Nature Appreciation

We are pleased to welcome Katrina Brock from Max Planck Society to present an R package for analyzing animal movement data. Join us to explore how R can be put to work in animal behaviour research. **Travel Paths: Bridging the usability gap in open source animal movement algorithms** The behavior ecology literature offers a rich library of approaches for finding patterns in animal movement data. While many of the biologists developing these algorithms publish their code, it is rarely optimized for reuse. Even well-designed packages with similar workflows have different interfaces that potential users need to learn one by one. By wrapping these algorithms in a standardized interface, the “Travel Paths” framework reduces researcher toil. Instead of digging through scripts and learning disparate conventions, they can run many methods with just a few functions. The framework is composed of two packages: the trackframe package provides a flexible and interoperable format for input data while the travelpaths package, taking inspiration from parsnip, offers the interface for movement models. In this talk, we’ll discuss how we designed this framework and how it can be leveraged to enable even novice R users to apply a variety of methods to their animal movement data.

Dear all, Let's try to aim at Payerbach again. **Meeting point:** 19:00 at Meidling Bahnhof in front of Ströck. Please show up on time! **Departure:** CJX9 from Meidling Bahnhof, departing at 19:34. **Return:** CJX9 from Payerbach-Reichenau Bahnhof, departing at 21:57. **Tickets:** \~45 Euros round-trip (without Vorteilscard). You are responsible for getting your own ticket. Since stargazing is highly weather-dependent, the trip may be canceled up to 4 hours before departure, so please check then for final confirmation. Safety & etiquette: 1. Please **pack** more **layers** than you think would be necessary. 2. A **red-light headlight** is highly recommended for navigation in the dark to protect our night vision. 3. For safety reasons, I will take a **group picture** before boarding the train, and do **location sharing** for the entire time that we are outdoors. 4. Please note that **I am not a tour guide and you are responsible for your own safety and well-being** during the trip. All the updates will be posted under the event comments. Looking forward to a clear night!

Was gibt es Faszinierenderes, als die menschliche Psychologie zu entschlüsseln und zu lernen, wie man Menschen liest? Zu erkennen, was ein Blick, ein Zögern oder eine minimale Veränderung in der Stimme bedeutet, ist eine echte Superkraft. Und das Beste daran: Am schnellsten und intensivsten lernen wir, wenn es richtig viel Spaß macht, nämlich mitten im Spiel, beim gemeinsamen Lachen und Ausprobieren! Genau darum dreht sich diese Gesellschaftsspielerunde! Hier stehen **Secret Identity & Social Deduction Games** im Mittelpunkt. Wir machen einen eigenen Spiele-Tisch für Social Deduction Games beim öffentlichen Spieleabend in der Pauluskirche. Das Spieleabend ist gratis. Da ich begrenzte Plätze am Spieletisch habe, muss ich das Event begrenzen. ### Was sind Social Deduction Games? Bei diesen Spielen bekommt jeder eine geheime Identität zugewiesen. Die Gruppe ist aufgeteilt: Die meisten spielen ehrlich, doch einige wenige sind die geheimen Saboteure (bekannt aus Klassikern wie *Werwölfe*). Das Ziel? Durch Diskussionen, Bluffen, gezieltes Fragen und Beobachtung der Körpersprache herauszufinden, wer die Wahrheit sagt und wer lügt. Ergänzend werden an diesem Abend eventuell auch ein paar normale Deduktionsspiele auf den Tisch kommen, bei denen es statt um das Lesen von Menschen eher um messerscharfe Logik, das Kombinieren von Hinweisen und das Lösen von Rätseln geht. ### Das erwartet dich: * **Reine Praxis statt grauer Theorie:** Keine komplizierten Regelstudien vorab – alle Spiele werden vor Ort direkt und einfach erklärt. * **Spielerische Selbsterfahrung:** Teste deine Intuition, schärfe deine Menschenkenntnis und experimentiere mit deiner eigenen Überzeugungskraft. * **Jede Menge Spaß:** Erlebe einen dynamischen Abend voller Nervenkitzel, Wendungen und guter Gespräche. Egal, ob Profi-Bluffer oder absoluter Neuling – komm vorbei, spiel mit und lerne die Kunst des Menschenlesens von einer ganz neuen Seite kennen! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- What could be more fascinating than decoding human psychology and learning how to read people? Recognizing what a look, a hesitation, or a subtle shift in someone's voice means is a true superpower. And the best part: we learn fastest and most intensely when we are having real fun—right in the middle of a game, laughing and experimenting together! That is exactly what this board game round is all about! The main focus here is on Secret Identity & Social Deduction Games. We are setting up a dedicated table for Social Deduction Games at the public board game night in the Pauluskirche. The board game night itself is free of charge. Since spots at our gaming table are limited, I have to limit the capacity for this event. **What are Social Deduction Games?** In these games, everyone is assigned a secret identity. The group is divided: most play honestly, but a select few are secret saboteurs (as seen in classics like Werewolves). The goal? To find out who is telling the truth and who is lying through discussions, bluffing, targeted questioning, and observing body language. In addition, we might also bring a few standard deduction games to the table, which focus on razor-sharp logic, combining clues, and solving puzzles rather than reading people. **What to expect:** Pure practice instead of dry theory: No complicated rulebooks to study beforehand—all games will be explained directly and simply on-site. Playful self-discovery: Test your intuition, sharpen your people skills, and experiment with your own power of persuasion. Tons of fun: Experience a dynamic evening full of thrills, twists, and great conversations. Whether you are a master bluffer or an absolute beginner—come by, play along, and learn the art of reading people from a whole new perspective!

