Global Warming

​​*A 'Humans in the Loop' community event with Elastic, Uptime Labs & PagerDuty in collaboration with OOPS!* ​​We’re taking over the Greenwich Design District for an evening dedicated to the unsung heroes of the stack: **The Humans in the Loop.** AI adoption offers a range of benefits, but while our systems get more complex, the role of the human in incident response has never been more critical. ​Come trade your real-time operations stories, share your best 'oops' moments, and learn how to keep the 'human' in your high-availability architecture. 📅 **Date and Time:** Monday, June 1, from 6:00-9:00 PM 📍 **Location:** Design District Address: 19 Soames Walk, London SE10 0AX, UK ​​**What to expect:** * ​​🎤 **Lightning Keynotes** \- short\, sharp and stimulating\, local experts share their takes\. * ​​🍻 **Sip & Savour:** Delicious pizza and refreshing drinks to fuel the conversation. * ​​🤝 **The OOPs Group:** Connect with the outage ops + incident response community, because misery loves company, but resilience loves a party. ​🧠 **Talks** **Many Humans in Many Loops** by **Carly Richmond**, Developer Advocate Lead (Elastic) *Human in the Loop, or HITL, provides us the ability to validate AI output using friendly and knowledgeable humans. But is that the only human loop in AI incident management systems? Join Carly as she covers other human loops, including reinforcement learning with feedback and context engineering, and how loops with a low threshold encourage alert fatigue.* **Incident Response Reimagined: Accelerating Resolution with AI Agents** by **Daniel Afonso**, Senior Developer Advocate (PagerDuty) *Learn how PagerDuty is leveraging Agentic AI to transform the incident lifecycle from reactive firefighting to proactive prevention.* *Daniel demonstrates how new tools like the SRE Agent and Scribe Agent assist engineers during high-pressure outages by autonomously triaging alerts, querying logs in tools like Grafana, and transcribing context directly into incident channels.* *Beyond immediate response, this demo highlights a "shift left" strategy using the new PagerDuty MCP server and Claude Code plugin, which allows developers to assess the risk of code changes against historical incident data before deployment, ultimately aiming to reduce the frequency of on-call.* ✍️ ​​**RSVP now before we reach capacity**

Want to Join this League? Sign up as individual and we will find you a team or bring your own team [Join a League](https://www.basketble.com/leagues/join-a-league/) Welcome to our League 🙂 We want you to have fun and enjoy every session so we will do our best to make this happen. You can also help us achieve that by showing respect and be friendly to other players. We are here to help all the basketball players in the world find a place to play basketball anywhere, anytime and help basketball organisers promote their basketball session. Together we can change the world ! Details: Day: Every Monday Time: 19.30 or 20.30 (1hr session) Cost: £12/per week Format: 5 x 5 Level: Intermediate No. of Weeks: Min. 7 Includes: video highlights, referees, photos, awards… Address: King Solomon Academy, Penfold Street, NW1 6RX Directions: Closest metro Edgware Road [Join a League](https://www.basketble.com/leagues/join-a-league/) Game Setup: 1 hour games (up to 10 minutes warm up) Each team plays each other twice You have one time out per game You have 5 team fouls You can play in the same team with your friends or we will place you in a team Only Accredited Basketball England Referees Rules & Regulations: Treat each other with respect Do not forget to smile. You need to have fun Zero tolerance to fights No food or drinks If you feel unwell please do not attend the event Highly recommended to be vaccinated for Covid A coach, referee or supervisor will attend the session Please bring your own ball, if you have one Discounts: Introduce Basketble to a friend and you ll get a free game once your friend plays twice to any of our sessions Follow us on instagram and facebook and get promo codes to receive from 10% to 100% discount Play regular in our sessions and get loyalty discounts Become a basketball organiser and you can play for free For any questions issues send an email to info@basketble.com or send a whatsapp to +447843098012 or +306956603886/ +306945897501 [Join a League](https://www.basketble.com/leagues/join-a-league/)

