Environmental Awareness
Meet other local people interested in Environmental Awareness: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Environmental Awareness group.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out environmental awareness events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the environmental awareness events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find environmental awareness events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Environmental Awareness Events Today
Join in-person Environmental Awareness events happening right now
Automating Greener Code: Using AI Agents to optimise software efficiency
There are many resources available for guidance on how to write code that is efficient and results in more sustainable software applications, but applying these at scale can be challenging, and often isn’t a priority for busy teams.
GitHub have recently released Agentic Workflows, a way of specifying automation tasks in human-readable format to be performed by an AI agent as part of a GitHub Actions workflow. In this talk, Max Mizzi from GitHub's Sustainability team gives an overview of Agentic Workflows, and will demonstrate how they can be used to improve software efficiency through both structured green software rules and autonomous performance engineering. He'll finish by walking through a real-world use-case showing how the technology helped to dramatically reduce the energy consumption - and carbon footprint - of a major website.
Come along if you want to learn more about using AI to improve the energy efficiency of your software.
Check out the Green Software Brighton [website](https://greensoftwarebrighton.co.uk/) for links to previous talks.
Arrive from 18:00 for pizza and drinks. Event will start at 18:30. We always head for a drink and a chat locally afterwards too.
---
***Thank you to Runway East for use of their space to host our events and to Silicon Brighton and the Green Software Foundation for supporting us.***
Drinks and diving chat
Apologies that it's been a while. I've been doing quite a lot of diving. But let's meet up for some drinks at the Britannia near Monument, which is now an independent pub serving food, mostly pizzas
[https://www.britanniamonument.com/](https://www.britanniamonument.com/)
I'll be there from 6.30pm but feel free to drop in whenever and we can talk about various things including a Malta trip I'm planning for October.
Experimentation London Meetup #11
Our next Experimentation London Meetup will take place on **Wednesday, 20th May 2026**.
You **must** sign up on the [Experimentation London website](https://www.experimentationlondon.com/) to purchase your ticket and be allowed entry due to health and safety!
We have a fantastic lineup of speakers, including:
Paula Sappington, Sr. Director, Experience Design Research at Hilton: "Synchronized Success: The Evolution of Hilton’s Research and Experimentation Program"
Second speaker to be announced soon...
To help us manage the space's capacity (and ensure we have the right amount of food and drink for everyone), please sign up for your ticket on our [Experimentation London website](https://www.experimentationlondon.com/).
\-\-\-
**Location**
*Central London location - see full address and details on the [Experimentation London website](https://www.experimentationlondon.com/)*
\-\-\-
**Agenda**
6:00 PM - Welcome drinks, pizza and networking
6:30 PM - Introductions
6:40 PM - Paula Sappington
7:10 PM - Short break
7:30 PM - TBC
8:00 PM - More Networking
8:30 PM - Official end
\-\-\-
**Event & Speaker Guidelines**
* No Sales Pitches: Our group is a space for genuine connections and learning. Tell stories.
* Respect and Open-Mindedness: Embrace diversity, treat everyone with respect, and value different perspectives.
* Community Spirit: Engage positively to build a supportive and collaborative community.
East London Rivers and Parks
**Metropolitan Walkers is part of the Ramblers, Britain's walking charity. All welcome for 3 'taster' walks, after which please join the Ramblers - info on the [Met Walkers website](https://www.metropolitan-walkers.org.uk/how-to-join/)**
We follow the River Lea North West until entering Victoria Park. Following a brief section of the Regent's Canal, we walk through London Fields to end at Dalston.
Optional pub stop at the end.
Please note that, while the walk will end at Dalston Junction, Dalston Kingsland is also nearby.
**Leisurely \| 4\.8 miles / 7\.7 km**
**Start: Meet outside Bromley-By-Bow underground station. @ 07:00 pm**
Postcode: E3 3JJ
**End: Finish at Dalston Junction station, although Dalston Kingsland is also nearby**
Postcode: E8 3DE
Startup Momentum Community Social
🚀 Startup Momentum Community Social
A recurring meetup for founders, aspiring founders, startup enthusiasts, and ambitious people who want to build meaningful things and surround themselves with others doing the same.
❌ This is not a traditional networking event.
The goal is to create a genuine entrepreneurial community built around openness, action, momentum, and helping each other move forward.
Whether you’re:
• Building a startup
• Exploring a new idea
• Looking for collaborators or a cofounder
• Trying to hire great people
• Feeling stuck on a problem
• Interested in startups, AI, business, or the future
• Or simply looking for more entrepreneurial people around you
— you’re welcome here.