We would like to share the upcoming event from the [Vienna<-R](https://www.meetup.com/viennar/) meetup group: [Travel Paths: Animal movement algorithms](https://www.meetup.com/viennar/events/314973700/?eventOrigin=group_upcoming_events), where Katrina Brock from Max Planck Society presents an R package for analyzing animal movement data and shares how R can be put to work in animal behaviour research. **Details**: The behavior ecology literature offers a rich library of approaches for finding patterns in animal movement data. While many of the biologists developing these algorithms publish their code, it is rarely optimized for reuse. Even well-designed packages with similar workflows have different interfaces that potential users need to learn one by one. By wrapping these algorithms in a standardized interface, the “Travel Paths” framework reduces researcher toil. Instead of digging through scripts and learning disparate conventions, they can run many methods with just a few functions. The framework is composed of two packages: the trackframe package provides a flexible and interoperable format for input data while the travelpaths package, taking inspiration from parsnip, offers the interface for movement models. In this talk, we’ll discuss how we designed this framework and how it can be leveraged to enable even novice R users to apply a variety of methods to their animal movement data.

Welcome Book Lovers! Join our Meet Up Group to find like-minded book readers! This event is for everybody interested in listening or sharing new book content or comment on it. You are welcome just to come for inspiration. You definitely don't need to read books at the moment. It is a gathering for everybody to find like-minded people interested in learning something new. :) Feel free to bring your own book with you. The event will take place at the volunteer organisation MUT. It is an organisation to supports humans, animals and the environment especially in Vienna. I am happy to host it there. MUT or the Social Book Club look forward to some donation to cover the cost of this event. If you would like to help, please bring some cash with you. This is the address: Rechte Wienzeile 37, 1040 Wien Walk until the end of the main entrance hall. At the end of the hallway you find a big green gate with a sign of the Social Book Club. Please give your best to be on time so that we can have a nice introduction round together. If you can't attend anymore please cancel the event to give someone else the space to come. :) Check out the Social Book Club Website for more content: https://socialbookclub.de/ Looking forward to seeing you there! :)

