Ecology

Do you live in the Southern suburbs? Want to explore what the Southern suburbs has to offer? Or are you just interested to catch-up with like-minded people? Once a month Steph hosts our Southern socials. It is a great opportunity to meet others. Our emphasis is on fun whilst helping and supporting each other. The socials include drinks and chats, casual coffees, dinners and other activities suggested by members from time to time. Our socials are informal and open to all. We pay for own food and drinks individually and there is no charge for the organisation of the events. We hope to see you!

* 🌏 **MELBOURNE → WARBURTON**🏙️ * 📅 **SUN 7 JUN, DAY TRIP** *☀️* * ✨**Nature, movement, and a touch of magic**.✨ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **✨**🌿 **Escape to Dreamy Warburton — A Day to Breathe, Walk & Feel** Leave the city behind and step into a day where everything slows down. We begin with a gentle journey out of Melbourne, easing into nature with a relaxed coffee stop before arriving in the heart of Warburton. From here, the day unfolds naturally — a beautiful 10 km walk through forest trails, open views, and quiet moments along the way. No rush, just rhythm. We pause, we breathe, we take it all in. Midday brings local flavours at the farmers market, followed by a relaxed picnic with a fresh fruit platter — simple, nourishing, shared together. In the afternoon, we step into the magical Redwoods Forest — a place to slow down even more. A short guided meditation invites you to ground, breathe deeply, and reconnect. We continue with a peaceful river walk, a scenic countryside drive, and a final stop to taste the region’s fresh local produce — a sweet finish to a full and balanced day. As the sun begins to soften, we return to Melbourne — lighter, calmer, and with a heart full of good moments. *** ### ✨ **All included. No stress. Just show up and enjoy.** Comfortable transport, guided experience, snacks, picnic, and good company — everything is taken care of. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 All-Inclusive for $99** ✅ Round-trip **transport** in a comfortable **MERCEDES minivan** 🚐 ✅ Guided **9 km hike** + all gears 🥾 ✅ **Fruit platter** 🍉 ✅ Unlimited **snacks, soft drinks, coffee & tea** ☕ ✅ **Meditation** \- with great company ✅ Visit **stunning scenic lookouts** 🌄🦘 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- #### 🕒 Itinerary: 🌅 07:30 — Meet at **St Paul’s Cathedral,** Flinders Street ☕ 08:00 — Stop for a break 🍉 09:00 — Arriving in town - **tea/coffee/drinks** and snacks (included!) 🥾 09:15 — Begin **10 km easy hike** *(\~140 m elevation)* 📩 12:30 — **Farmers Market** visit 🍽️ 13:30 — Picnic & **fruit platter** (included! +snacks/drinks) 🌟 14:00 — Visit the stunning **RedWood Forest** ✨ 14:30 — **Meditation** – ground & breathe 🌄 15:00 — Riverwalk 🚐 15:30 — **Scenic drive** 🌸 16:00 — Taste the Region: **Country Fruit Shed stop** 🏙️ 18:30 — Return to **Melbourne** with a heart full of memories 📍 Drop-off: Hammer Hall, Melbourne \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💰 How to Book?** Secure your spot with a **$99 transfer** **Please note:** An RSVP alone does not secure your spot — only a transfer confirms your place on the trip. Thanks for understanding! 🔹 **PayID:** 0414 661 458 🔹 **Bank Transfer:** **NAME:** KARAPETIAN G **BSB:** 013233 **ACCOUNT:** 226325836 **Ref:** Wa 🌟 **Limited spots available—RSVP now!** S*pots are only confirmed once payment is received !!!* \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 What to Bring?** ✔️ **Comfortable hiking shoes (or able to supply, let me know size)** **✔️ Wind/water-resistant jacket**🧥 ✔️ **Long pants & long sleeves** 🌿 ✔️ **Hat/beanie** 🧢 ✔️ **A positive mindset & big smile!** 😊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📢 **Questions?** Feel free to **DM me anytime!** 📩 ✨ **Let’s make this an adventure to remember** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Visit our sources: https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share Instagram: nogeography.hike.kayak https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ❗️**Please Note:** **Payments are only credited or refunded if the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer.** In all other circumstances, payments are **non-refundable and non-transferable**. ❗️Thank you for understanding and supporting the planning involved in creating these experiences! 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **\*\*\*Nature & Nurture, Talks & Tastes\*\*\*** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **LIABILITY WAIVER** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By joining this event you agree to these terms. ## **COVID-19 Safety Measures** * The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. * Please do not attend if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or sore throat. * If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending. * Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our community safe!