Some people attending will already be founders. Others may just be starting their journey. What matters most is curiosity, ambition, openness, and a willingness to engage thoughtfully.
💡 What makes this different?
This meetup is designed around meaningful conversations and real value exchange.
Bring:
• Startup ideas you want feedback on
• Problems or blockers you want help solving
• Questions you’ve been thinking about
• Interesting things you’re building or learning
• An openness to helping others make progress too
The best conversations here are not:
“What do you do?”
They’re:
• “What are you trying to build?”
• “What are you stuck on?”
• “What kind of people are you hoping to meet?”
• “How can I help?”
We strongly encourage people to be open about what they’re trying to achieve and what support, introductions, collaborators, skills, or feedback they’re looking for.
The goal is for everyone to leave with:
⚡ More momentum
🤝 Valuable new relationships
💭 Better ideas and clearer thinking
🎯 Actionable next steps
🙏 Please help create the kind of startup community you’d want to be part of:
• Ask thoughtful questions
• Be curious about what others are building
• Share ideas generously
• Offer support and feedback where you can
• Make the most of every interaction
Many attendees will be coming alone, so don’t worry if you don’t know anyone beforehand.
🌱 This is our very first event.
The long-term vision is to build a recurring startup community where ambitious people genuinely support each other, exchange ideas, form collaborations, and grow together over time.
📲 There’ll also be a WhatsApp community you can join after the event to stay connected between meetups and continue conversations afterward.
Workers' Bike Time [Cancelled?]
I strongly suspect this recurring event no longer takes place, but I have never received any information about it since I first heard years ago and have never had any enquiry.
=======
Blow the cobwebs away and get active at lunch time with a bike ride around Central Park to perk you up for your afternoon's work.
Aimed at workers in the area, but all welcome. It may be possible to borrow a bike, by prior arrangement.
Contact Nick [dot] Davies [at] lbbd [dot] gov [dot] uk.
Book Club
# Join us for our monthly book club. This month´s author is Arturo Uslar Pietri. Feel free to message us with any questions. Don't forget to confirm your attendance via the email provided.
Environmental Awareness Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Casual Badminton in Southwark 🏸
Sign up before the event starts at [www.thesocialsport.com.](http://www.thesocialsport.com./)
Our New Sport Every Week session for Southwark Casual Sports Club. We will be playing badminton at Canada Leisure Sports Centre on Sunday, 24th May from 11 am to 12 midday.
**What is Social Sport?**
Social Sport was set up to face two main challenges in cities like London:
1. Limited opportunities for those moving here to meet new people and socialise in a genuine, healthy way.
2. Lack of casual sports clubs for young professionals.
We started with our New Sport Every Week session, voted for by people in our community. Since then, we have played over 21 different sports. Additionally, we also play weekly sports, which are set up based on feedback from those who join our events!
**Please note this session is popular and has a set number of places. If you do not secure your place prior to attending, and the event is full, you will not be able to play.**
Guided Forest Bathing @ THCP
**Introduction**
In our busy city, it can be difficult to find time to slow down and smell the roses! Forest bathing offers you the chance to do just that. Over the course of 2 hours, you will be guided through a multi-sensory exploration of the natural world, giving you time to slow down, breathe, and find peace among the natural world.
**What is forest bathing?**
Forest bathing typically consists of slow walking, mindfulness practices, and resting (seated or lying down) in nature. Remember being a kid and just watching the branches overhead in the breeze?
Originating in Japan in the 1980s, Shin-Rin Yoku or forest bathing, was created as a preventative response to climbing rates of stress in urban areas. Since then, many research studies have shown that even one hour a week spent engaging with nature can significantly reduce symptoms of stress.
**What to expect:**
* 2-hour duration
* Small group size (maximum 6)
* Multi-sensory activities
* Sharing circle (optional)
* Herbal tea offering
* A guide to take care of you, so you can truly relax into the wonder of the natural world
* Phone-free environment
* Opportunity to chat and connect with others (if you would like to)
* **Please note there are no toilets available** \- there are several cafes on Mile End Road with toilet facilities\.
**What to bring:**
* Warm clothes; even on a summer day, spending prolonged time in the shade can begin to feel chilly!
* Shoes with a good grip, and that you don't mind getting dirty
* A journal and pen
* A mug (for tea if you fancy it!)
* Any medications you might need, such as EpiPens or inhalers.