The world is in crisis and many people think we've gone past the tipping point and the planet is doomed. However, there are those who have hope and faith in science that some can survive the polycrisis and get to live in a sustainable society and planet. But there's a problem... **There's no clear vision of what a sustainable society and planet should be**, and without that destination, how can we set out on the journey to get there? Please join like-minded people to discuss this. We'll agree an agenda at the start of the meeting. Bring an open mind, suggestions and perhaps a pad of paper. **Here are some topics to be covered.** Please use the comments/chat to suggest other areas for consideration *Depending on the mood of attendees, the frequency of further meetups can be agreed.* **WHAT DO WE WANT A SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY AND PLANET TO LOOK AND FEEL LIKE?** · A planet with clean atmosphere, oceans and soil with systems in place to keep them that way · The abolition of poverty and hunger · Equality of opportunity for all to achieve a peaceful and contented life without fear of physical or other violence · Access to healthcare, hygiene and sanitation for all · Access to quality education for all · A more responsible system of financial structures which embraces the best of co-operative production, capitalism and other systems · A safe justice system for all · Societies which respect for the diversity of opinion, ethnicity, sexuality, religion · Respect for the natural resources and fragility of Planet Earth and their finite capacity · Societies where the more fortunate, stronger and healthier help those less strong, less fortunate or less healthy. · Peaceful co-existence between the varying communities of the planet **What Freedoms ?** · Freedom to travel anywhere · Freedom to worship (should there be limitation such as worship should not be based on destroying the existing system…??) · Freedom from violence · Freedom from hate · Freedom from poverty (how define?) · Freedom of speech · Freedom from anxiety about the future · Freedom from concentration of power · Freedom to preserve culture and arts · Freedom to make decisions about one’s body · Freedom to seek representation and to represent others · Freedom to be different · Freedom to be heard

• What we'll do Want to Play Basketball in London? Step 1. Visit our website [https://www.basketble.com](https://www.basketble.com) Step 2. Find the game you want and sign up Step 3: Get confirmation email and Come Out & Play \*Note: You need to sign up on the website and the attendance is not monitored through meetup.

ATTEND IN PERSON OR ON ZOOM **NB This event will now take place at the Café of [St. Hilda's East Community Centre](https://www.google.com/maps/@51.5244243,-0.0746385,17z?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), 18 Club Row, London E2 7EY. The nearest station (just a few minutes walk) is [Shoreditch High Street](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Shoreditch+High+Street/@51.5237626,-0.0741518,16.75z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x48761cb7237e45d3:0x832e68d6f5c3b9b0!8m2!3d51.5232573!4d-0.0754661!16s%2Fg%2F1hhvv83t7?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (Overground).** We can go back to the earliest beginnings of the Western philosophical tradition to find references to what we might call “common sense”. Heraclitus states that “thinking is common to all”. However, this seemingly optimistic statement is soon qualified by his lament that people don’t understand, and therefore don’t recognise the importance of, his own philosophical message: they clearly don’t think well enough. The lights are on but no-one’s home, he seems to say. But is he really disappointed at the poor quality of common thought or because others don’t think like him? So, yes, we all think, but what is it that is really shared? What is common about common sense, if it exists at all? In my talk at Kant’s Cave I would like to explore with you the possible meanings, uses and value of the idea of “common sense”. We will discuss thinkers from Kant and Voltaire to Gadamer and Hannah Arendt. Event video teaser [here](https://youtube.com/shorts/edZEjrKHKnQ?si=3K0G7Mj1rNoHeVjE) **Dr. Anja Steinbauer** is a London-based philosopher, Sinologist, and the President of [Philosophy For All (PFA)](https://pfalondon.org/). Passionate about making philosophy vibrant and accessible to everyone, she has dedicated her career to public philosophy, pioneering engaging formats that bridge academic thought with everyday life. She is an editor for *[Philosophy Now](https://philosophynow.org/about)*[ magazine](https://philosophynow.org/about) and lecturer at the [London School of Philosophy](https://uk.linkedin.com/in/anja-steinbauer-27966344). This event is sponsored by the Royal institute of Philosophy. For the full programme of events pls see [pfalondon.org](http://pfalondon.org)

Welcome to SQUAD Advanced Volleyball sessions. PLEASE READ: Level: Advanced/Upper Intermediate only. (Players MUST know the 5-1 rotation system and positions and have strong all-round skills) We meet at Bacon's College Sports Centre in Canada Water for fun but competitive volleyball! Cost: £ 12 per session Maximum Capacity: 14 players. Attitude: Positive and friendly atmosphere Please NOTE: you might be asked to leave the session if your level isn't up to the standard of ADVANCED Book your place ASAP and any question please contact us here or via our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/S.Q.U.A.D.VC/