🥒🎾 **Social Pickleball DUPR Round Robin- All Levels Welcome!** 🥒🎾 **📢 [Instagram: @rmit_pickleball](https://www.instagram.com/rmit_pickleball/)** **📢 [WhatsApp: RMIT Pickleball Club](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G7VE0NcThWWIgLnnJBVQBq)** **🏓 Paddles and balls provided! 🎾** Join us for a social yet competitive pickleball session with DUPR-rated matches. Meet new players, enjoy great games, and build your DUPR rating in a fun round robin format. **👥 Who is it for?** • Members of public and RMIT students • Social and competitive players looking for rated games • Intermediate and advanced players • New DUPR players are welcome if they are comfortable with pickleball rules, scoring, and gameplay 🔄 Format • DUPR round robin format • Partners and opponents will rotate throughout the session • Pairings are generated based on results from previous rounds • No fixed partners for the session • All match results will be submitted to DUPR **✅ How to join?** 1. **Become a club member** [at the RMIT Store](https://store.rmit.edu.au/pages/club/pickleball) (one-off payment) 1. **RSVP** on Meetup to join the session 1. When marked as **“Going”**, pay for the session: **\- Payment link** is in the **comment section below** (posted 1-3 days before) \- Use your RMIT Store account with a club membership \(from step 1\) 1. Can’t attend? Update your RSVP to “Not Going” **⏳ Priority on waitlist** 1. Clear Meetup profile with name and photo 1. RMIT students 1. Regular attendees **📆 On the day** * New players, please introduce yourself to the host * Have your Pickleheads app and DUPR account ready before the session * A Pickleheads group invite will be provided on the day for match assignments and score entry * If you have not yet joined Pickleheads or created a DUPR account, please arrive a little earlier and we can help you get set up before play begins * Have your emailed ticket receipt ready, it may be checked on the day **🔄 Cancellations and Refunds** * No refunds for change of mind, non-attendance, or no-shows * Refunds only if the event is cancelled (weather or court availability) * Credit for a later session may be offered by agreement in case of event cancellation * Pay only when we share the payment link in Meetup - using old links is at your own risk Whether you are new to pickleball or a regular player, this is a great way to get some games in and connect with the community. Come solo or bring a friend - everyone is welcome! **👉 Spots are limited, so RSVP early! 👈**