**How much is it?**
This experience is offered on a donation basis; this means you can decide what you can reasonably afford to give. To help you decide, we want to be transparent with our cost breakdown:
* £8.50 - meets the recommended donation to Friends of THCP and contributes to important conservation work
* £12 - covers the above and supports the guide at the minimum wage rate
* £15-20 - pay it forward / supporter option.
You are welcome to give less or more depending on your personal circumstances.
**About your guide:**
Hello! I'm Lizzie, a life-long nature lover. Having been gifted the Kingfisher Concise Field Guide to Animals & Plants of Britain and Europe at the tender age of five, it's perhaps unsurprising that I am happiest outdoors! After several years as a geography teacher and data analyst, I began my studentship as a Forest Bathing Practitioner with Nature and Therapy in June 2025. I have experienced the medicinal influence of nature in my own life when I've struggled with burnout and grief; it's a gift I am keen to share with others.
If you have any questions, please do reach out. I look forward to welcoming you!
**What next?**
Sign up! Then, you will receive a participation form by email with a couple of questions about health and safety; please try to respond before the event, so we can go straight to the trees! Your answers will help us to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone and are encrypted. Our GDPR policy is available on request.
Kundalini Activation London - Awaken Your Authentic Self!
**EVENT OVERVIEW**
Join us for an intimate Kundalini Activation session designed to awaken your life-force energy and reconnect you with your authentic self. Limited to just 6 participants, this 2-hour experience offers profound emotional release and spiritual transformation through gentle surrender - no yoga poses or breath-work required.
**WHAT TO EXPECT - SESSION AGENDA**
**12:00-12:15pm - Welcome & Introduction**
* Meet fellow participants in our intimate group setting
* Brief overview of the Kundalini Activation process
**12:15-12:30pm - Body Scan Meditation**
* Guided meditation to help you reconnect with your body
* Entering a surrendered, receptive state
**12:30-1:30pm - The Energy Activation Process**
* Carefully curated music journey
* Energy Transmissions and individual attention
* Safe space for whatever wants to emerge naturally
**1:30-2:00pm - Integration & Sharing Circle**
* Tea and chocolate provided
* Optional sharing of experiences
* Connect with your new spiritual community
**WHAT IS KUNDALINI ACTIVATION?**
Unlike Kundalini Yoga that relies on physical postures and breath-work, this journey is one of complete surrender. The intelligent life-force energy naturally rises within you, awakening dormant parts of your being and fostering growth on emotional, mental and spiritual levels. This intuitively guided process works in harmony with your unique needs, gently releasing stored emotions and helping you rediscover your authentic self.
**THIS IS PERFECT FOR YOU, IF YOU:**
★Want to find your authentic self through awakening your Kundalini
★Have tried therapy or other modalities but feel they haven't touched the deepest parts of what you need to release
★Are seeking the truth within - who you are at the level of identity OR beyond the identity
★Value intimate, personal, exclusive spaces (max 6 people) over large groups
★Are ready for deep transformation, not just relaxation
★Want tough motherly love from Kali energy that will destroy everything that isn't true for you
**WHY SMALL GROUPS MATTER**
This journey touches the deepest parts of who you are. In our intimate 6-person setting, you can surrender fully to whatever wants to emerge - whether it's tears you've held back for years, anger you've suppressed, or joy you've forgotten how to feel. The smaller group creates a safer space for emotional vulnerability and deeper connections that larger groups simply can't offer.
**LOCATION & PRACTICAL DETAILS**
**📍 Romford, East London - Address received in email after ticket paid**
🚇 **Elizabeth Line (5 mins from Romford Station)**
**⏰ Saturdays 12-2 PM**
**🚗 Free on-site parking (all info in email after booking)**
**INVESTMENT:** £55 per person
**WHAT'S PROVIDED:** Yoga mats, blankets, and all equipment
**WHAT TO BRING:** Just yourself and an open heart
**SESSION TIMES:** Every Saturday 12-2pm and some Friday evenings 8-10pm
**WEBSITE:** https://www.kundaliniuntamed.com/romford-sessions
**HOW TO SECURE YOUR SPOT**
**Do I need to purchase a ticket?** Yes! While you can RSVP to this meet-up event, you must also purchase your ticket through our website to guarantee your place. Sessions fill up quickly with only 6 spots available.
**Steps to join:**
1. RSVP to this meet-up event or join the group or both
1. Visit https://www.kundaliniuntamed.com/romford-sessions to purchase your £55 ticket
1. You'll receive confirmation and all session details via email
**Ready to awaken your authentic self? 🌟**
Visit https://www.kundaliniuntamed.com/romford-sessions to book your spot!
