Hunting

Enjoy a Guided Group Walk from the George Washington Memorial in Alexandria starting at 10 am. There is free parking at the Masonic building (101 Callahan Drive) and a terrific view. Learn more about the unique memorial at [https://gwmemorial.org](https://gwmemorial.org). Old Town Alexandria dates back to the start of our country. The trail goes along city and residential streets, past stately homes and through local parks along the Potomac River. The town is full of American history featuring our first President, George Washington, and Civil War families like the Lees. Pets aren't allowed on Masonic Temple Grounds but can be kept in your vehicle while you register and can be walked to and from your car once you are walking. The walk is $2 for non-members and guests to defray expenses for our sport and $4 for AVA walk credit. Please bring correct change in cash (e-payment is not possible). We feature curated walks by experienced members. Dogs and children are welcome but children under 18 must have a guardian present. Meet walk host Rob Grunewald by 9:45 am by the side entrance of the Masonic Temple to register, so we can leave by 10 am. For more info contact Rob Grunewald, grunewar@yahoo.com, (703) 303-5543. Come explore with us!

**\*TO ATTEND REGISTER AT [-** [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13388#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13388#tix) (\*Multiple Meetup groups are co-organizing so RSVP's shown are just a small % attending. ABOUT: **Let's take it back to a simpler (and a lot more fun) time! Our 80s & 90s Trivia Night is of our most popular and well attended online meetups. Categories will be 80s & 90s Movies, Music, Sports, Pop Culture, Television). Prizes include Amazon Gift Cards and more!!** HOW IT WORKS: You can attend via a computer & Webcam or Smartphone/Ipad/Tablet. This completely online event will be LIVE and you will be able to see and hear the other participants while playing. In addition you get to meet and interact with other participants. At game time, your host will read off 80s & 90s Trivia questions. Your goal is to come up with the right answer to each question and write it down on your paper. Once the round is over (about 6 questions), we will go through the answers and determine who had the highest score for the round. They will get a raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize at the end of the event. We will have multiple rounds of play and have a system to also virtually introduce you to other participants. HOW DO YOU FIND THE VIRTUAL ROOM: After you purchase your ticket, you will get a confirmation with the zoom link ON DAY OF THE EVENT. RSVPS ON HERE ARE NOT REFLECTIVE OF ACTUAL ATTENDANCE as this is a multi group event. **\*TO ATTEND REGISTER AT -** [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13388#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13388#tix) Cost: $15- $20 depending on how early you register. **For more fun events:** **Follow: [https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283)** **Click: [https://dljparty.ticketleap.com/](https://dljparty.ticketleap.com/)**

We connect you with up to 30 Men or Women tennis partners close to your PLAYING REGION and skill level. This program is less competitive, no champions crowned, no league standings just dedicated tennis partners who want to meet up with you on the courts. Players will meet up to play a tennis match or just to hit around. Just go through the [Join Page](https://www.tennismoco.com/partner-program) to enter this program. [https://www.tennismoco.com/partner-program](https://www.tennismoco.com/partner-program)

Doubles Volleyball - A level @Bluemont Park Let's get together to play some fun A level Doubles games at Bluemont. Format: Doubles COST: FREE Court Type: Outdoor grass Minimum Skill Requirements: A level (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details) Attention: 1. This event is not always on a first come, first served basis. Those who can bring a net and ball, may get priority over others on the waitlist. 1. Since skill levels are self-reported, some attendees may not meet the expected level in reality, so we encourage you to choose a partner you can enjoy the game with, and since this is a competitive event, it is okay if you make a strong team and win all the games. 1. Since people arrive at different times, each group of 4. Players will set up and claim a net as they arrive, and may continue playing without rotating until all nets are set. ——— Smiley Social documents: [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg/mobilebasic) [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco/mobilebasic) [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic)