🥟 **Meet New Friends Over Pelmeni \| Vienna Social Dinner** 🇬🇧 (English version below) **Neu in Wien? Oder einfach Lust, interessante Menschen kennenzulernen?** **Dann komm zu unserem entspannten Social Dinner im PelmenCafe Wien.** Bei Meet & Move Vienna geht es nicht um Networking, Visitenkarten oder oberflächliche Gespräche. Wir bringen Menschen zusammen, die neue Freundschaften aufbauen, gemeinsam etwas erleben und Wien mit anderen entdecken möchten. Dieses Meetup ist die perfekte Gelegenheit, die Community kennenzulernen, gute Gespräche zu führen und einen gemütlichen Freitagabend mit offenen und interessanten Menschen zu verbringen. 🎉 **Was dich erwartet** 🤝 Neue Leute kennenlernen – ganz ohne Druck 🥟 Gemeinsam essen, lachen und ins Gespräch kommen 🌍 Internationale Community mit vielen Mitgliedern aus Wien und ganz Europa ✨ Entspannte Atmosphäre statt Small Talk-Zwang 💛 Die Chance, aus neuen Bekanntschaften echte Freundschaften entstehen zu lassen 👋 **Komm gerne alleine** Die meisten Teilnehmer kommen ohne Begleitung. Du musst niemanden kennen und nichts vorbereiten. Wir achten darauf, neue Gäste aktiv einzubeziehen, damit sich jeder willkommen fühlt. 📅 **Event Details** 📆 Freitag, 5. Juni 2026 🕕 18:00 Uhr 📍 PelmenCafe Wien Hernalser Gürtel 3 1170 Wien 🥟 **Über das PelmenCafe** Das PelmenCafe ist Wiens erstes Pelmeni-Café und bekannt für authentische osteuropäische Hausmannskost in gemütlicher Atmosphäre. Auf der Speisekarte findest du unter anderem: 🥟 Pelmeni (klassisch, würzig oder vegetarisch) 🍲 Borsch und weitere Suppen 🥙 Chebureki und andere Spezialitäten 🌱 Vegetarische Optionen verfügbar 💰 **Kosten** ✅ Teilnahme kostenlos 🍽️ Essen und Getränke bezahlt jeder selbst 🎁 Mit dem Promocode **"Meet & Move"** erhältst du einen Rabatt. ⚠️ **Anmeldung** Bitte melde dich nur an, wenn du wirklich teilnehmen kannst. Die Plätze sind begrenzt und wir reservieren entsprechend der Anzahl der angemeldeten Teilnehmer. 📲 **Kontakt** 📸 Instagram: [@meetmove.vienna](https://www.instagram.com/meet_move_vienna?igsh=enRqZGcydGV0MXpo&utm_source=qr) 📧Telegram: [meetmove.vienna@gmail.com](@meetmovevienna) Wir freuen uns darauf, dich kennenzulernen. 🥟💛 \-\-\- 🥟 **Meet New Friends Over Pelmeni \| Vienna Social Dinner** **Looking to meet interesting people in Vienna?** Join us for a relaxed social dinner at PelmenCafe Wien. At Meet & Move Vienna, it's not about networking, business cards, or superficial conversations. We bring together people who want to build genuine friendships, enjoy meaningful experiences, and discover Vienna together. This meetup is a great opportunity to get to know the community, enjoy good conversations, and spend a relaxed Friday evening with open-minded and interesting people. 🎉 **What to Expect** 🤝 Meet new people in a relaxed setting 🥟 Enjoy great food and meaningful conversations 🌍 International community with members from Vienna and across Europe ✨ Friendly atmosphere without networking pressure 💛 An opportunity to turn new connections into real friendships 👋 **Coming Alone? Perfect.** Most participants join on their own. You don't need to know anyone beforehand. We make sure new guests feel welcome and included. 📅 **Event Details** 📆 Friday, June 5, 2026 🕕 6:00 PM 📍 PelmenCafe Wien Hernalser Gürtel 3 1170 Vienna 🥟 **About PelmenCafe** PelmenCafe is Vienna's first pelmeni café, offering authentic Eastern European comfort food in a cozy atmosphere. Menu highlights include: 🥟 Pelmeni (traditional, spicy, and vegetarian) 🍲 Borscht and homemade soups 🥙 Chebureki and other specialties 🌱 Vegetarian options available 💰 **Cost** ✅ Free participation 🍽️ Food and drinks are paid individually 🎁 Use promo code **"Meet & Move"** to receive a discount. ⚠️ **RSVP** Please RSVP only if you genuinely plan to attend. Seats are limited and reservations are made based on the number of confirmed participants. 📲 Contact 📸 Instagram: [@meet_move_vienna](https://www.instagram.com/meet_move_vienna?igsh=enRqZGcydGV0MXpo&utm_source=qr) 📧 Telegram: [@meetmovevienna](@meetmovevienna) Looking forward to meeting you! 🥟💛