Join me for a full-day cycling trip to French Island, travelling by PTV train and Western Port Ferry with our bikes. We’ll meet outside Arbory Bar & Eatery near Flinders Street Station at 5:45 am, then head to Platform 7 together. The plan is to catch the 6:09 am train, change at Frankston, continue to Stony Point, and then take the 8:15 am ferry to French Island. The ferry crossing is currently listed as about 15 minutes, so we should arrive at French Island around 8:30 am. Once on the island, we’ll spend the day cycling and exploring. There are several possible cycling routes on French Island, and the exact route or combination of routes will be decided closer to the event date based on weather, track conditions, ferry timing, and the group on the day. Parks Victoria lists several official ride options, from shorter rides such as the Redbill Manna Gum Woodland Ride, to longer options such as Link Road, Mount Wellington and Gartsides. French Island can have sandy and wet conditions, so a mountain bike is highly advised. A repair kit is essential. This is not a beginner ride. Reasonable fitness is required, and participants must be comfortable riding at least 50 km at around 15 km/h on mixed island conditions. We’ll take the 6:00 pm return ferry from French Island back to Stony Point, then travel back by train. We should arrive back at Flinders Street at around 9:00 pm, depending on connections and any delays. You’re welcome to come solo. This will be a practical, low-pressure day out, but please come prepared for a long day with early transport, ferry logistics, and off-road cycling conditions. **Links** * Meetup start point: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/fVuZ2fGtg799Uyk27](https://maps.app.goo.gl/fVuZ2fGtg799Uyk27) * French Island visitor guide and route map: [https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/documents/visitor-guides-and-publications/french-island/french-island-visitor-guide.pdf](https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/documents/visitor-guides-and-publications/french-island/french-island-visitor-guide.pdf) * Western Port Ferries timetable: [https://www.westernportferries.com.au/Prices-Timetable/Timetable](https://www.westernportferries.com.au/Prices-Timetable/Timetable) * Western Port Ferries fares: [https://www.westernportferries.com.au/Prices-Timetable/Fares](https://www.westernportferries.com.au/Prices-Timetable/Fares) * Related video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8XuwGPai0I](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8XuwGPai0I) **Rough timeline** * 5:45 am — Meet outside Arbory Bar & Eatery near Flinders Street Station * Around 6:00 am — Head to Platform 7 together * 6:09 am — Catch the train from Flinders Street * Morning — Change at Frankston and continue to Stony Point * 8:15 am — Ferry from Stony Point to French Island * Around 8:30 am — Arrive at French Island * Morning to afternoon — Cycle and explore French Island * Lunch — BYO lunch break somewhere suitable on the island * Afternoon — Continue riding, route depending on conditions and group pace * 6:00 pm — Return ferry from French Island to Stony Point * Evening — Train back toward Melbourne * Around 9:00 pm — Expected return to Flinders Street Station **Tickets** Attendees must book their own ferry ticket online in advance, including bicycle fare. Due to limited storage for bicycles, Western Port Ferries recommends booking online if bringing a bike. Current listed return fares are $33.00 for an adult and $10.10 for a bicycle, but please check the official ferry fare page before booking because prices may change. The ferry is not a myki-ticketed service, so ferry tickets are separate from PTV train travel. **Note:** I haven’t booked my own ferry ticket yet. I’ll update this text once I’ve booked it. **What to bring** * Roadworthy mountain bike * Helmet * Front and back lights * Puncture repair kit * Spare tube or tubeless repair supplies * Lunch * Enough water for the day * Snacks * Weather-appropriate clothing * Any medication or personal first-aid items you may need * Myki or payment method for train travel * Pre-booked ferry ticket including bicycle fare **What to expect** * Distance: Around 50 km expected, depending on the final route * Difficulty: Moderate to challenging due to distance, early start, transport logistics, and possible sandy or wet conditions * Pace: Around 15 km/h average riding pace * Vibe: Friendly, practical, adventurous, and low-pressure, but not a beginner ride **Important notes** This event is weather dependent and will not go ahead if rain is forecast. This event also depends on PTV train availability and may need to be cancelled if there are bus replacements, major timetable changes, or other disruptions. Transport Victoria allows bikes on trains, but only folding bikes are allowed on buses and metropolitan rail replacement buses. Please check transport and ferry updates before the event. Western Port Ferries notes that weather, sea conditions, and tidal variations can affect operations, and passengers are encouraged to check operation times on the day of travel. Medical assistance is limited on French Island, so please ride within your ability and come prepared. Please be ready for a long day out. The early start is important because we need to make the ferry connection. **Other info** The final route will be decided closer to the date based on weather, track conditions, and who is attending. If conditions are poor, the ride may be shortened or cancelled. Please only RSVP if you are confident with the distance, terrain, bike setup, and full-day timing.

**Welcome to Badminton Social (羽球匯友) Meetup!** Join us for regular badminton, social meetups, and a great time on the court around Caulfield. Let's build a welcoming badminton community and make some amazing memories together! Whether you are a beginner or a pro, this event is perfect for anyone looking to stay active, make new friends, and enjoy some friendly plays. Our group is made up of both local and international members, creating a diverse and welcoming atmosphere for everyone to join in. Not only will you have the chance to improve your Badminton skills and stay fit, but you'll also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for healthy living and staying active. Come and be a part of our community in Melbourne, where friendships are made on and off the court. **Details as below:** When: 6 Jun, this Saturday Time: 5pm - 6.30pm Where: Monash Sport Caulfield (1-min walk from Caulfield Station / free parking around the Station) Fee: $12 per head (PayID to the organizer) *#Limited spots - first come first served (RSVP)* *#Please bring your own racket(s); or you can rent it from the Centre (if needed)* ***#Please kindly update your RSVP as soon as possible if you need to cancel, so hopefully others can still get a spot to join. Cancellations within 24 hours or no-shows will be charged the full rate - Many thanks for your understanding and cooperation.*** *#Please let the organizer know after the first play, if you'd like to play regularly with the group ongoing and enjoy exclusive offer - Organizer will add you to our Whatsapp group for the regulars :)* *DISCLAIMER:* *By* *attending any event hosted by this Meetup group, you acknowledge and accept that participation involves inherent risks, including injury or loss of property, and you assume full responsibility for your safety. The organizers are not liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that occur, regardless of cause. You agree to follow any event guidelines, act responsibly, and understand that you are responsible for your own well-being. By attending, you accept these terms. 3*

**Are Aliens Demons?** **VIDEO** [Aliens are Demons](https://youtu.be/xL9XdgkpmuU?list=PLkncBbpy4InqdxPGuvC5P_2ePQI-4Qs79) **Discussion Outline** Why are UFOs and aliens so elusive, hidden and seemingly unprovable? Why is the US government covering up alien visitation? Are aliens extraterrestrial or are they inter-dimensional beings?

