Environmental Issues

Now that the Meridian Hill Park fountain is running again and with the warmer weather this is the perfect time to explore some of DCs most beautiful water fountains! **Time:** 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM **Start Location:** U Street Metro Station (13th street entrance) **End Location:** Union Station **Map:** [Komoot](https://www.komoot.com/tour/2971499159?share_token=a8HXEsygXdjmA3VUk0jaZgx2TOiQM9fwmCZos69kds6Kj3u4Bz&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=5303637054528) **Millage:** 5 miles **Terrain:** There will mostly be paved and level ground. \-\-\- We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early. Note, we often limit the RSVPs to keep group sizes manageable. If you are on the waitlist but would really like to join, reach out to the organizer. Our events prioritize metro accessibility by meeting and ending at metro stations. Sometimes we start/stop at the same station, sometimes we do not. Please double check the event description to see if you can manage transportation. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

If you're ready to grow your business through meaningful relationships and high-quality referrals, this event series is for you! We're a community of local small business professionals committed to building prosperity through authentic connection and collaboration. Join us for **genuine, no-pressure networking**—no fees, no pitches, no nonsense. Just good people, good conversations, and a few refreshments to keep things relaxed. Stay for a few minutes or the whole time—whatever works for you. **This event is completely free to attend**, but we kindly ask that you RSVP so we can plan accordingly. We can’t wait to connect with you!

\-\-\-\-\-\- [REGISTER FOR THE EVENT HERE (ON LUMA)!](https://luma.com/be8kjf6n) \-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for an evening of collaborative problem-solving as we work on a variety of civic tech projects together. Project needs vary but often include brainstorming, researching, writing, coding, or analyzing data. Check out [our website](https://www.civictechdc.org/projects) for a list of projects which may make an appearance! Meet other civic tech enthusiasts. Learn new skills. Contribute to a project to improve a local civic issue. **All are welcome and collaboration is encouraged.** Laptops are recommended but not required. **Where do I register?** To better serve our growing community, we’re transitioning our event registrations to [Luma](https://luma.com/civic-tech-dc)! **We still love Meetup** Meetup has been an incredible platform for us to build and connect with our community. We’ll continue sharing upcoming events there so that new people can find us, but [Luma](https://luma.com/civic-tech-dc) will be our primary registration platform moving forward. **Why we're making the switch** Meetup’s registration system has some limitations, and we need more flexibility to manage sign-ups and engagement. \-\-\-\-\-\- [REGISTER FOR THE EVENT HERE (ON LUMA)!](https://luma.com/be8kjf6n) \-\-\-\-\-\-

This discussion is of a category of moral questions, related to the autonomy and value of servant species. It was inspired by a question on philosophy stack exchange about House Elves in Harry Potter, but is a broader question, which applies to our domestication of animals, creation of AI, and possible genetic engineering. House Elves: In the Harry Potter story series, there is a race of creatures who are totally self-effacing, and want to do dirty clean-up work around a house. They work for free, and are very happy doing so. They can be “freed” by being given an article of clothing, but this leads to great distress among house elves, who see this as banishment. House elves, therefore, are happy slaves. Here was the original stack exchange question: [ethics - Technical terms for 'House Elf Problem' - Philosophy Stack Exchange](https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/88588/technical-terms-for-house-elf-problem) We humans have turned domestic animals into slaves through breeding for docility, and cooperation. Dogs accept humans as their pack leaders, and are happiest when given jobs (herding sheep, retrieving killed ducks, attacking rats, etc). I don’t know how happy horses and draft animals are to carry or pull stuff. Chickens and cows don’t actually do “work” for us, but they are pretty happy with pre-factory farm life. Are house elves a moral evil? Is animal domestication a moral evil? Could the answer be that domestication isn’t an evil (or not the primary evil), but how we treat the domestic animals might be? For reference, here is a video that presumes that cows are NOT happy as slaves in grassy fields: [Brother, I am troubled - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA5lujNlkn8) I am not convinced the creators of the video actually know cows … We may face these same moral questions in a more dramatic form, if our AI ever develops selfhood. Additionally, House Elves may, with genetic engineering, become more than a plot artifact. How do AI servants, and humans doing deliberate genetic writing, change these moral questions? We meet in person and online. In person will be at 10113 Seattle Slew Lane. This meetup location does not have sufficient chairs for all of us, so it is advisory to bring a portable chair. The location also does not have food for sale. I will bring several large pizzas, and will request $2/slice. One pizza will be vegetarian. Tap water is available, please bring any other drinks desired. Online will be: [https://teams.live.com/meet/93583191724730?p=hY3jxVvnOciVl2aRn5](https://teams.live.com/meet/93583191724730?p=hY3jxVvnOciVl2aRn5)

As we transition into the vibrant energy of summer, it's time to release the old that is no longer serving you. Close chapters and cycles and welcome new beginnings. This unique one-on-one experience is not to be missed! With limited time and limited spaces available, Secure your spot now. Special Price: Only $111 for this complete package! * Session Includes Tarot Reading: Gain clarity and insight into your journey. * Mini Limpia: A Traditiaonal Cuaranderismo cleansing ritual with herbs to remove negative energies. * Sound Bath: Immerse yourself in healing vibrations that promote relaxation and inner peace. This special healing session is available from 5/25/2026-6/01/2026 Cleanse your energy and prepare for the abundant summer months ahead. [BOOK NOW](https://curanderasheart.com/book-now/ola/services/ending-spring-curanderismo-energy-cleansing-limpia)

Come out every Wednesday from 6 to 9 to play Flesh and Blood TCG!