The Data Science Speakers Club is a Toastmasters International club enabling the current and next generation of Data Scientists to improve their Public Speaking Skills. This is a HYBRID Meeting! So join us Online via ZOOM or In-Person. Joining the Data Science Speakers Club means joining a supportive environment to build your confidence in public speaking and to practice speaking in front of an audience. You will also gain the opportunity to receive feedback on your speeches in a friendly environment, including what you have done well and guidance on the areas you can improve upon. We also run a mentorship program where an experienced mentor supports you on your public speaking journey. Meeting Theme: **TBC** Tentative Schedule: 18:30 - President's welcome 18:40 - Prepared Speeches (3 prepared speeches with evaluation) 19:25 - Guest introduction 19:30 - Break 19:40 - Table Topic 20:30 - Wrap up, awards, announcements End of Meeting The theme is to do with exploring various aspects of power, including how it is distributed, challenged, and transformed in different contexts. In the first part, there will be speeches. In the second half, we will have impromptu speeches preparation in groups called Table topics where guests can participate. We meet on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Mondays of each month from 6:30 pm online. Each meeting is a mixture of prepared speeches by our members, speaking roles, and impromptu speaking challenges by members and guests. Our meetings are free to attend and you only have to speak if you want to. For in-person attendance, snacks will be provided. Entrepreneurs, Innovators, and Mathematical and Logical Thinkers aiming to focus on their communication and leadership development are always welcome to attend our meetings, to increase their self-confidence, become better speakers, and become better leaders. TEAMS LINK: [https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/357036976990605?p=hMnMJVrBTzHPAjVaTt](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/357036976990605?p%3DhMnMJVrBTzHPAjVaTt&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0eY1i8CI6vwSp1vRUX8zSZ) FACEBOOK: [https://www.facebook.com/datasciencespk/](https://www.facebook.com/datasciencespk/) LINKEDIN: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/data-science-speakers-club](https://www.linkedin.com/company/data-science-speakers-club) TWITTER: [https://twitter.com/datasciencespk](https://twitter.com/datasciencespk) INSTAGRAM: [https://www.instagram.com/datasciencespk/](https://www.instagram.com/datasciencespk/)

Hello, You are warmly invited to the **2026 InnoCORE Global Postdoctoral Job Fair** in London, which will take place on 2 June 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Korea’s leading science and technology institutes—**KAIST, GIST, DGIST, and UNIST**—are seeking postdoctoral researchers who are ready to help shape the future through world-class research infrastructure and strong international collaboration. The 2026 InnoCORE Global Postdoctoral Job Fair will be held in major cities across Europe and will offer a valuable opportunity to explore research careers, postdoctoral positions, and PhD-related opportunities in Korea. The event will feature an introduction to the InnoCORE research groups, along with opportunities for 1:1 Research Meeting (with potential interview opportunity) with research teams based on participants’ fields of interest. We hope this event will be a meaningful opportunity for those who are ready to begin a new research journey in Korea or continue their work on a broader global stage. If you are interested, please apply through the link below. For more information about this event, please visit : [https://www.innocore-jobfair.com/](https://www.innocore-jobfair.com/ "https://www.innocore-jobfair.com/") To participate in the event survey : [https://forms.gle/t86FCMUKjtt1f5cLA](https://forms.gle/t86FCMUKjtt1f5cLA "https://forms.gle/t86FCMUKjtt1f5cLA") Thank you.