Join us for the Twenty-second Page! Theme: **bookshop or library setting** This month we're celebrating books about bookish places. Choose a book where the setting is as much a character has the people wandering through it. Feel free to bring along any discussion questions you can think of or theme suggestions. Happy reading :) See you there!

**SALSA DANCE CLASSES - EVERY SUNDAY** Dance classes that are super fun, in a friendly and warm environment, with a focus on technique and extra attention from your instructor, ensuring you get the most out of your class. These are casual classes so start on any week, no partner or bookings required. SALSA Beginner 1 7.OOPM (Suggested duration 6 weeks) This class breaks down the rhythm and timing, basic footwork variations and leading/following fundamentals, with basic turn patterns at a slow pace. This class can also be used as a revision or warm-up for the beginner class. No experience required. SALSA Beginner Plus 7.OOPM (Suggested duration 3 months) This level is not for first time Salsa students, to enter this level you must have previously completed at least 4-6 lessons in Salsa. With an emphasis on timing and more leading and following techniques, this is a faster-paced class with weekly easy to learn moves. Requirement: First Timer level or understanding of Basic footwork, timing & turn patterns. SALSA INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 8:00PM (Suggested duration 12 months) This level expands on lengthy routines with double turns and spinning for males and females. Requirement: For those who have danced for at least 3 months in Beginner level 1, dance in time and can pick up complicated new moves with ease. FEES: $20 FOR ONE CLASS OR $30 FOR TWO CLASSES ON THE SAME EVENING. MS Dance cards can be used at these classes. NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED JUST TURN UP! Free parking at Woolworths, 2 mins from the studio. DETAILS: • Our classes are structured so that you can start at any time throughout the year and you can come & go as you please. • No partner or bookings required. • The dress code is smart/casual or dress up! • Ideal footwear for ladies- a medium to high heel. • Ideal footwear for men – leather or hard rubber sole shoe. • Class is subject to change without notice. MELBOURNE SALSA DANCE STUDIO LEVEL 1, 326 SMITH STREET, COLLINGWOOD Entrance is behind shops, via laneway off Bedford street. For more details call Melbourne Salsa on 95312023 or email info@melbournesalsa.com.au

Join me at the historic Abbotsford Convent for a relaxed walk following the Yarra Trail to the traditional crossing point at Dights Falls. We'll have time to take in the cultural significance of this meeting place on the River, enjoy quiet conversation together and make new friends. Heading upstream we'll cross the Merri Creek where it flows into the Yarra and make our way to Deep Rock with its sheer granite backdrop. Further along the trail we'll have fun together crossing the Kane's suspension bridge. The riverbank return takes us beside the Collingwood Children's Farm and into the tranquil gardens surrounding the Abbotsford Convent. We'll finish up at the Convent Bakery to socialise and enjoy a coffee and our lunch together. **Agenda** I will meet you at 10am just inside the front gate of the Abbotsford Convent on St Heliers Street. We'll head off at 10.15am to join the Yarra Trail and walk beside the Yarra to Dights Falls. From there we will follow the trail to Kane's Bridge before making our way back through the Abbotsford Convent gardens to the bakery. We can take time to socialise and enjoy coffee and lunch together. This is an easy to moderate walk along a gravel path. The distance is about 7km all up and will take us around 1hr 45mins. **Location** If coming by public transport you can catch the Mernda or Hurstbridge line train to Victoria Park Station. The train station is a 10-15 minute walk to the Convent. Or you can catch the 200 or 207 bus down Johnston Street to the Clarke Street stop. The bus stop is a 3-5 minute walk to the Convent. The Abbotsford Convent car parking fee on the weekend is $7.50 for the first hour and $2 per hour after that. When you RSVP, please click Attend on the event page and I will be in touch via Direct Messages. I will also be available in the Event Comments on the day.

