Environmental Education

Philosophy in the Park is a philosophical discussion group. Open to all. No previous philosophical experience necessary. We will meet in the Barbican Centre on Level Minus 1. Outside The Hall. Here's how it works: * At the start of each hour vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like. The questions with the most votes are the questions we discuss. * We then break up into groups and each group does a different question. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and up end talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer you're welcome to sit back and enjoy the conversation. After an hour we all come back together, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So in 3 hours we go around 3 times. The aim is to have fun, meet new people, generate interesting and thought-provoking conversations, have your horizons expanded, challenge your preconceptions and who knows - you might even learn something? In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive for everyone as possible please follow these simple guidelines: 1. Keep it Philosophical (No Science, no History, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc). 2. Think for Yourself (No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read). 3. Tangents are Cool (Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question). 4. Keep it Succinct (Like this). 5. Be Excellent to Each Other (But of course). Philosophy is about conceptual analysis. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the real world. It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas. To terms of the right attitude: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding. No homework or prior knowledge or reading is necessary - simply come and enjoy the discussions. After the event finishes we have an area reserved in The Shakespeare pub which is just around the corner from the Barbican. You are very welcome to join us if you'd like. If you would like to submit a question please join the Whatsapp group. Question submissions take place on the Thursday before the meeting. We hope to see you there. Nice one. ... To join the Philosophy in the Park WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK) (in order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name and we will join you to the main chat). If the link doesn't work then please send me a message with your phone number and I can add you directly. Meetup charges subscription fees. If you would like to make a donation please click here: [https://paypal.me/philosophycollective](https://paypal.me/philosophycollective)

**[Book here](https://tarayogacentre.co.uk/event/tantric-massage/)** Dive into the **secrets of conscious touch, discovering sensuality, intimacy and refined Eros**. Uncover the mysteries of the sacred masculine and feminine, **connect more deeply with yourself, while offering the wonderful gift of sensual bliss to another soul.** This course is designed to help people **connect in a more profound, healing and soul-nourishing way**. By addressing the fundamental **power of attraction and polarity which is at the heart of any relationship**, you will have practical way of **embracing and applying the principles of Tantra** in your daily life. The search for intimacy often seems fraught with risk and danger, but this is simply because it is done without love. When we approach intimacy from the heart, we start to realise that rather than stepping unprepared out into the wilderness, **it is a true journey home**, imbued with all the feelings of **safety, security and love** that characterise discovering the route within, to our true self. **Who is this course for?** For those who wish for deeper connections People who want to learn the art of intimacy in a practical way, who want to offer and receive touch in a very profound and conscious way that nourishes our soul. For both beginners and professionals People who want to develop spiritually. We will go over the fundamentals of physical massage technique, and then deepen this with Tantric principles to transform the massage into an elevated spiritual experience. For those who wish to awaken Love and Eros People who want to discover the sacred masculine and feminine and use the sublime power of polarity and love to expand their consciousness and awaken their being. **Module 1** An Introduction to Tantric massage * What is tantric massage and what it is not * The secret of conscious touch and the power of intention * Massage techniques – the fundamentals – learning the basic massage strokes by observing and then following with guidance and correction * Pressure points for relaxation, regeneration, well-being and erotic awakening * Revolutionising your erotic life * Putting all this together by practising the universal massage (the same techniques for men and women) * How to practice at home Pricing (couple): £550 per module £1750 whole course (all 4 modules)