**Grade: 🥾🥾 🥾Level 3/5** —— **📖SUMMARY:** 🥾23\.5km \(16mi\) \| Ascent 394m \| Descent 429m \| Max Elevation 115m **🚊Train:** **1- Outbound:** *Single Ticket* **London Liverpool Street ➡️ Chingford** **2- Inbound:** *Single Ticket* **Chesthunt ➡️ London** 😁This is a *Friendly Oyster or contactless (bank card) trip*. No advance tickets are needed. ⛳️ **Meeting Point:** **2 Options** **1-** London Liverpool Street train station \- Information desk \(Opposite Platform 10\) \| **09:40** (Train is at **10:02**) **2-** Chingford \- Outside train station \| **10:30** ⚠️This is a **Point to Point (not Circular)** Hike **📍Hike** **start:** **Chingford** train station \| **10:35** **🔚Hike** **finish:** **Chesthunt** train station \| approx\. **\~17:00** —— 🚊**TRAIN TICKET INFORMATION:** I would recommend you get: 🎟️This is a **Friendly Oyster or contactless (bank card) trip**, both for the outward and return journeys. There’s no need to buy tickets in advance, as fares are paid directly by tapping in and out at the stations. * **➡️Outbound:** London Liverpool Street **10:02 → 10:28** Chingford * **⬅️Inbound:** Chesthunt **→** London 💡If you’d like to join other hikers using a Network Railcard, please arrive earlier so we can organise small groups. Note that each card can cover up to 4 people. 🚦Visit **[National Rail](https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/)** for details —— **📕ABOUT:** \- A proper London\-edge adventure that strings together two of the capital’s most underrated wild spaces in a single walk — ancient Epping Forest and the lakes and waterways of the Lee Valley\. \- We start at Chingford\, where Queen Victoria opened the Forest to the people in 1882\, then head straight in past Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge and pretty Connaught Water\. \- From there it’s miles of rolling\, knobbly oak and beech woodland — some trees as old as the Anglo\-Saxons — climbing gently to the High Beach ridge at 115m\, the day’s high point\. \- A long\, lovely descent through Sewardstone drops us out of the trees and into the Lee Valley: marshes\, lakes\, reedbeds\, and the calm of the Lee Navigation towpath all the way into Cheshunt\. —— **⭐️HIGHLIGHTS:** * **Chingford & Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge:** 1543 Tudor grandstand on the edge of the Forest. * **Connaught Water:** peaceful early-morning lake, popular with herons and swans. * **Epping Forest ancient woodland:** 5,900 acres of veteran oaks, beeches and hornbeams; some trees as old as the Anglo-Saxons. * **High Beach ridge:** the day’s high point, classic Forest views. * **Sewardstone:** the Forest’s quiet western edge, opening into farmland. * **River Lee Country Park:** lakes, wetlands and excellent birdwatching. * **Lee Navigation towpath:** tranquil canal walking right into Cheshunt. —— **💷COST: Free** This hike is completely free to join but participants need to purchase their own transport tickets. —— 🎒**WHAT TO BRING:** * 2L Water * Packed lunch and snacks * Comfortable walking/hiking shoes * Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproofs, hat, sunscreen) * Optional: trekking poles, camera —— *✅***WHO CAN JOIN:** * Our hikes are open to adults aged 21 and over. * For safety reasons, we’re not able to include children. * We love animals, but pets (including dogs) can’t join our hikes. —— **🚨RSVP & ATTENDANCE:** RSVP only if you plan to attend. Please cancel as early as possible if you can no longer make it so others can join. A no-show means you RSVPed but did not attend or cancelled just before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal. Reliable regulars who end up on a waitlist may message the host for priority consideration. —— **☯️STAYING TOGETHER:** A dedicated back marker is not always present, so please keep others in sight and avoid moving too far ahead or falling too far behind. Faster walkers should wait at junctions. The hike leader will pause at key points to regroup and reduce the chance of anyone becoming separated from the group. —— ⚠️ **DISCLAIMER:** By joining, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.

This **in-person theatre** and **livestream** talk is available online from Gresham College to Basingstoke Science subscribers. **ADVANCE BOOKING AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TALK.** **More details and booking instructions on the Gresham web site:** **[https://www.gresham.ac.uk/whats-on/pluto-planet](https://www.gresham.ac.uk/whats-on/pluto-planet)** **SUMMARY** #### Part of: **[The State of Our Universe](https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/series/state-universe)** In 2006, the International Astronomical Union adopted a definition of a planet that demoted Pluto to just one of what is likely hundreds of dwarf planets in our Solar System. Exploring the remote Kuiper Belt, this lecture challenges us to think about what kinds of scientific questions are worth our attention, what it means to name something – and why Pluto is worth caring about anyway. **LIVESTREAM TIMING** **The livestream will go live at 6.55pm, and the introduction will begin at 7.00pm. If you register but miss the livestream, the video will be available to you via the same link for two weeks after the event date.** For more information on livestreams, see the information below, or [visit our FAQs page](https://www.rigb.org/whats/faqs-ri-livestreams). Please use the event link you have been provided with. Gresham College has offered an outstanding education to the public free of charge for over 400 years. Today, Gresham College plays an important role in fostering a love of learning and a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Please consider making a donation on their web site to support the work of Gresham College.