Get checked your bucket list by visiting this wonderful country Switzerland while exploring the 5 days of adventure by visiting various cities and little towns. Enjoy the scenic drives, mountains, waterfalls, and a lot more. Note: To join the Day01 Zurich half-day city tour, you must arrive by 12pm as the tour is scheduled for 2.30 pm Highlights Visited Places: • Lake Zurich • Eiger, Jungfrau Glacier, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald • Lucerne • Mt Pilatus • Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein Travel Experience: • Exploring Switzerland towns • Boat Cruise • Zurich city • Local cuisine • Sightseeing as per the itinerary Tour Start Zurich Tour End Zurich Destination Switzerland Flights • Arrival: Day01 before 12 pm • Return: Day05 anytime after breakfast Airport: Zurich Airport (ZRH) Itinerary Day01 Zurich Highlights Half-Day Tour with Lake Cruise Day02 Jungfrau Glacier, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald Day03 Mt Pilatus Day Trip Day04 Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein Day05 Zurich Cost: $2590 (Double Occupancy) $3290 (Single Supplement) Inclusions Price Includes • 4 nights of hotel accommodation • Guided day activities • 4 breakfasts at the hotel • Sightseeing (Car, Bus, Van, Train, Boat) Price Excludes • International Flights • Airport Transfer • Meals (other than those mentioned above) • Personal Expenses • Tips and gratuities • Transfers other than those mentioned in the Itinerary (available at extra cost) • Travel insurance / Visa ———————————————— For detailed itinerary and to reserve your seat follow the link below: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/switzerland-5-days-adventure-zurich-interlaken-lucerne/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/switzerland-5-days-adventure-zurich-interlaken-lucerne/) Questions? Text / Call - 2023787696 - Himanshu - Organizer

**NOTE: THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR INEXPERIENCED HIKERS.** **Details** Get ready to hit the trails at Turkey Run - this is a 5.38 mile hike at Turkey Run. This hike is a bit challenging, with a couple of **stream crossings**, and a couple of **significant elevation gains** (a total of 456 feet of elevation gain). Ideal for **intermediate to advanced hikers**. The trail includes shallow stream crossings, adding some fun technical elements along the way. We’ll take regular breaks to regroup, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery. **Hiking shoes are a must -** the trail is slippery, and the extra grip of hiking shoes is essential for safety. Also, don’t forget your **hiking poles**; they’ll be helpful at the stream crossings. After the hike, join us for a social gathering at \*\**Chiang Mai Thai Cookhouse [(6828 Old Dominion Dr., McLean)](https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=4250880837db9923fe99316769050373b426a317e7bdf43931605d5b92eba921JmltdHM9MTc3NDkxNTIwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=108cd8d6-7e8f-6b13-174d-ce097fb86ad8&u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9NTZ-fkVtYmVkZGVkfkFkZHJlc3NfTGluayZ0eT0xOCZxPUNoaWFuZyUyME1haSUyMFRoYWklMjBDb29raG91c2Umc3M9eXBpZC5ZTjg0NDI0Nzc2MDUyNTc5NzcmcHBvaXM9MzguOTM0NzY4Njc2NzU3ODFfLTc3LjE3OTQzNTcyOTk4MDQ3X0NoaWFuZyUyME1haSUyMFRoYWklMjBDb29raG91c2VfWU44NDQyNDc3NjA1MjU3OTc3fiZjcD0zOC45MzQ3Njl-LTc3LjE3OTQzNiZ2PTImc1Y9MSZGT1JNPU1QU1JQTA)* to unwind, grab a bite, and enjoy time with fellow hikers. **Meeting Time & Location** Meet at 9:30 AM at Turkey Run’s Parking Lot C-1. **Distance:** 5.38 miles **Elevation Gain:** 456 feet **Difficulty Level:** Intermediate Hike (challenging stream crossings) This hike features moderate inclines and **challenging stream crossings** over slippery rocks. Hiking poles are recommended for added balance and stability. **Estimated Duration:** 3 hours This hike is expected to take approximately **3 hours**, which accounts for breaks, stream crossings, and group pace. **Pace:** Moderate Pace A steady, comfortable pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment. **Parking** Park in Turkey Run’s **Lot C-1,** where there's plenty of room for all. Grab a spot, lace up, and get ready to hit the trail! **Trail Map (AllTrails):** [Take a Hike! @ Turkey Run](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-367d794?u=i&sh=mdqqtd) **Bathrooms** There are no bathrooms available on this hike. Please plan accordingly. **Age Requirement:** Children under 18 are not permitted. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. **Dog Attendance** For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding! **Lunch After the Hike** Join us for a casual lunch at **Chiang Mai Thai Cookhouse (6828 Old Dominion Dr., McLean)**. Free parking is available in the garage off Beverly Rd.