CLASSIC HAMPSTEAD HEATH🌲🌿🌳 £5 WALK💧🌱
A CLASSIC WALK through north London's top green and wooded area with its impressive Kenwood House.
WALK START: **Meeting at Tufnell Park Station (Northern Line - High Barnet Branch** \- Zone 2\)\. Look for Ken with Kens Events/Meetup Badge\.
WALK FINISH: Finishing at Golders Green Station (Northern Line).
WALK ROUTE: We will walk through the meadows and woods of Hampstead Heath. taking in Parliament Hill and passing by Kenwood House.
WALK STOPOUT POINT: We cross a couple of London bus routes.
More info:
Get out, explore and enjoy London's abundant green spaces and surprising surrounding countryside. Give up the city streets for a day and breathe some fresh air. Improve your overall fitness levels and make some new friends at the same time.
**Social Event**:
Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. We always end the walk at a pub where the socialising can continue.
Take this opportunity to visit green parts of London, unknown to most people, and that you would not otherwise have an opportunity to see.
FEE:
There is a £5 fee for this walking event for those members and guests not holding the Ken's Events Membership card.
RAIN POLICY: What about the weather? Light rain or occasional showers is not a problem and the walk will proceed. Only book a walk if you are sure you can attend! Walks will only be cancelled if there is very heavy rain!
RISKS: In these walks we use; country stiles,pavements, cross busy roads, public parkland, paths alongside water, bridlepaths, country lanes and other established paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Wear good sturdy shoes/walking boots. Take care as surfaces may be uneven, there may be low branches and some paths are also used by joggers and cyclists and sometimes cars (country lanes). Some tracks may be muddy and slippery. On occasion we may encounter wild and farm animals. If you require insurance for these walks you must arrange this yourself.
No large dogs or small children please.
Please arrive in good time to allow opportunity to use toilets at the start of the walk as there may not be any toilet breaks available during the walk.
WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK?
For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/)
DISCLAIMER:All Events on Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [(http://www.meetup.com/EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/pages/Explore_London_Secrets_Disclaimer/) ](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/pages/14591782/KEN'S_EVENTS_DISCLAIMER/)to view disclaimer.
Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group.
Kens Events also has a facebook page.
[http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events)
If weekday and evening walks are your thing, then you should join Ken's Weekday and Evenings Walking Group. Click here for more information. [(https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/)](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/)
When you arrive at the station look for Ken with Kens Events/Meetup Badge outside the station.
London Society HIKE - Grove Park to Crystal Palace
Have you ever wanted to partake in hikes where you get exposed to new areas with luscious forms of nature, some amazing views and possibly some hidden gems? If so, this may be the right event for you.
Welcome to another Hiking event where all of this is possible. This is the opportunity to form friendships, discover a different perspective of London, improve your fitness, embrace nature but also feel great about yourself.
With this particular Hike, we’ll be hiking from Grove Park to Crystal Palace. We’ll be traversing through many parks, forests and nature pathways but also make new discoveries too. This is also part of the capital ring which is a 78 mile pathway split into 15 hiking routes. This is section 3. If you want to be part of the journey, feel free to join us.
My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy
Starting point: Grove Park Station
Ending point: Crystal Palace station
Walking length: 12.6km
Duration: 4 hours at most
Required clothing: Smart casual, comfortable shoes and a jacket in case it gets cold
Departure: 20 minutes after the meeting time.
WHAT - Hike
WHERE - Grove Park to Crystal Palace
WHEN - 2pm - 7pm
MEETING POINT - Outside Grove Park Station
NEAREST STATION - Grove Park station
REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk.
Disclaimers:
Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed.
If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond.
Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event.
There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture.
Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.
SPRING SUNSHINE 🌞🌿🌳 £5 EVENING WALK: REGENTS PARK and CANAL
A short walk (approx 3.5 miles) through Regents Park and Regents Canal in the summer sunshine.
LEAFY SUBURBS, OPULENCE, MANSIONS, PARKLANDS, GARDENS, LAKES.
**WALK START POINT: Great Portland Street Station** (Circle and Hammersmith and City Lines - Zone 1)
WALK DISTANCE: Approx 3.5 miles.
WALK END POINT: A large pub near Paddington Station
WALK ROUTE: Regent's Park and Regents Canal to Paddington,
WALK STOP OUT POINT: Nearby bus routes during most of the walk.
**Scroll down to see Disclaimer and Notice of Risks.**
ENJOY UNIQUE HEALTHY WALKS IN STUNNING GREEN SPACES OR ALONG WATERWAYS IN LONDON. STRENGTHEN NEW FRIENDSHIPS IN A PUB SOCIAL AFTER THE WALK.