**Discussion overview:** AI can write essays, generate art, and even build programs in seconds. As algorithms take over the office, many of us fear the pressure to become hyper-efficient machines just to survive. But is trying to beat AI at its own game a losing battle? Or is doubling down on our flawed, emotional human traits our best defense? Whether you're a creative, a young professional, or just trying to navigate a digital world, let's discuss what makes us irreplaceable... 1\. 🤖 **Beat the Machine:** Should we learn to work like AI, or focus on skills AI can never copy? 2\. 🎨 **The Creative Clone:** Can algorithms ever replicate true artistic vision and human empathy? 3\. 🥂 **Return on Investment:** Will AI force us to value real human connection over KPIs? *Join us for a relaxed group conversation where we explore real life, grey areas, and how our different cultures and backgrounds shape our views about key topics.* *Expect real talk, no judgment, and a chance to learn how others see it.* **\*Come for the discussion, stay for the friendships. Our weekly discussion series brings together thoughtful people for honest conversations on relationships, life, and society - with warm social vibes before and after.\*** **WHAT TO EXPECT:** * Good vibes only: we chat big topics in a chill, respectful way. No arguing - just open-minded exchange. * We warm up with casual socializing (come solo or with friends!) * The topic starts around 7:45/8pm, wraps around 9:30. * 🍕 There's pizza, drinks, milkshakes and snacks available at the bar (incl plant-based options) * And most people stay until late for drinks and mingling! **DISCUSSION FORMAT:** **\- Our group conversations are open and flexible\! There is a very soft guided flow to ensure we focus on the key questions\, and to ensure that everyone gets a balanced opportunity to speak\.** \- We rotate groups intentionally during the discussion so everyone gets to meet a wider mix of people and perspectives\. \- After the structured part\, you’re free to mix and mingle with anyone\. **Here's a typical discussion flow, but we may adjust this depending on the turnout:** \- Introductions and initial thoughts *(\~5 mins).* \- Group breakouts per question *(\~20 mins x 3).* \- Final round of opinions *(\~10 mins)*. \- Mix and mingle\, make new friends\, get drinks etc *(\~until late)* **Rules & etiquette:** 1\. Debate the topic\, not the participants \- no personal attacks please\. 2\. No phones\, no interrupting\, no bystanding\. 3\. Always follow the moderator/host instructions and guidelines\. **WHAT IS WORLD CITIZENS?** We're one of London's longest-running and largest communities. Since 2012 we run socials, cultural activities and stimulating discussions to foster meaningful exchange and learning among London's global professionals. They are inspired by MUN (Model United Nations) and salon discussions and offer a more relaxed and social evening version. **LOCATION DETAILS** What: Discussion session followed by social/networking When: Tuesday, 7:30pm until late. Where: Curzon Aldgate (bar area), 2 Canter Way, E1 8PS Closest stations: Aldgate East, Aldgate, Tower Hill/Gateway Cost: Pay for your own meals or drinks Hosts: We have a rotating team and the actual host of each event varies. Our regular members can also help you out with basic matters. *NOTE: like most guests, our volunteer hosts join after work and may arrive after the start time. If you are punctual or earlier than our hosts, we highly appreciate this! Please feel free to start socializing already and/or get something to eat or drink - that’s the point of our events anyway! Our regular members can also help you out with any basic matters.* **\*Our other weekly events\*** \- Friday evening socials every week \- Saturday afternoon cafe in Chelsea \- Canary Wharf socials every other Wednesday \- Outdoor fun \(hiking\, kayaking\, etc\) every weekend \- Dining\, cultural and travel activities on\-demand **JOIN OUR TEAM!** We're all volunteers, so if you enjoy organizing activities or events in your spare time, while meeting great people every week, send a message to our team account "TP"! **DISCLAIMER** We are a 100% volunteer-run team. Though we have high standards in planning, this is a private informal activity so we cannot be liable for any damage or inconvenience. However, we put safety and comfort first. We take all complaints seriously, and take severe action against any harassment, verbal or non-verbal, and anti-social behaviour, towards our guests or team members. We collaborate with the police when needed. We take photos and videos which may include you to help promote the community in line with GDPR Data Protection law, as well as stock photos from Pexels or Unsplash. We may restrict or prioritize guests at our own discretion for safety, quality and logistics reasons. While our team's decisions may not be perfect we ask that you follow our decisions first and raise any disputes to discuss with us later and privately. By attending you understand, agree with and respect all terms of this disclaimer.

🧺Pack food and a blanket for an afternoon of friendly conversations with like-minded people in a beautiful outdoor setting. 🧺 Whether you'll bring a homemade dish to share (don't forget your reusable utensils!) or just some snacks, come meet new or old friends, bask in the sun, and relax in the heart of London. **WhatsApp group**

PyData London 2026 brings together data scientists, engineers, and researchers from around the world for three days of insightful talks, tutorials, and community connection. Hosted in one of Europe’s leading tech hubs, the event highlights the latest developments in Python, machine learning, and data science. Attendees can expect a mix of cutting-edge research, real-world applications, and opportunities to network with industry leaders. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, PyData London offers something for every level of the data science community. **THIS IS NOT A TICKET- TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED ON CONFERENCE WEBSITE.** https://pydata.org/london2026

Summer is short — let’s make the most of it. Join us for drinks, good company, and golden hour vibes at one of the city’s best outdoor spots in London Bridge☀️🥂

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

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

Join us Tuesday (6/2) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hundred Acre Woods in Westerville. This is a beautiful trail that is filled of hills and roots but a picturesque wooded landscape to hike. Wear your hiking boots if you have them. We will do 2 loops of the 1 mile trail.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.