten/wasser-und-strom/)e. First we will head East along the South bank of the River, cruise around the industrial heritage of Schoneweider with a few stories form me, then head back up the North side to the Funk Haus (itself a monument of industrial culture) for a sundowner beer and perhaps a bite to eat at [café Zola](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QpGL6UiyQoZG6Bxv8). After that its lights on for a return journey to Treptow/Freidrichshain – estimated time of arrival 9pm. **The Cycling** 20km loop to start and then a little sightseeing and a gentler pace. As long as you have a reasonable bike and are used to cycling around town, you should be fine to join in. **What to Bring** Spare inner tube for your tyre size, cash, waterproofs, suncream, snacks, a smile. Hope to see you there Simon Schöneweider is the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis. It was here that modern electricity networks were developed by AEG, creating a pioneering electricity generation and transmission system that served as a model for all. Not only did they build the power station and grid running from it, they then went on to build the factories necessary to produce components for the electrification of the cities around the globe. Turbines, lamps, cables, valves and much more were manufactured in this kilometer long stretch of the riverside. Along with it came new residential areas as the population swelled to 26 thousand from virtually nothing in 30 years from the 1890s. Today many of the buildings are derelict, some are under development and others are art spaces or ateliers. All retain their beauty and fascination as monuments to Berlin’s industrial past. Come and explore this unique and lesser-known slice of Berlin’s History together.

**📢 WICHTIG** 📢 Ab Donnerstag bei schönem Wetter organisieren wir das Treffen draußen, im Tilla-Durieux-Park gegenüber The Playce in Potsdamer Platz. Wir sitzen auf dem Gras, wo der Boden flach ist. Wenn möglich bring bitte Picknickdecken mit.

**Meet:** Treptow Sbahn. Outside Sesam Cafe (see pin) **Time:** 18:00 **Distance:** 35km **Theme:** Cycle Loop + History + Social Let’s make the most of the long evenings with some history-themed cycle tours this summer. The idea is to meet up after work, get a little cycle in, see some sights and end in a beer garden. **The Tour** The first destination will be Schöneweider: the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis – where modern electricity was pioneered. (see more on this below). To get there we will take a lovely piece of new cycle lane along the new ring road and loop out. Then its back up to Schoneweide and – more or less – follow the [route of industrial cultur](https://industriekultur.berlin/erleben/fahrradrouten/wasser-und-strom/)e. First we will head East along the South bank of the River, cruise around the industrial heritage of Schoneweider with a few stories form me, then head back up the North side to the Funk Haus (itself a monument of industrial culture) for a sundowner beer and perhaps a bite to eat at [café Zola](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QpGL6UiyQoZG6Bxv8). After that its lights on for a return journey to Treptow/Freidrichshain – estimated time of arrival 9pm. **The Cycling** 20km loop to start and then a little sightseeing and a gentler pace. As long as you have a reasonable bike and are used to cycling around town, you should be fine to join in. **What to Bring** Spare inner tube for your tyre size, cash, waterproofs, suncream, snacks, a smile. Hope to see you there Simon Schöneweider is the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis. It was here that modern electricity networks were developed by AEG, creating a pioneering electricity generation and transmission system that served as a model for all. Not only did they build the power station and grid running from it, they then went on to build the factories necessary to produce components for the electrification of the cities around the globe. Turbines, lamps, cables, valves and much more were manufactured in this kilometer long stretch of the riverside. Along with it came new residential areas as the population swelled to 26 thousand from virtually nothing in 30 years from the 1890s. Today many of the buildings are derelict, some are under development and others are art spaces or ateliers. All retain their beauty and fascination as monuments to Berlin’s industrial past. Come and explore this unique and lesser-known slice of Berlin’s History together.

This is a 3 phase meetup. You can come at any time. 1.) 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.: Gathering at the meeting spot (see link and photo!). 2.) 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.: Walk & Talk through Tiergarten. 3.) 7:30 - 10:00 p.m.: Immerse conversations in the Zollpackhof beer garden (reserved tables for the meetup). **1.) Meeting spot is Henriette Herz Park.** Copy the coordinates into your maps app: **52°30'38.9"N 13°22'24.1"E** The exact meeting spot can also be seen in the photo depicted below (see red arrow). Look for a meetup sign or organizer wearing a black or red lanyard with "staff" written on it. **Best ways to get there:** 1\. S\-Bahn: Get off at Potsdamer Platz by S1, S2 or S25 and walk to the designated meeting spot. 2\. U\-Bahn \(subway\): Alternatively you can get off at Potsdamer Platz by U2 and just walk 5 min straight to the park. 3\. Bus: If you change at mainstation you can take the M41 or M85 to S Potsdamer Platz /Voßstr. and walk to the park. **2.) Walk & Talk through Tiergarten** (the best part imho). During these weird times it essential to connect with nature and like minded people. You will feel instantly energized and an inner calmness afterwards. **3.) How to the find the Zollpackhof beer garden:** https://goo.gl/maps/vDYYaJcFvTmd7hei7 Elisabeth-Abegg-Straße 1, 10557 Berlin We will be sitting outside. Click the gmaps link with the exact meeting spot if you can can't find us! If you enter from the Magnus-Hirschfeld-Ufer, just go to the left part of the beer garden where the self-service is. If you enter from Elisabeth-Abegg-Str, enter the beer garden from the right. *Who is this meetup for:* 1\. Asians who want to practice German and/or English\. 2\. German speaking individuals who are studying \(preferably\) Japanese\, Korean\, Mandarin or Cantonese\. 3\. Anyone who is interested in cultural exchange and wants to socialize\. *What you can expect:* 1\. A professionally organized meetup that can adapt to any changes given the current situation\. 2\. A Walk & Talk to break the ice\. 3\. A collaborating venue where you can further socialize with other members\. *important: This event is at the same time and meeting location like the "Networking & Language Exchange - international" one. So I'm basically organizing 2 events at the same time which means that you can expect way more people than on the list.* *** Whenever you attend a meetup, the most common as well as first question you get is: "Where are you from?" You probably heard this question a million times. Well, at least I did. From my own experience of attending over 200 international meetups in various countries such as Germany, Japan, Australia and Thailand, I can tell you that asking for the name is a better approach. “A person’s name is to that person, the sweetest, most important sound in any language.” - Dale Carnegie If you really want to connect with like-minded people you should remember their name, but you don't have to remember every persons name you've talked you. Be picky about that, don't be me who can somehow remember everyones name easily. Don't tell yourself sth. like "I'm bad at remembering names." It's all about developing the habit of asking for a name and keep the conversation going on. Furthermore, you want to learn German or any other language. Learning the local language is crucial to connect with the locals and developing a true friendship. This can be accomplished with immersion. My goal is to inspire you to go out of your comfort zone and improve yourself each time you join this meetup.

Bienvenue :) Rejoignez-nous si vous parlez français couramment et aimez rencontrer des gens francophones pour bavarder. A bientôt!

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

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

**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.

**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.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

June meetup at the Library. We’ll play games and have casual conversation in Japanese and in English. All levels of Japanese ability, from non-speaker to native, are welcome. After the meetup we will go out to eat at a local restaurant.

Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 23th, 2026 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Eastern Time) Overbrook Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4131 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43214 Public Welcome, Family-Friendly Free Event A wide variety of native flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees will be available from Wild Ones Columbus and local vendors Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Scioto Gardens. Wild Ones will publish a list of plants that will be available at this year's sale closer to the event date. Be sure to stop by! Show up anytime!