April showers bring May flowers! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, May 17 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

A photography scavenger hunt in Annapolis offers a picturesque journey through American history and maritime charm, capturing cobblestone streets, historic homes, the iconic State House, bustling City Dock with boats, the stately [U.S. Naval Academy](https://www.google.com/search?q=U.S.+Naval+Academy&sca_esv=cbcc352c89b9e229&rlz=1C5MACD_enUS1084US1084&ei=evZnaeeANY_x5NoP3f2IgAY&oq=discribe+a+photo+walk+i&gs_lp=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-QEYRsICCRAAGIAEGAoYC8ICIBAAGIAEGAoYCxixAxiDARj5ARhGGJcFGIwFGN0E2AECwgIXEAAYgAQYChgLGLEDGIMBGMkDGPkBGEbCAiMQABiABBgKGAsYsQMYgwEYyQMY-QEYRhiXBRiMBRjdBNgBAsICDRAAGIAEGIoFGAoYsQPCAgcQABiABBgNwgIGEAAYHhgNwgIGEAAYFhgewgIIEAAYFhgeGArCAgsQABiABBiKBRiGA8ICCBAAGIAEGKIEwgIFEAAY7wWYAwriAwUSATEgQPEFAJAUbKWRhaG6BgQIARgHugYGCAIQARgUkgcEMjguNKAHhJ4CsgcEMjIuNLgHjBDCBwgwLjcuMjQuMcgHgQGACAE&sclient=gws-wiz-serp&ved=2ahUKEwiByfSB6ouSAxW5MlkFHb1FKfoQgK4QegQIARAE), and vibrant waterfront scenes, blending colonial architecture with modern life. **Key Areas & Themes** * **Historic District:** Explore Maryland Avenue and Church Circle for 18th-century buildings, brick sidewalks, unique shops, art galleries ([ArtWalk](https://www.google.com/search?q=ArtWalk&sca_esv=cbcc352c89b9e229&rlz=1C5MACD_enUS1084US1084&ei=evZnaeeANY_x5NoP3f2IgAY&oq=discribe+a+photo+walk+i&gs_lp=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-QEYRsICCRAAGIAEGAoYC8ICIBAAGIAEGAoYCxixAxiDARj5ARhGGJcFGIwFGN0E2AECwgIXEAAYgAQYChgLGLEDGIMBGMkDGPkBGEbCAiMQABiABBgKGAsYsQMYgwEYyQMY-QEYRhiXBRiMBRjdBNgBAsICDRAAGIAEGIoFGAoYsQPCAgcQABiABBgNwgIGEAAYHhgNwgIGEAAYFhgewgIIEAAYFhgeGArCAgsQABiABBiKBRiGA8ICCBAAGIAEGKIEwgIFEAAY7wWYAwriAwUSATEgQPEFAJAUbKWRhaG6BgQIARgHugYGCAIQARgUkgcEMjguNKAHhJ4CsgcEMjIuNLgHjBDCBwgwLjcuMjQuMcgHgQGACAE&sclient=gws-wiz-serp&ved=2ahUKEwiByfSB6ouSAxW5MlkFHb1FKfoQgK4QegQIAxAB)), and the grand State House. * **City Dock & Waterfront:** Capture the maritime heart of Annapolis with sailboats, historic boats, waterfront restaurants, and the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial. * **[U.S. Naval Academy](https://www.google.com/search?q=U.S.+Naval+Academy&sca_esv=cbcc352c89b9e229&rlz=1C5MACD_enUS1084US1084&ei=evZnaeeANY_x5NoP3f2IgAY&oq=discribe+a+photo+walk+i&gs_lp=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-QEYRsICCRAAGIAEGAoYC8ICIBAAGIAEGAoYCxixAxiDARj5ARhGGJcFGIwFGN0E2AECwgIXEAAYgAQYChgLGLEDGIMBGMkDGPkBGEbCAiMQABiABBgKGAsYsQMYgwEYyQMY-QEYRhiXBRiMBRjdBNgBAsICDRAAGIAEGIoFGAoYsQPCAgcQABiABBgNwgIGEAAYHhgNwgIGEAAYFhgewgIIEAAYFhgeGArCAgsQABiABBiKBRiGA8ICCBAAGIAEGKIEwgIFEAAY7wWYAwriAwUSATEgQPEFAJAUbKWRhaG6BgQIARgHugYGCAIQARgUkgcEMjguNKAHhJ4CsgcEMjIuNLgHjBDCBwgwLjcuMjQuMcgHgQGACAE&sclient=gws-wiz-serp&ved=2ahUKEwiByfSB6ouSAxW5MlkFHb1FKfoQgK4QegQIAxAE) (USNA):** Photograph historic grounds, chapel, statues, and the blend of tradition and modernity, **requiring ID for entry.** * **Gardens & Parks:** Find tranquility and natural beauty at spots like the [William Paca House & Garden](https://www.annapolis.org/visit/properties/william-paca-house-garden/) (***separate entrance fee required if you wish to explore***). **Tips for Your Hunt:** * Wear comfortable shoes, especially if exploring grassy areas. * Bring valid ID for USNA access. * Gear: A wide-angle lens is useful for the harbor, but a 35mm or 50mm lens is best for street and building details. **Annapolis Photo Scavenger Hunt Checklist** **📍 The Historic Landmarks (1-5 Points Each)** **⛵ Maritime & Colonial Life (2-4 Points Each)** **🧠 Creative & Action Challenges (5+ Points Each)** Full list will be given out the day of the hunt. **📋 Scavenger Hunt Rules** * **Safety First:** Do not enter restricted areas at the US Naval Academy. * **Respect Property:** Do not step on private gardens or residential property. * **Share your photos:** Add your photos to the HCPG Annapolis Scavenger Hunt album. * **Time Limit:** Challenge yourselves to complete this in under 2 hours **Free event. Rain date is 24th.**