☕ **AI Breakfast: Real Talk, No Slides** We’re hosting the **AI Breakfast Vienna** — a casual, high-signal meetup for the AI community. Whether you’re a researcher, an AI engineer," a founder, or a policy innovator, this is your space to connect. We’re breaking down the silos between research, product, and engineering to spark real discussions before the workday even begins. * **When:** June 5th, 8:30 AM * **Where:** Cafe Museum - Literatursalon - Table reserved under **"Cristian Hofmann / AI Austria"** * **Hosts:** Cristian, Amin, and Ruben * **Cost:** Order breakfast at your own expense Space is limited! 👉 **RSVP only if you’re 100% sure you can make it.**

⭐️Join us for a wonderful day outdoors at Donauinsel for a picnic!🍒 Please read carefully

✨Gather your blankets, pack your picnic baskets🥝, and get ready have a relaxing time filled with fun, food, and friendly people.
We're inviting you to enjoy the fresh air, the warmth of the sun, and the joy of good company.

🙌What to Expect:
Designated picnic areas where you can spread out your blankets and enjoy your homemade or store-bought snacks🥑 ✨Participation fee is 5€ ⛳️please Register if you come and unregister if you don’t come.


A chance to meet and mingle with fellow board game lovers in your community🏸
A friendly atmosphere perfect for a casual hangout or party games.

⛳️What to Bring:
A picnic blanket or lawn chairs for comfortable seating.
A picnic basket filled with your favorite foods and beverages
Suncream and hats to protect yourself from the sun, as well as layers in case it gets chilly.
Any board games you'd like to play or share - the more, the better!✨ How to find? Come to metro station Donauinsel, don’t be late, we will gather at the entrance and then go to the location. If you are late, exact location will be in comments at 13.30 Join us on Instagram to follow events https://www.instagram.com/makegoodfriends?igsh=YjA2czVxNjF0cGJi&utm_source=qr