Join us this King's Birthday for an inner-city trail walk. Come for a social chat and fitness walk. This will be an easy loop through Fairfield and Abbotsford, but note you will be expected to maintain a moderately fast pace (typical pace for Eastern Hiking and Adventures). We are likely to finish before 1pm but I have allowed extra time as a buffer. **Please read all of the following information before RSVP'ing.** · *Do not FOMO into any of the Eastern Hiking & Adventure events unless you intend to attend, i.e. check the date, the distance and complexity of the walk before joining that walk. Those members who consistently are last minute withdrawals, are no shows or disrespectful to any members or leaders will be asked to remove themselves from that walk and **may be** removed from the group. All the leaders are unpaid volunteers who spend many hours of their own time researching each walk to the best of their abilities at no cost. The organisers attempt to minimise members left on the waitlist (within reason) with priority given to those loyal members who regularly attend walks and provide an enjoyable environment for others.* **Directions**: Enter the Melbourne Polytechnic Student carpark from Yarra Bend Road or park anywhere in a car spot nearby and meet at the carpark entrance. **Fitness Level**: · A good level of fitness is required as you will be expected to walk approximately 5km/hr and we will have a 15min snack rest in the middle. **What to bring:** *2 litres of water - snacks or lunch *appropriate walking shoes - rain/wind/sun protection clothing *SPF50 sunscreen - personal First Aid kit **DISCLAIMER** · Our events may be difficult and/or hazardous. Eastern Hiking & Adventure organisers will not accept liability for any loss, injury or accident. Participants should take care, wear suitable clothing and footwear, maintain their equipment, and act appropriately in their surroundings and follow the directions of the event leader. You are responsible for your own safety. Ambulance cover is strongly recommended and by RSVP’ing to this event you indicate acceptance of these terms. We look forward to seeing you there!

Hosted by Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District **Stream Team Sampling Events** Are you interested in the health of local rivers and streams? You can join the Licking County Soil and Water in a Stream Team assessment. These events are a night filled will fun in the water. We look at habitat, biology, and chemical parameters in waterways that indicate how healthy our water is! We would love to see you at one of these events! Family friendly. Free to attend. June Wildwood Park, Granville Where: 785 W Broadway, Granville, OH 43023 Date: 6/11/2026 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 P.M. July Velvet Ice Cream, Ye Olde Mill Where:11324 Mount Vernon Rd, Utica, OH 43080 Date: 7/9/2026 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.

Granville Land Lab 2025 Burg Street | Granville MEADOWS FOR MONARCHS PROJECT Learning Landscapes Tour + Community Science at the Land Lab Wednesday, July 1, 2026 9 a.m. - 12 noon: Program 12- 12:30: picnic lunch *meet at shelter house near Granville Intermediate School playground* Free. Registration Required so we know to expect you,[ click here https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/land-lab-tour](https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/land-lab-tour) Want to make your own wildflower meadow? Residents of licking county can sign up for this free program to receive free seed and training https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/meadows **ABOUT THE EVENT** Join Pollinator Pathway for a morning at the Land Lab, a ~100-acre prairie and outdoor learning space just steps from Granville Intermediate School. This event explores how schools and other campuses can create living classrooms and contribute to community science. * **Tour the Land Lab:** Award-winning environmental science educator Jim Reding will lead guided tours through prairie, wetlands and other restored habitat, sharing the story behind this nationally-recognized space and the students and partnerships who helped make it happen. * **Contribute to Community Science with iNaturalist App:** Learn to identify and document plants, pollinators and other wildlife using iNaturalist. Dr. Karen Goodell, professor of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at The Ohio State University at Newark and one of Ohio's foremost experts on native bees will share how to use this powerful tool to learn about the natural world while contributing to scientific research. * **Connect & Collaborate:** The morning program concludes with an optional BYO picnic lunch and networking at the Land Lab shelter house, overlooking the prairie. **🌸Anyone passionate about conservation and outdoor learning is welcome🌸** **WHAT TO BRING, WEAR & PREPARE** * **Download the iNaturalist app (the new one vs. the "classic" one) & create an account prior to the event if you don't have one already.** * **Sunscreen** * **Water bottle** * **Insect repellent** * **Hat** * **Comfortable closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain** * **Light-colored clothing.** * **Long pants and socks are encouraged.** * **Please bring a reusable water bottle** * **Packed/picnic lunch.** **Picnic table seating will be available at the shelter house overlooking the Land Lab**

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

June 17, 2026: Worthington Library. Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage. Jim McCormac. Worthington, Ohio. 7 pm.

**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.

Garden to the Max Join the Inniswood Garden Society for their annual meeting and garden reception. Featured speaker, Teresa Woodard, will discuss maximalist gardening Having a maximalist garden is a bold aesthetic choice—yet it also brings vitality back to the earth, in an abundant expression of more. Garden to the Max celebrates gardens across the US that embrace maximalism through joy and wonder, nonstop blooms, and abundant layers 06/07/2026 Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Days: Sun Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S Hempstead Rd Westerville, OH, 43081 (614)508-8111 Location Map: Innis House.