**COST of EVENT**:
**All of the walks on this group are only £5 each to attend. Payment is not collected before the day of the event to allow you maximum flexibility. Why pay more on other groups for overpriced walks with no afterwalk socialising!!**
**The walk is free for holders of the Ken's Events Membership Card.**
Enjoy London! Get out and about and see your city in the company of new people! Explore and enjoy London's abundant green spaces and surprising surrounding countryside. Give up the city streets for a day and breathe some fresh air. Improve your overall fitness levels and make some great new friends at the same time. Take this opportunity to visit green parts of London, unknown to most people, and that you would not otherwise have an opportunity to see.
Social Event:
Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk.
RISKS for all walks: Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and be able to walk for four miles without a break. In these walks we use; pavements, cross busy roads, public parkland, towpaths alongside water, other public paths, rights of way, bridlepaths, country lanes and other established paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Please only wear good sturdy shoes, preferably walking boots and take care as surfaces may be uneven, tree roots may protrude, there may be low overhanging branches and some paths are also used by joggers and cyclists and sometimes cars (country lanes). Some tracks may be muddy and slippery. On occasion wild,domestic and farm animals may also encountered. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself.
No large dogs or small children please.
Please arrive in good time to allow opportunity to use toilets at the start of the walk as there may not be any toilet breaks available during the walk.
WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK?
For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/)
DISCAIMER
All Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here
[http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/)
to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer.
COST of EVENT: A £5 meetup organiser's contribution will be collected from attendees who do not hold the Ken's Events Membership Card. The walk is free for holders of this card.
Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group and only post photos of other members with their consent.
Kens Events also has a Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter accounts.
[http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events)
Instagram Page
[Kenswalks](https://www.instagram.com/weekendgreenwalks/)
Twitter
[@KenEvents](http://www.twitter.com/KenEvents)
Kens Events also has a Facebook Group that you can join.
[http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kensevents](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events)
RAIN POLICY: Our walks normally go ahead as planned even if it rains. Light rain is not usually a problem . However if torrentail rain is forecast, please check back to this webpage on the morning of the event around 10am for the latest update.
Tell your friends you are going!
When you arrive at the starting point look Ken with the 'KEN'S EVENTS'/MEETUP Flag or Badge.8
Environmental Awareness Events Near You
Connect with your local Environmental Awareness community
Stream Adventure Night, Test Your Local Water - Granville
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.
Free- Backyard Conservation Workshop - get $50 voucher for your yard! - Gahanna
Community Backyards Workshop
Join us at the Ohio Herb Center in Gahanna to learn about sustainable home gardening. We can make small changes in our yards to make a BIG impact for a better environment and healthier waterways while saving money. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek and hosted by Ohio Herb Center.
By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year.
Registration in advance is encouraged but NOT required. Click here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/65f65aw
(Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive)
* Location: Ohio Herb Center, 110 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230
* Date and time: Sat, May 23, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
* Organizer: The Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org
**FAQs**
**Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.**
**Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop.
**"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own.
**"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop.
**Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate)
2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale.
*when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase.
Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days
COUNT RMH Housewarmer Volunteering (Ronald McDonald House)
Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process.
Fast track
• Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell).
• Show up and try it out.
• Complete application, etc. later.
Normal process
• Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/).
• Attend orientation in advance.
• At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility.
• Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM.
• Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895).
The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014.
Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.
Free Backyard Conservation Workshop - get $50 voucher for your yard! Westerville
Community Backyards Workshop
.Community Backyards Workshop - Westerville
Join us for the Westerville Community Backyards workshop! This is a FREE class on how you can protect our waterways and environment with small changes in your gardening habits. We will discuss rain barrels, rain gardens, composting, and native plants. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek.
By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year.
Registration in advance is encouraged but not required.
* Location: Westerville Community Center, 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082
* Date and time: Sat, May 30, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
* Organizer: Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org
(Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive)
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/h2w5ms8
**FAQs**
**Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.**
**Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop.
**"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own.
**"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop.
**Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate)
2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale.
*when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase.
Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days
In Person Event: The Secrets to Mental Health
Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it?
How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself.
Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went?
Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence?
Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.
This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.
Creekside Hike
Join us this Thursday at 6:30 pm for a nice hike along the Big Walnut Trail along the Gahanna golf course, circling Creekside and back. This 2 mile hike is fully paved and a beautiful walk through the heart of Gahanna.
Free in-person event: Take Control of Your Mental Health
It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself.
Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went?
Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence?
Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.















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