Donauinsel Improv Training mit Picknick Lerne spielerisch Improtheater-Techniken und unterschiedliche Formate kennen! Dabei trainierst du deine Kreativität und Spontaneität und arbeitest an deinem Selbstbewusstsein. You will need B1-level German skills to participate. English translation below. Man benötigt Deutschkenntnisse auf B1-Niveau, um teilzunehmen. Hier findest du uns: https://www.google.com/maps?q=48.2233687,16.4163003 Koordinaten vom Treffpunkt --> Ihr könnt gerne Essen und Snacks für das Picknick mitbringen. Am besten etwas was man gut mit der Gruppe teilen kann. **Was dich erwartet** • Lustige Gruppenspiele • Kreative Theater-Übungen • Kurze Improv Szenen, nur 5 bis 8 Minuten • Gemeinsam Geschichten erfinden • Viel Lachen, Sonne und Spaß **Impro: Was bringt’s dir persönlich?** • Spontanität • Selbstvertrauen • Kreativität • Fehler annehmen lernen • Schauspiel trainieren • Teamwork **Safe Space** Ein sicherer Raum ohne Leistungsdruck, in dem gegenseitige Wertschätzung an erster Stelle steht. Ihr seid zu keiner Zeit verpflichtet mitzumachen und könnt jederzeit aus Szenen aussteigen oder auch für einzelne Übungen aussetzen. **Leitung** Ich leite seit drei Jahren Impro-Trainings, organisiere Wettbewerbe und Shows und gehe auch selbst regelmäßig zu Fortbildungen. Ich habe über 80 Trainings geleitet. **Beitrag** Es gibt zur Zeit keinen fixen Trainingsbeitrag, aber wir freuen uns immer über freiwillige Spenden für die Leitung und die Organisation. **Achtung:** Das Event ist nur für Teilnehmer\*innen ab 16 Jahre, da wir nicht immer für absolut jugendfreie Geschichten oder Szenen garantieren können. **WA-Gruppe:** https://chat.whatsapp.com/KjK8PzmA8ZGF2gujtOH9D2 Wir empfehlen den Beitritt zur WA-Gruppe da wir nicht immer auf der selben Wiese sind. Hier wird der genaue Live-Standort geteilt. Bitte beachtet aus Datenschutzgründen, dass beim Beitritt der WA-Gruppe alle Mitglieder eure Telefonnummer sehen können. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Donau Insel Improv Training & Picnic** Learn improv theater techniques and different formats in a playful way! You will train your creativity and spontaneity while working on your self-confidence. **Find us here:** [https://www.google.com/maps?q=48.2233687,16.4163003](https://www.google.com/maps?q=48.2233687,16.4163003) (Meeting point coordinates) **--> Please bring your own food and snacks for the picnic! We can then share and eat together.** **What to expect:** * Funny group games * Creative theater exercises * Short improv scenes (only 5 to 8 minutes) * Creating stories together * Lots of laughter, sun, and fun **Improv: What’s in it for you?** * Spontaneity * Self-confidence * Creativity * Learning to embrace mistakes * Acting practice * Teamwork * **Safe Space** A secure environment without pressure to perform, where mutual appreciation is the top priority. You are never under any obligation to participate and can step out of scenes or skip individual exercises at any time. **Instructor** I have been leading improv training for three years, organizing competitions and shows, and regularly attend further training workshops myself. I have led over 80 training sessions. **Contribution** There is currently no fixed fee for the training, but we always appreciate voluntary donations for the instruction and organization. **Please note:** This event is for participants aged 16 and over, as we cannot always guarantee that stories or scenes will be entirely "family-friendly." **WhatsApp Group:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KjK8PzmA8ZGF2gujtOH9D2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KjK8PzmA8ZGF2gujtOH9D2) We recommend joining the WhatsApp group since we are not always on the same meadow. The exact live location will be shared there. *Please note for privacy reasons that by joining the WhatsApp group, all members will be able to see your phone number.*

**❗️Meetup is used only to help people discover our community. Please do not rely on it for event availability, dates, or updates. All current information is published in our WhatsApp group❗️** **Wachau Trip: Scenic Hike & Dürnstein Ruins** An adventure that’s still doable for most people — but not so easy that it gets boring. And trust me, the views are absolutely worth it. This one is going to be a hit. 📅 Date: June 7 🕒 Time: ~8:00 📍 Location: Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof **What makes it special:** — breathtaking viewpoints over the Danube valley — charming Dürnstein village — a visit to the famous castle ruins 📏 Distance: ~5–6 km ⛰ Elevation: ~330 m ⏱ Duration: ~2.5 hours (plus breaks & photos) Join the WA group for the information: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GqWhKBUCR5RAhI6WUguIcR?mode=gi_t **About the hike:** This route is sometimes classified as red or black. But I’ve done it several times, and it’s absolutely manageable if you’re reasonably active. It’s definitely more challenging than a typical Stadtwanderweg, but far from an extreme hike. ⚠️ **Expect:** – some steep and narrow sections with cables – a few rocky parts – beautiful exposed views 👉 You don’t need climbing experience, but you should: – feel comfortable walking on uneven terrain – not have a strong fear of heights – have basic fitness level Perfect for active people who want a bit of adventure, but not a hardcore hike. 🥾 Hiking shoes are a must 💶 **Participation fee:** 30 € (including train & bus tickets) 👥 **Group size:** strictly limited to 14 participants I keep the group intentionally small so the experience stays comfortable, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. The registration form will be shared in the WA about a week before the event. **Participation is confirmed only after 10 € prepayment.** 🎫 **If you have a Klimaticket:** Just mention it in the registration form, and you’ll only pay a 12 € organizational fee. In case of bad weather conditions the trip will be postponed. 🚸The main goal of my trips is about enjoying the moment, meeting new people, and making beautiful places accessible even if you’re not a pro. ——————— ❗️Please make sure to fill out the registration form: the link will be posted in the WA group ❗️