⸻ Important Info 🎯 Please bring your own archery equipment if you have it. I do have a limited amount of beginner-friendly equipment available (enough for about 3 people), but it is first come, first serve. Feel free to bring snacks, drinks, and good vibes—we’re here to have fun, be social, and enjoy the experience together ✨

# [Rails to River XC Mountain Bike Race](https://www.bikereg.com/rails-to-river-mountain-bike-race) ## Sun May 17, 2026Reston, VA Bike reg: https://www.bikereg.com/rails-to-river-mountain-bike-race

Who’s up for a fun night out? Get your boots on, grab your cowboy hat, and let’s have some fun! Thinking about checking out PBR Cowboy Bar & Smokehouse for a lively evening to unwind, connect, and enjoy the night together. • Lively atmosphere with country vibes • Delicious food + drinks • Music, dancing, and lots of laughs • Great conversation and new connections

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

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

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Nature’s Bounty: Teas & Traditions Hosted by Ohio History Connection: * May. 30 * Time: Noon-4 p.m * General - $15 * Ohio History Connection Member - Free * Location: Newark Earthworks - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Octagon Earthworks 125 N. 33rd St., Newark, OH 43055 Did you know that Red Willow has the same natural compounds as aspirin? What about Staghorn Sumac and Purple Coneflower, containing large amounts of Vitamin C? Join us as we learn all about the uses of plants. This program will hike the grounds of the Octagon to learn about nature’s bounty. In addition, it will explore the vast knowledge of American Indian peoples regarding how plants help humans. Guests will be able to sample several teas made from plants that will be discussed. Disclaimer: This is for interpretative purposes only, and we are not promoting natural healing or any use of self-care or medical advice. Click here to register [https://hopewellearthworks.org/events/natures-bounty-teas-traditions/](https://hopewellearthworks.org/events/natures-bounty-teas-traditions/) Contact 740.344.0498 or newarkearthworks@ohiohistory.org https://hopewellearthworks.org/site/octagon-earthworks/