EcoVillages

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

Join us for a Classic Movie Monday event to see one of the best comedy films of all time, ANNIE HALL! This Woody Allen classic stars Diane Keaton and follows a man who reflects on his relationship with an aspiring nightclub singer, which ended abruptly just like his previous marriages. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows Alvy Singer, a divorced Jewish comedian, reflects on his relationship with ex-lover Annie Hall, an aspiring nightclub singer, which ended abruptly just like his previous marriages. It is written/directed by Woody Allen and stars Diane Keaton (in a role written specifically for her), Woody Allen, Tony Roberts, Carol Kane, Paul Simon, Janet Margolin, Shelley Duvall, Christopher Walken and Colleen Dewhurst. Also keep an eye out for Beverly D’Angelo and Sigourney Weaver in her film debut! TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj4ZoeRMHwU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj4ZoeRMHwU) 2010 CBS Sunday Morning Interview with Diane Keaton on Woody Allen, “Annie Hall,” and marriage: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4CpyJhbXaM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4CpyJhbXaM) CELEBRATING DIANE KEATON: The film is part of the Drexel's “Starring Diane Keaton,” program, which celebrates the life of the legendary actress in January. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: ANNIE HALL was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning four: Best Picture, Best Director. Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress for Diane Keaton. It also won 4 BAFTAs (Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Actress) and a Golden Globes Best for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical for Diane Keaton. It is regarded as the greatest comedy films ever made and ranks 31st on AFI's list of the 100 greatest films in American cinema, 4th on their list of the greatest comedy films and 28th on Bravo's "100 Funniest Movies." Film critic Roger Ebert called it "just about everyone's favorite Woody Allen movie.” PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby between 6:30 and 6:45pm! A full house is expected so early arrival is advised. We'll head into the theater by 6:50pm to get good seats. Be sure to mention you're with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**This is a paid program.** **Click <<[here](https://online.innerengineering.com/en/program-details/bhuta-shuddhi-cityprogram-staybridge-suites-columbus-university-area-ohio-us-jan-16-2026)\>\> to register\.** ### **Bhuta Shuddhi means “purification of the five elements” (i.e. earth, water, fire, air and space) which gets to the root of imbalances in the body that lead to disease. This simple practice which you can do daily reorganizes your system on the elemental level.** **Benefits:** * **Keeps the system in harmony and balance** * **Prepares the system to handle powerful states of energy** * **Creates the basis to gain complete mastery over the human system** **For ages 14 and above, no prior knowledge of yoga is required.** **This program is conducted by a Hatha Yoga teacher trained by Sadhguru.**