✨ Evning coffee & conversations ☕🌇 ⭐️A casual evening to meet open-minded people living and building things in Vienna. ⭐️Just a group of interesting people, good coffee and conversations. Conversation topics can be anything:— life in Vienna— travel & moving abroad— culture & life experiences— favorite places, ideas, random thoughts—or whatever naturally comes up. ⭐️Free to join.Come for 20 minutes or stay the whole evening. Please register if you come and unregister if you don’t come. ✨Join our Instagram for more events https://www.instagram.com/vienna_friends?igsh=YjA2czVxNjF0cGJi&utm_source=qr

We will meet in a calm and friendly place ( Parc, Café, Restaurant) to explore together some of Jiddu Krishnamurti’s key questions about awareness, relationship, and freedom. There will be no teaching, no authority — only open dialogue and attentive listening. Everyone is welcome, whether you are familiar with Jiddu Krishnamurti or simply curious about life and self-understanding. We’ll start with an open conversation around a theme such as “Listening without judgment” or “Can thought bring clarity?” Please bring openness, curiosity, and a readiness to listen — no books or notes needed. The spirit is not to discuss “what should be,” but to observe together “what is.”

(This talk will be held in German) Was haben Holotropes Atmen, Zen-Meditation, Isolationstanks und Meisterpflanzen gemeinsam? Die Kognitionswissenschaft hat heute eine präzise Antwort. In diesen Zuständen lockert das Gehirn vorübergehend seine stärksten inneren Filter. Tief verwurzelte Überzeugungen – über uns selbst, über andere, über die Welt – werden verhandelbar. Echte Transformation wird möglich. Aber genau das macht diese Zustände auch heikel. Dieser Vortrag erkundet dasselbe Terrain anhand zweier sehr unterschiedlicher Landkarten: den klassischen „Zehn-Ochsen-Bildern" aus der Zen-Tradition und dem REBUS-Modell aus der modernen Bewusstseinsforschung (Friston & Carhart-Harris). Die eine Karte zeigt, welche Stationen auf dem Weg erkennbar sind und was sie bedeuten – die andere, was im Nervensystem dabei geschieht. Daraus folgen praktische Fragen, die jeden betreffen, der solche Erfahrungen sucht oder begleitet: Wie erkenne ich, ob ein Zustand wirklich transformiert – oder nur tief beeindruckt? Was braucht es, damit Offenheit zu echter Veränderung wird? Und woran erkenne ich, ob diese Veränderung mir nützt? Der Abend verbindet Theorie mit gelebter Praxis – und endet mit konkreten Orientierungen für den eigenen Weg. 06.06.2026, Türen offen: 18:30 // Beginn: 19:00 Eintritt 5€\* (Für Mitglieder frei. Werde ein Mitglied: www.psychedelicsociety.at) Cash only Sagedergasse 18, 1120 Vienna (Eingang zwischen Billa and Bipa; nicht Barrierefrei) //Über Shōugan Shōugan ist Kognitionswissenschaftler, Facilitator für Holotropic Breathwork und er praktiziert seit Jahrzehnten Meditation in der Zen-Tradition. Seit über 30 Jahren beschäftigt er sich praktisch und theoretisch mit nicht-alltäglichen Bewusstseinszuständen, insbesondere an der Schnittstelle von Kunst, Wissenschaft und kontemplativer Praxis. Er koordiniert das Kognitionswissenschafts-Netzwerk der Universität Wien und leitet das Projekt doing culture – Institut für Bewusstseinskultur. //We do not provide any illegal substances, nor allow their distribution or consumption at our events. Our mission is to provide high-quality information and safety guidelines about psychedelic substances.