Join us for FREE classes in the beautiful outdoors throughout Prince George’s County! Learn basic moves to strengthen your body, increase flexibility, and free your mind. Ages 13 & up. **Register Here:**[ pgparksdirect.com](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=537174608) Activity Code: 17680-279H Classes may be canceled due to inclement weather or wet grounds. Call 301-927-0822 for weather-related cancellations. For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly via email wellness@pgparks.com

Come on out to our monthly Park Club, this time at Huntley Meadows! We'll take a pleasant late late May stroll through the wetlands and woods, with your fellow Environmentally conscious folks, which was gifted to Fairfax County by President Gerald Ford in 1975 after a long and storied history starting with George Mason (yes, that George Mason). The park is home to abundant wildlife and is known for attracting many birds, amphibians, and plants that are considered less common in the region. Secondary-growth forest sprinkled with several small, native-grass and wildflower meadows surround much of the wetland habitat. If you've never been, it's not to be missed!

◦Join us for a laid-back Sunday Brunch. The Brunch is All-You-Can-Eat buffet and a bottle of Champagne (750 ml) with Orange Juice. You make your own mimosa. Just only for $ 35.00 per person without tax & gratuity! It includes French toast, pancakes, waffles, omelettes made to order, Pasta, Salads, Roast Beef, Pork Ribs, oyster bar, cheese bar and Salmon, plenty of fresh fruit, yogurt, cakes, cookies, and pudding....mmmm! After brunch, we mingle and socialize. Closest Metro Station is Clarendon. Please take into account Metro's Weekend Track Work & Service Adjustments. Check it on http://www.wmata.com/ and plan accordingly.

Top level Backgammon Tournament play. Have fun and improve your game. Free lessons to new and inexperienced players. Club been active over 40 years, posting on Meetup is new. Contact Director Larry Brown with any questions. 571-214-8298 or LuckyLarry1001@gmail.com

A fabulous Sunday Happy Hour with half-priced appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks, for a green convo. This is mainly a social event and it is organized in joint with my other meetups. We usually draw a large crowed and you might want to get hold of me, at the event, to know, where the green group is. We invite guest speakers on our Happy Hours, from time to time. If you are interested to speak on any green and sustainable issues, please let us know. We will arrange a forum for you. This is a perfect venue to mingle. The restaurant boasts an expansive outdoor patio, trendy lounge and contemporary dining area. A fusion of Sports Bar, Night Club and Hookah joint. All in one! GOOD PEEPS, GOOD GREENERS, GOOD FOOD, GOOD VIBE & GOOD LAID BACK SUNDAY. • Half Price Drafts; • $ 5 Domestic Bottled Beers • $5 Wines; • $5 House Drinks; • $6 Select Bar Bites; • $6 Mad Rose Margarita • $6 bar bites include: chicken quesadilla, burger sliders, wings, hummus and pita. METROING : Mad Rose is few steps from Clarendon Metro Station. However, please take into account Metro's Weekend Track Work & Service Adjustments. Check it on http://www.wmata.com/ and plan accordingly.

Hands-on learn how to save life & limb, when mired in the wilderness of an urban disaster zone, travel or rural area far from hospital, or natural area miles from an access point, during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance arrival. Come away with actual do-it-yourself care-giving skill and confidence, and 2-year SOLO certification. Counts as WFR Recertification, too. No prerequisites. YOUR SPOT IS NOT RESERVED UNTIL YOU'VE COMPLETELY REGISTERED AT WWW.SOLOWFA.COM \***Spaces are limited. REGISTER: www.solowfa.com or 434.326.4697** Can't make these dates? Check out more course locations and dates on our website. WHO: Open to the general public, adults & teens with solid attention spans. Know your loved ones are safe wherever they are. WHY: Mired in a disaster zone, travel or rural area far from a hospital, or natural area miles from an access point ... accidents, destructive weather, and terrorism happen, and all-too-often members of a group are not capable of dealing with the emergency. This leads to improper care of the patient, and endangers the entire group. Many recreational accidents are preventable, and improper care of trauma can compound even simple injuries. Very few first aid programs actually address the issues of providing emergency care in a setting where 911 is overwhelmed or not immediately reachable. In this course, classroom instruction and Q&A are interwoven with practical work and problem-solving exercises. Hands-on experience - a most powerful learning tool - during scenarios comprise \~50% of class. TIMING: This is a 2-day class, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am -7pm each day. Fee: $295 (Earlybird)

Please be sure to RSVP here! https://stampede.proanimal.org/events Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness! We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set. Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :) Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.

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.

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

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

By popular demand, the group wanted to read and discuss the semi-autobiographical novel by Henri-Pierre Roche, that inspired the Truffaut movie we watched last year. The book is available through the Columbus Library's interlibrary loan system. They reported there are twenty-eight copies available in the state of Ohio. If you have a library card, you can file an interlibrary loan request here: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/library-services/ . There are also used copies available on Amazon and eBay for under twenty dollars. You may want to rewatch the movie after reading the book, so we can compare and contrast in our discussion. The Columbus Library has four copies on DVD, and it's streaming on HBOMax.

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.

In the year 2044, in the age of AI, a woman named Gabrielle (Seydoux) tries to purify her DNA by purging the inherited memories of her past lives. She (re)lives her life in 1910 Paris and 2014 Los Angeles, and as the procedure goes on, the lines between her worlds become blurred. These three timelines have a lot of connective tissue holding them together; certain symbols and motifs appear repeatedly, not to mention Mackay’s Louis, a figure whom Gabrielle seems drawn to in each lifetime.