THAMESPATH, LAKE,PONDS, PARKLAND. Our walk commences with a circular walk in Battersea Park then a Thamespath walk to Fulham. The walk is followed by more socialising in a pub with cheap food and drinks in a convivial atmosphere. WALK START POINT: The new BATTERSEA POWER STATION on the Northern Line). When you arrive at the station look for Ken with Kens Events Flag/badge outside the station. WALK ROUTE: Our walk commences with a circular walk in Battersea Park followed by a Thamespath walk to Fulham. WALK DISTANCE: Approx 4.5 miles. WALK END POINT: The Walham Green pub at Fulham close to Fulham Broadway Station (District Line). STOP OUT POINT: Nearby bus routes and stations during most of the walk. It is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. More info: **COST of EVENT**: **Free to RSVP and £5 to attend.** **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 flexibility for refunds and no afterwalk socialising!** **The walk is free for holders of the Ken's Events Membership Card.** 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/) RISKS: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 small children or large dogs please. Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group. Plan your journey, with TFL's Journey Planner ([http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/](http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/)) 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) Please arrive in good time to use toilet facilities etc. before the start of the walk, as the availability of such facilities cannot be guaranteed during the walk. RAIN POLICY: What about the weather? - If the weather is very wet, walking in heavy rain is not enjoyable, therefore we may postpone the walk. Light rain or occasional showers is not a problem. If walking and hiking is your thing, this is the event for you! When you arrive at the station look for Ken with the 'KEN'S EVENTS/Meetup Badge/Sign. . Plan your journey, with TFL's Journey Planner (http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/) 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.

Fall / Winter theme : Deep Dance ; Moon Water Luminescence Methodology consists of combined techniques from Fayzah’s instructional programs ‘Fluid Tribal’ & ‘Android Goddess’. We will focus on powerful fluidity and musicality, precise technique and muscle control, smooth waves, crisp hits, & isolations. Where traditional meets contemporary ; Egyptian, Indian Dance, & Flamenco blended with Hip Hop & Contemporary elements. Themes may change within the Fluid Goddess Dance Style, depending on the learning & practice desires of class attendees. Your Teacher: BIO- Fayzah is a life long dancer, having trained in classical dance from an early age. She later had a full professional dance career out of New York City, where she danced in several Dance Companies, and toured worldwide as an invited solo artist. Fayzahs love for different types of music led her to discover the dance styles that sprung from these musical genres, including various world music, funk styles, african, and latin, to name some. Being of mixed race and ethnicity, and having grown up in three different continents speaking multiple languages, informed her global perspective, as well as coming from a family with a strong artistic lineage. Fayzah's genre bending dance classes are brought to you after many dedicated years of learning several dance styles in their pure forms, before mixing. Traveling to, and living in the countries of origin where these dance styles came from, has brought her additional understanding and appreciation. Aside from dance, she is an accredited Self Development & Wellness educator. At times this combines with dance, and other times presented as separate educational content. She loves guiding her class participants in bringing out their own unique expression.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/diy-in-a-day-drills-335/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/diy-in-a-day-drills-335/) **⋆⋆⋆** Learn the basics at this fast-paced but relaxed one-day workshop. A perfect starter for all those annoying jobs around the house that you feel you should be able to tackle…if only you knew how. We know it’s frustrating to wait for it to be done and then get charged for it and we understand it can be a bit daunting to head into a wall with a power drill. Pick up the skills to hang curtains, blinds, and simple shelves on any wall. Learn to drill into wood, brick, tiles, or hollow walls with confidence. We will show you how to judge what is behind the walls before you drill. An enjoyable ‘ hands-on’ one-day workshop that covers many of the common aspects of basic DIY. If you have just bought your home and have realized it didn’t include a landlord to fix stuff, or just don’t want to rely on someone else, this day is for you. There is plenty of time to practice on several exercises over the day. The workshop also covers hanging pictures and heavier objects like mirrors, cupboards, and flat-screen TVs. You will learn how to hang a hook, fix a baton, and then a pair of level shelf brackets. Finish off the day learning how to fit shelves into awkward alcoves – a handy skill you can use to fit work surfaces too. Learn how to select the correct drill bit, wall fixing, and screw to secure things confidently. The day will also include a chance to fill small and medium holes in wood and walls to prepare your surfaces for painting. Along the way, we show you how to remove old wall fixings and what to do with the ones you can’t. This a fun fast day with plenty of tools to try and lots of advice on which tools to have in a basic toolkit. If you are thinking of upgrading your drill, you can test all of the ones we use and feel more knowledgeable about what you want to buy. This course is especially suitable if you are not handy or if you are able, but not that confident, about tackling small but important tasks in your home. We will also suggest how to tell if a task is appropriate for DIY or GSI (Get Someone In). You will take home a set of skills that will last a lifetime. All tools and materials included. Perfect for beginners.

Hello and welcome! 🙂 Join us for a relaxed, social walk through **Crossness Nature Reserve**, a hidden stretch of wetlands and open space along the Thames. With big skies, birdlife, and far-reaching views, it’s an ideal place to unwind, enjoy nature, and connect with others at an easy, unhurried pace. **🌟 What to Expect** * A gentle group walk through nature * An easy way to meet new people with friendly conversations in a low-pressure setting * Learn to spot birds, trees, and seasonal changes you might normally miss * Discover how noticing more in nature can make everyday walks more calming * Leave feeling refreshed — with new connections to both people and nature Even if you’ve never thought of yourself as a “nature person,” this is a welcoming, easy way to get started — and see just how good it can feel. **Agenda** * Meet at 11am at the footpath off Norman Road leading to Crossness Nature Reserve. The footpath is Opposite Morgan Pub, Belvedere, DA17, 6BG * Begin walk at 11:10am * Walk will end around 13:00pm back at the Footpath off Norman Road, opposite Morgan Pub To help encourage people to sign up early there are usually some free spaces. After that the usual price will apply. Charging means I can keep devoting time to organising more events. Thank you for your support! **👋 About Your Host – Matt** I work as a doctor in A&E and I’ve always found that time spent outdoors helps me recharge, especially with the pressures of city life and work. I grew up in rural Devon and have spent thousands of hours immersed in nature — and I love showing others how even a short walk in the city can shift your mindset, boost your mood, and help you feel more present. No need to be a wildlife expert — I’ll point out birds and other wildlife along the way, and you’ll leave with a few simple tips to help you enjoy your own walks even more in future. This is a welcoming group — whether you come solo or with a friend — and a great way to combine light exercise, real conversation, and a bit of calm in your week. Hope to see you there! – Matt

Holistic Wellness Workshop created by Fayzah. Tuning in to the frequencies of Air, Earth, Water, Fire, & Spirit. Breath work, meditation, emotional balancing, recuperating personal power, ancient trance dance, releasing blocks, healing, elevating consciousness. Accompanied by a impactful soundtrack representing each element. Your teacher BIO- Fayzah is a life long dancer, having trained in classical dance from an early age. She later had a full professional dance career out of New York City, where she danced in several Dance Companies, and toured worldwide as an invited solo artist. Fayzahs love for different types of music led her to discover the dance styles that sprung from these musical genres, including various world music, funk styles, african, and latin, to name some. Being of mixed race and ethnicity, and having grown up in three different continents speaking multiple languages, informed her global perspective, as well as coming from a family with a strong artistic lineage. Fayzah's genre bending dance classes are brought to you after many dedicated years of learning several dance styles in their pure forms, before mixing. Traveling to, and living in the countries of origin where these dance styles came from, has brought her additional understanding and appreciation. Aside from dance, she is an accredited Self Development & Wellness educator. At times this combines with dance, and other times presented as separate educational content. She loves guiding her class participants in bringing out their own unique expression.

_Thousands have lived without love, not one without water._ - W.H. Auden Join us on **Sunday 11th January** at ***[Thirst: In Search Of Freshwater](https://wellcomecollection.org/exhibitions/thirst-in-search-of-freshwater)***, a **FREE** exhibition at the Wellcome Collection on Euston Road. *Thirst* explores humanity’s ancient, urgent and intimate relationship with freshwater. With only 3% of the world’s water being freshwater, this exhibition dives into how our bodies, communities and ecosystems depend on this precious resource, and what happens when we mismanage it. Travelling from ancient Mesopotamia to Victorian London, and from Nepal to Singapore, Thirst brings together 125 fascinating objects, including historical artefacts, contemporary materials, environmental data, and artworks. Expect: 💧 Exquisite medieval water-filtering vessels carved with animals and inscribed with words of wisdom 💧 A Mesopotamian wedding blanket whose floral patterns reappear in a modern wastewater garden design 💧 Atmospheric photographs and films revealing communities’ relationships with water 💧 Striking large-scale models showing the impact of groundwater depletion in global megacities Immerse yourself in a sweeping story of culture, climate, health and survival, and our shared future. For a review of the exhibition, click **[HERE](https://www.theupcoming.co.uk/2025/06/26/thirst-in-search-of-freshwater-at-the-wellcome-collection-exhibition-review/)**. **TICKETS** The Wellcome Collection and exhibition are both **FREE** to enter, no booking required. Easy! There’s a **[gift shop](https://wellcomecollection.org/visit-us/shop)** and **[café](https://wellcomecollection.org/visit-us/cafe)** in the building, and they also welcome donations of any amount. If you can no longer attend for any reason, that’s fine - simply update your RSVP to “Not Going”, thank you. **MEET DETAILS** **From 1:45PM: MEET AT [WELLCOME COLLECTION cafe](https://wellcomecollection.org/visit-us/cafe)** (optional) Join us for coffee and chat before we head to the museum! Address: Level 0 of the Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Rd., London NW1 2BE **2:30PM: ENTER EXHIBITION** Feel free to go around the exhibition with other people from the group or by yourself. Address: 183 Euston Rd., London NW1 2BE **4:30PM till late: PUB SOCIAL AT [MARQUIS CORNWALLIS](https://www.themarquiscornwalliswc1.co.uk/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb-homepage#/)** (optional) Feel free to join us for chat, drinks and food after the museum! Address: 31 Marchmont St, Greater, London WC1N 1AP **GETTING THERE** * **TUBE**: Euston Square (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines) is a 3 minute walk from the museum. Euston (Northern, Victoria & Lioness lines) is a 7 minute walk from the museum. Warren Street (Northern & Victoria lines) is a 7 minute walk from the museum. * **TRAIN**: Kings Cross is a 10 minute walk from the museum. St Pancras is a 10 minute walk from the museum. Euston is a 7 minute walk from the museum. * **BUSES**: 18, 30, 73, 205, 390 * **CYCLING**: There are bike stands near the main entrance at 183 Euston Road and on nearby Gordon Street. * **PARKING**: The nearest car park is George Mews Car Park, N Gower St, London NW1 2NN. The Wellcome Collection has limited parking available for Blue Badge holders. Please contact their visitor experience team to book: +44 (0)20 7611 2222. **[ACCESSIBILITY: click here for information.](https://wellcomecollection.org/visit-us/accessibility)** **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP**
If you are on the 'Going' list, please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. The link will be shared in the Event Comments below at least 48 hours before the event.
Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group. 
**IMPORTANT NOTE**
 \* LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. We have an attendee limit to help the host manage the event. We prefer a smaller, friendlier group. 
\* Once all the spaces are taken, Meetup adds you to the Waitlist. If someone drops out, waitlisted attendees are automatically moved to the 'Going' list by Meetup in order of priority.
 \* If you can no longer attend, please change your RSVP to 'Not Going' as soon as possible. Then someone on the waitlist can take your place. 
We **remove members** from the LoMAZ Meetup group who:
 \* RSVP as ‘Going' but then do not show up three times in a row.
 \* RSVP as ‘Going' but then change their RSVP to 'No' five times in a row.
 \* Are on the Waitlist or who have not RSVPd, but turn up anyway.
 Thank you! From the LoMAZ Admin Team 
📸 **[Follow LoMAZ on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/londonmuseumsatoz?igsh=MTl5N3doNmJ6OXN1cA==)** Photo credit: "Wellcome Collection - Euston Road, London - sign" by ell brown is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse.

This is an invitation for dancers of any style & novices alike, to expand your personal expression within your own dance. Make the music bounce into the 3D, get supernatural, & ride the groove. Express yourself by developing your Dance Toolkit to include illusions, gesture, glides, popping techniques, pelvic & torso rotations, accents, and more. Where rhythm, waving, beats, and isolations meet. Load up on funk, flavor, and spice. Your teacher: BIO- Fayzah is a life long dancer, having trained in classical dance from an early age. She later had a full professional dance career out of New York City, where she danced in several Dance Companies, and toured worldwide as an invited solo artist. Fayzahs love for different types of music led her to discover the dance styles that sprung from these musical genres, including various world music, funk styles, african, and latin, to name some. Being of mixed race and ethnicity, and having grown up in three different continents speaking multiple languages, informed her global perspective, as well as coming from a family with a strong artistic lineage. Fayzah's genre bending dance classes are brought to you after many dedicated years of learning several dance styles in their pure forms, before mixing. Traveling to, and living in the countries of origin where these dance styles came from, has brought her additional understanding and appreciation. Aside from dance, she is an accredited Self Development & Wellness educator. At times this combines with dance, and other times presented as separate educational content. She loves guiding her class participants in bringing out their own unique expression.

Join me for relaxing Art Workshops at London parks and pubs! THIS WEEK; We'll gather at the back of the pub, near the beer garden windows, between 12.45 & 1pm, & then pick a table to set up at \~ latecomers, look for art stuff on the table 🎨 ( nearest tube to pub; Holborn ) 👣😊🍻 Explore your creativity no matter what your skill \~ we'll take inspiration from our surroundings, each other, I'll provide tips, advice, and a few arty magazines and more, from my own collection 😊 Just £5 suggested donation, or whatever you can afford ; I provide all the Art materials, just bring your imagination 😊 \~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Details \~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Each week, the workshops will be at different locations, a park in warm weather, a pub in cold/rainy weather 😊 Generally they'll be in the late afternoon into the evening, occasionally from around lunch time 😊 See you soon 😊

Join me for relaxing Art Workshops at London parks and pubs! THIS WEEK; We'll gather at the back of the pub, near the beer garden windows, between 12.45 & 1pm, & then pick a table to set up at \~ latecomers, look for art stuff on the table 🎨 ( nearest tube to pub; Holborn ) 👣😊🍻 Explore your creativity no matter what your skill \~ we'll take inspiration from our surroundings, each other, I'll provide tips, advice, and a few arty leaflets and postcards from my own collection 😊 Just £5 suggested donation, or whatever you can afford ; I provide all the Art materials, just bring your imagination 😊 \~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Details \~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Each week, the workshops will be at different locations, a park in warm weather, a pub in cold/rainy weather 😊 Generally they'll be in the late afternoon into the evening, occasionally from around lunch time 😊 See you soon 😊

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-1-day-shelf-bracket-51/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-1-day-shelf-bracket-51/) **⋆⋆⋆** Ideal for everyone with a hankering to ‘make’ rather than ‘assemble’ something in wood with traditional hand tools. This one-day workshop is a great introduction if you lack time or commitment to take a longer course. In this safe and friendly workshop, you will learn how to plan your work, where, and how to buy suitable wood for use in making simple projects at home. You will use the tools you will need to build a basic kit and the day includes a demonstration on keeping your tools sharp. Using easy-to-follow directions in this ‘hands-on’ practical day, you will learn how to measure and cut accurately, how to use a chisel to make a classic wood joint and how to use a plane to make your wood smooth. You will drill the holes to glue and screw your work together. Everyone works with a complete set of tools and makes their own project, under the guidance of an experienced tutor. During the day you will make two ‘gallows style’ brackets and attach them with wood-plugged screws to a 50cm shelf. This is fitted with simple hardware to hang and display your work. This workshop is suitable for all ages. Small class size = plenty of attention. For those aged between 10 and 18, an older guardian can accompany them on the course if required. Please contact us if you intend to do this. If you enjoy the peace that comes with traditional skills, this day can build into a lifelong pastime. This workshop always sells out fast. All personal protection and use of tools and materials are included.

**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.

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

* Who Can Attend * The Central Ohio .Net Developers Group meetings are free and open to the public! All developers; professional, student, and hobbiest are welcome and encouraged to attend. * When we meet * The Central Ohio .Net Developers Group meets on the 4th Thursday of every month. * Where we meet * Please check our Meetup group link below for location details! * Join our Meetup Group * https://www.meetup.com/Central-Ohio-NET-Developers-Group-CONDG/

## Learn Infrastructure-as-Code (the FUN Way) — Through Minecraft 🎮☁️ **Joint Meetup: Azure CBUS × Columbus HashiCorp User Group** What if learning Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code didn’t feel like a whitepaper… but more like a game? Join us for a joint Azure CBUS and Columbus HashiCorp User Group meetup where **Mark Tinderholt** \(Principal Architect\, Microsoft Azure \| HashiCorp Ambassador \| “The Azure Terraformer”\) shows how **Minecraft** can be used as a surprisingly powerful way to understand real-world Infrastructure-as-Code concepts. In this session, Mark will demonstrate how Terraform and Azure can be used to provision, configure, and manage Minecraft servers—while teaching the same patterns you’d use for production cloud infrastructure. ### What we’ll cover * Infrastructure-as-Code fundamentals using **Terraform** * Provisioning real infrastructure on **Azure** * Applying **IaC best practices** (immutability, repeatability, versioning) * How playful environments like Minecraft make complex concepts *click* * Why learning through experimentation beats click-ops every time ### Who should attend * Developers, platform engineers, and cloud engineers * Terraform users (new or experienced) * Anyone curious about Infrastructure-as-Code but tired of boring examples * Minecraft fans who want to see it used in a totally unexpected way No prior Minecraft experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn infrastructure the fun way. Come for the blocks, stay for the Terraform. 🧱➡️📐 Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/

**⚔️ Introduction to Wargaming & Painting Miniature Soldiers at The Arcane Foundry ⚔️** Join me in **The War Room at [The Arcane Foundry](https://share.google/S5i6DYJnJteHWeKtd)** for a laid-back evening of hobby talk and tabletop fun! For just **$15**, you’ll get a **3D-printed regiment of 20 high quality resin models** of your choice to paint — a **$40 value!** Bring your creativity, relax, and let’s make something awesome together. **Choose one from Below:** * 20 Orc Warriors * 20 Empire Soldiers * 20 Dwarf Warriors * 20 Elf Spearmen Step into a world where strategy meets artistry — and where every painted figure tells a story of battle, honor, and imagination. Join **Daclaud** at **The Arcane Foundry** for an evening that introduces newcomers and enthusiasts alike to the timeless craft of **tabletop wargaming** and **miniature painting**. My own journey began with a fascination for fantasy — knights in armor, grim and hardened warriors, and monstrous creatures locked in epic battle. That passion led me to **Dungeons & Dragons**, where I painted my first **Basic Heroes set** and felt the spark that comes from bringing a character to life in miniature form. Not long after, I discovered **Warhammer Fantasy** and **Warhammer 40,000**, and I was hooked. The vision of vast armies clashing across the table — each unit meticulously painted, each story unfolding through dice and imagination — became my creative obsession. During this event, we’ll explore the **origins of wargaming**, from its early military simulations to the richly detailed worlds of modern tabletop battle systems. You’ll learn how to **build and customize your own armies**, paint your first figures, and experience the joy of turning strategy and storytelling into a hands-on art form. Whether you’re drawn by the lore, the hobby, or the thrill of commanding miniature legions, this introduction will open the gates to a world that has captivated hobbyists for generations. **🎨 RSVP today and join us at The Arcane Foundry — where every brushstroke and battle tells a story.**

This will be an open forum discussion of the book "Native American History."