**🪷** **Cost:** This event is free! ✨ **Description:** **Imagine Well Being is partnering with Oatlands for future events! Join us at Oatlands Saturday, June 6 for an hour of Nature and Sound Immersion at 10:30am or at 1:30pm.** Oatlands is open for a free day of activities, performances and fun! Come meet many of the community partners and discover why Oatlands is a place where people gather to learn, grow and connect. This family-friendly day features a wide range of partners, including artist Gertrude Ashton Evans, farmers, gardeners, conservationists, community theater and outdoor recreation groups, along with historians, educators, libraries and cultural organizations. **[Read More about ](https://oatlands.org/event/explore-oatlands-and-meet-our-community-partners/)*[Explore Oatlands ](https://oatlands.org/event/explore-oatlands-and-meet-our-community-partners/)*[Here!](https://oatlands.org/event/explore-oatlands-and-meet-our-community-partners/)**[ ](https://oatlands.org/event/explore-oatlands-and-meet-our-community-partners/) **👋🏼 Starting point:** The Carriage House. **🎒Bring:** * Water * Layers of clothes based on the weather * Sturdy comfortable shoes to explore Oatlands **🪷** **Cost:** This event is free to attend! **🌐** **Newsletter:** [Sign up Today for Imagine Well Being's latest news, upcoming events, and retreats!](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/newsletter-form/sign-up-for-the-imagine-well-being-newsletter) **⭐️ Liability Release:** With my RSVP, I hereby confirm that I am physically able to participate in this event. I understand and agree that all events, workshops, and retreats are undertaken at my sole risk and that Imagine Well Being guides and co-directors shall not be liable for injuries or damages to my person or property arising out of or connected to any of these activities. I authorize Imagine Well Being guides and co-directors to call 911 in the event that I appear to require emergency medical care, and I assume responsibility for all associated costs. **I have carefully read this agreement and understand its contents. I agree that it is a complete release of liability for any injuries or damage that I may sustain due to Imagine classes, gatherings, and workshops.**

Tree identification walk June 6th 10:00-11:30 am Bon Air Park Meet at the flagpole in the Rose garden 850 N Lexington St, Arlington, VA 22205 Learn about common Virginia native trees and how to identify them using the Virginia Department of Forestry’s identification guide. We will use the online pdf version. We will walk along flat paved paths and focus on the leaves and bark of 12 species. We will cultivate connection with each other and nature and enjoy a beautiful park.

***Starting Saturday, May 2nd NextGen will be hosting monthly bird outings on the first Saturday of the month!*** Locations and guides will vary per month. For our next monthly walk, we will visit Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park for a fun and historic bird outing along the Potomac River. In June, eBird reports show a strong mix of **breeding forest birds, edge species, and river specialists**, including: ### **Breeding Songbirds (Forest & Edge)** Wood Thrush, Red-eyed Vireo, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Acadian Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Gray Catbird, Eastern Towhee, and Baltimore Oriole. ### **Warblers (Confirmed Summer Residents)** Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Ovenbird, American Redstart, and Louisiana Waterthrush (especially along streams and the Potomac). *(Note: migration warblers like Black-and-white are far less consistent by June—good correction from your prior version.)* ### **Raptors & Soaring Birds** Bald Eagle (very reliable along the river), Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk (occasionally lingering), and Turkey Vulture. ### **River & Riparian Species** Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Wood Duck, Mallard, and Spotted Sandpiper along the shoreline. ### **Woodland & Year-Round Residents** Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Pileated Woodpecker. https://www.novaparks.com/parks/balls-bluff-battlefield Please wear shoes suited for rocky/uneven terrain, as there will be some light hiking up and down the bluff to get close to the river.

Venez apprécier l'ambiance chaleureuse d'une conversation en français autour d'un verre de vin et d'apéritifs à moitié prix. C'est ouvert à tous quelque soit votre niveau, que vous soyez débutant ou bien que le Français soit votre langue maternelle. Enjoy a French convo with half-priced appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. The Event is open to all levels of French language, from beginners to native fluency.

**Make new friends and enjoy the great outdoors** on a 4.2-mile loop hike from Riverbend Park to Great Falls Overlook and back, with an optional **lunch at Mookie’s BBQ afterward**. This hike offers a great mix of outdoor adventure and social connection, giving you a chance to enjoy nature while meeting others who share your love for the outdoors. We’ll start at the Riverbend Park parking lot and follow a scenic trail through the woods with a few small inclines, then on the return from the Overlook we'll follow the trail along the Potomac River. The route winds through peaceful woodlands and scenic riverside paths, leading to the stunning Great Falls Overlook 2. This is an **easy-to-moderate hike**, with mostly flat terrain and a few gentle inclines, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. The hike will take about **2.5 to 3 hours**, offering plenty of time to enjoy the views and good company. Afterward, join us for lunch at **Mookie's BBQ** located at 1141 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066. It’s the perfect way to relax, socialize, and share stories with fellow hikers. Whether you’re here for the scenery, the exercise, or to connect with like-minded people, this outing promises to be a memorable experience. Spots fill quickly, so don’t wait to sign up! **Meeting Time & Location:** We’ll meet at **9:30 AM** in the Riverbend Park parking lot. Please refer to the map pin for the exact location. **Distance:** 4.2 miles **Elevation Gain:** 302 feet **Difficulty:** Easy (a few gentle inclines) This hike features natural, well-maintained trails that are mostly flat, with a few easy-to-walk uphill sections near the beginning. The wide and smooth paths make it easy to walk and chat with others along the way. With minimal obstacles and straightforward navigation, this hike is an excellent choice for anyone seeking an enjoyable and manageable outdoor adventure. **Estimated Duration** This hike is expected to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. **Pace:** Moderate Pace We'll walk a steady, comfortable pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment. **Parking** We’ll park at the **Riverbend Park parking lot**, which has ample spaces and serves as the starting point for our hike. Please check the event map for the exact location to ensure you arrive at the correct lot. **Trail Map (AllTrails)** [Take a Hike! (DMV) - Riverbend Park (Great Falls Overlook 2)](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/take-a-hike-dmv-riverbend-park-26dd0db?u=i&sh=ylk43q) Preview the hiking route on AllTrails to get familiar with the terrain. Download the map in advance to follow along and stay on track during the hike. **Dogs on the Trail** For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding! **Restrooms** Restrooms are available at the Riverbend Park Visitor Center and at the Great Falls Visitor Center. **Lunch After the Hike** Join us after the hike for a casual lunch at **Mookie's BBQ**, 1141 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066 - (703) 759-2386. It’s a great chance to relax, enjoy a meal, and connect with fellow hikers. **Waitlist Policy** To keep things fair, hikers will be moved off the waitlist in this order: **1\. Regular Hikers:** Those who join hikes often get first priority. **2\. Past Hikers:** Next are returning hikers, based on attendance and cancellation history. Frequent cancellations may lower priority. **3\. New Hikers:** New members will be added as space allows.

Come out and celebrate the legendary Appalachian Trail at the annual Appalachian Trail Festival in Hillsboro, Virginia below Keys Gap and the Blue Ridge Mountains in scenic western Loudoun County. Stretching from Springer Mountain Georgia to Mount Katahdin Maine, the 2,200 mile long Appalachian National Scenic Trail Trail is the most famous long distance trail in America. The always popular Appalachian Trail Festival includes many outdoor organizations, roundtable discussions with Appalachian Trail thru hikers, outdoor activities, art displays, outdoor gear sales, guest speakers, food vendors, and live music including Sean McCartney and the bluegrass band Rock Creek Revival. Meet at the Old Town School Events Center parking lot in the charming town of Hillsboro, Virginia. Leaders: Glenn Gillis 571-217-4477, Mike Darzi, Ray Evert, Sean McCartney, and Marcia Wolf.

We will be hiking the loop trail, (counter clockwise) around the BeaverDam Reservoir starting at the brand new Reservoir Park VisitorsCenter. Beautiful views of the water and varied woodland areas. This is an 7.5 MILE loop hike around one of Northern Virginia's largest bodies of water. The loop is mainly flat with a tiny hill or two. I've rated the loop moderate because the distance is 7.5 miles and we will be hiking about 22 minutes per mile - just under 3 miles per hour. After the hike we'll head over to Lark Brewing. 24205 James Monroe Hwy, Aldie, VA 20105 for food and beverages. I will make every effort for your safety. You are hiking at your own risk. Dogs are welcome on the hike as long as they are good with groups, friendly and you follow all leash laws. I like kids but this is an adult event so please no kids or any one under 21. We do start on time so please plan accordingly. Meet in front of the bathrooms by the parking lot. Reservoir Park Trail on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/reservoir-park-trail?sh=lkkoxr&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality