Kayaking, Canoeing, Weekend Retreats

According to the [Kirschblütenticker](https://www.teltow.de/seite/847347/kirschbl%C3%BCtenticker-2026.html), the Japanese cherry trees in Teltow will be in full bloom very soon - so let's see them! **How to get there** * Take the S2 to the S-Bahn station Schichauweg, arrival 16:02. This is where the hike will start. We will meet on the platform. * The hike will end at the cherry trees in Teltow, from where you can take the S-Bahn or a bus back home. **For latecomers** * I may share my position via Google Maps, so you'd have a fair chance to find us. * You can also join us at the bus stop Klausenburger Pfad. We will come there at around 16:45. This would effectively cut the route short by about 3 km. **You may want to bring** * An appropriate ticket (Deutschlandticket or Berlin AB) * Sun protection * Something to eat and drink **Full route** * [View in Naviki](https://t1p.de/dqchw) * [Download as GPX/KML](https://limewire.com/?referrer=cwnprhcil4)

**Outdoor – Berlin Wall Trail – Section 14 From Gropiusstadt to Johannisthal** with ***Harms*** and ***Thomas*** **Start: 11:00 a.m. at Lipschitzallee subway station (U7)** **LGBTQIA +** **[Free with registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/village-outdoor/w17-2026)** Hike along the Berlin Wall Trail, past fields and nature, with a view from the Dörferblick viewpoint. Along the way, we pass historical sites and the Rudow-Altglienicke Landscape Park. The approximately 12 km long tour ends at Stubenrauchstraße. In April, we’ll set off together on the Berlin Wall Trail – along Berlin’s southeasternmost city limits. Our starting point is the Lipschitzallee U-Bahn station. From there, the trail leads us first through a quiet residential area and out to the Berlin Wall Trail. Soon, the view opens up across the vast fields in the south of the city – and with a bit of luck, we’ll be accompanied by the rapeseed blossoms, which bathe the landscape in a vibrant yellow. A special highlight awaits us at Dörferblick: The verdant hill rises approximately 86 meters and rewards us with an impressive view as far as Großziethen and the BER Airport. We continue to the former border crossing at Waltersdorfer Straße – a historically significant site from the time of German division. Afterward, we’ll enjoy nature in the Rudow-Altglienicke Landscape Park before crossing the Rudower Höhe along the motorway. After crossing the Teltow Canal, we continue our hike along the former border strip between the water and the road to our destination at the Stubenrauchstraße bridge. Since there are no places to stop for refreshments along the way, please bring enough food and drinks for a picnic. **What’s Village Outdoor?** Village outdoor Events are monthly meetups for the we are village community and their friends to enjoy outdoor activities in and around Berlin. Activities include forest hikes, bike tours, swimming in lakes, sightseeing, and kayaking. Each month features a free and easy walk or hike in Berlin or its surrounding areas, accessible by public transport. 🔵 **Outdoor – Berliner Mauerweg – Abschnitt 14 Von der Gropiusstadt bis Johannisthal** mit ***Harms*** und ***Thomas*** **Start:** 11 Uhr, U-Bahnhof Lipschitzallee (U7), Vorplatz Rückfahrt: Bus M11, 172 Massantebrücke Fur **LGBTQIA+** **[Kostenlos mit Anmeldung](https://wearevillage.org/shop/village-outdoor/w17-2026/)** Wanderung entlang des Berliner Mauerwegs vorbei an Feldern und Natur mit Aussicht von der Anhöhe Dörferblick. Unterwegs passieren wir historische Orte und den Landschaftspark Rudow-Altglienicke. Die ca. 12 km lange Tour endet an der Stubenrauchstraße Im April machen wir uns gemeinsam auf den Weg entlang des Berliner Mauerwegs – entlang der südöstlichsten Stadtgrenze Berlins. Unser Startpunkt ist der U-Bahnhof Lipschitzallee. Von dort führt uns der Weg zunächst durch ein ruhiges Wohngebiet hinaus zum Berliner Mauerweg. Schon bald öffnet sich der Blick über die weiten Felder im Süden der Stadt – und mit etwas Glück begleitet uns die Rapsblüte, die die Landschaft in ein leuchtendes Gelb taucht. Ein besonderes Highlight erwartet uns am Dörferblick: Die begrünte Anhöhe ragt etwa 86 Meter empor und belohnt uns mit einer beeindruckenden Aussicht bis nach Großziethen und zum Flughafen BER. Weiter geht es zum ehemaligen Grenzübergang an der Waltersdorfer Straße Grenzübergang – ein geschichtsträchtiger Ort aus der Zeit der deutschen Teilung. Anschließend genießen wir die Natur im Landschaftspark Rudow-Altglienicke, bevor wir entlang der Autobahn die Rudower Höhe passieren. Nach der Überquerung des Teltowkanal wandern wir auf dem ehemaligen Grenzstreifen zwischen Wasser und Straße weiter bis zu unserem Ziel an der Brücke Stubenrauchstraße. Da es unterwegs keine Einkehrmöglichkeiten gibt, bringt euch bitte ausreichend Proviant für ein Picknick mit.

I’ll be in the beautiful Treptower Park, and you’re warmly invited to join me for a calming yoga session by the water 🌿 No pressure, just come as you are. I’ll guide the practice based on the group, your needs, and how we feel in the moment. Hope to see you there!🪽 The class is donation-based. (the exact location will be send in private)

Hola, gente bonita 🫶 Lass uns ein Bier trinken, Spanisch-Deutsch sprechen und eine gute Zeit genießen! Grundlegende (oder bessere 😛) Kenntnisse in Spanisch oder Deutsch sind alles, was du brauchst. Vamos a tomar una cerveza, hablar español-alemán y pasarla bien! Un nivel básico (o mejor 😛) de español o alemán es lo único que necesitas.

📚 **What’s the event?** A peaceful hour of silent reading in a beautiful library space, surrounded by fellow book lovers. 🧘‍♀️ **Perfect for you if you:** * Need an hour of focused, quiet reading * Are studying and want calm company * Want to meet new people without small talk pressure * Just love the vibe of libraries and stories *** ### **Reading Hour at Heinrich-Schulz-Bibliothek** **Need an hour of quiet, focused reading in a beautiful setting?** Studying for an exam and looking for some calm company? Want to meet new people while still getting your reading done on a weekend morning? If you answered yes to any of those questions, come join us at the beautiful Heinrich-Schulz-Bibliothek for a low-key, silent reading hour with fellow book lovers. Just bring your current read and enjoy the shared calm of collective reading. **Agenda:** * **10:00–10:30** – Arrivals & light socializing * **10:30–11:30** – The Venerable Silent Reading Hour (just you, your book, and the soft rustle of pages) * **11:30–12:00** – Optional social time: chat about your book, meet others, or just keep reading *** ### 📦 **What to Bring:** * **The book you're currently reading** (or studying) * **Yourself — just as you are** Come comfy, come curious — no sign-ups, no pressure, just a shared hour of peace. 🍽️ Afterward, we’ll head out for lunch nearby—come for the reading, stay for the company! **PS:** **Hi everyone!** Just a quick note ahead of our event at the **Heinrich-Schulz Library**: 🚪 Since we’re meeting **before the library officially opens**, the main doors might be locked. To avoid anyone being locked out, 📌 **Please arrive on time** — we’ll start settling in at **10:00 AM**. 📱 If you arrive and can’t get in, either knock on a window where the lights are on or push the button sitting on top of the metal pole where the door opener is. I'll come out and let you in. Looking forward to a calm, cozy morning of books and good company. See you soon! — Aneel

AKRO YOGA OPEN JAM Partner-Akrobatik im Offenen Wohnzimmer - Offene Jam Du möchtest deine neu gelernten Flows und Figuren aus der Partnerakrobatik mit anderen Menschen ausprobieren? Dann bist du hier genau richtig. Wir wollen gemeinsam einen Raum schaffen, in dem wir gemeinsam an unseren Flows arbeiten und kreativ experimentieren können. Nach einem gemeinsamen Warm Up wird frei ausprobiert, um am Ende bei einem gemeinsamen Cool Down wieder zusammen zu kommen. Du kannst gerne alleine kommen, es wird genug potentielle Partner\*innen vor Ort geben. Du brauchst: Bequeme, eng anliegende Kleidung, etwas zu trinken. Matten sind vor Ort. \*\*\*\* Anmeldung erforderlich : melde dich bitte an unter [akro@filua.de](mailto:akro@filua.de)

Sehr gerne Familien mit Kindern! Achtung ab sofort nur noch bis 27 Jahre!!!(Ausnahme Familien mit Kindern). Wir spielen jeden letzten Sonntag im go Brett- und Kartenspiele. Es sind viele Spiele da und es können auch Spiele mitgebracht werden. Jeder ist willkommen. Pro Spieler müssen ein Euro Raumnutzungsgebühr gezahlt werden.

**Dieses Meetup richtet sich exklusiv an die Menschen aus der Join The Crew Reisecommunity zwischen 20 und 39 Jahren.** **Aktivität:** Lasertag **Details:** JTC goes Lasertag. Egal ob Anfänger oder Profi, es wird voller Adrenalin. •⁠ ⁠Um 16.30 startet unser Spiel, es sind vier Runden und dauert ca. 1 Std. Bitte seid unbedingt schon um 16 Uhr da, damit wir das Spiel pünktlich starten können. •⁠ ⁠Empfehlung: sportliche Kleidung und festes Schuhwerk •⁠ ⁠Kein Alkohol vor dem Spiel! •⁠ ⁠Weitere Infos findet ihr hier: Kosten: **⁠⁠Der Preis pro Person beträgt 25€** und **muss vorab** an unsere Meetup-Host überwiesen werden. Bitte eine Nachricht hier an Meetupname: "AL" schreiben für weitere Zahlungsinformationen. Wer bis zum Stichtag 13.04. noch nicht überwiesen hat, wird aus dem Event wieder entfernt. **Bitte trotzdem nur anmelden, wenn ihr wisst, dass ihr 100% dabei seid.** **Treffpunkt:** **16:30 Uhr vor der Location. Bitte unbedingt pünktlich sein!** **Informationen und Vorrausetzung:** \- Vorrausetzung ist eine solide Grundfitness \- Es ist kein von JTC veranstaltetes Event und es gibt keinen verantwortlichen Guide oder ähnliches\, d\.h\. jeder Teilnehmende ist für die eigene Sicherheit stets selbstverantwortlich\. Keine Verantwortung seitens JTC\. Es gelten die Sicherheits\- und Hausregeln des Veranstalters\. Die Community trifft sich gemeinsam zu dieser Aktivität, um eine gute Zeit zu haben. **Weitere Information:** **Auf diesem Event werden ggf. Bilder und Videos gemacht, die wir auf unseren Instagram Kanälen oder auf [meetup.de](http://meetup.de/) verwenden.** Solltest Du nicht damit einverstanden sein, sag das bitte direkt zu Beginn des Meetups deinem Host. **Über uns:** Wir - eine Community von mittlerweile über 40.000 Leuten aus Deutschland, Österreich & der Schweiz reisen nicht nur in der Weltgeschichte herum sondern treffen uns auch regelmäßig in verschiedensten Städten um Freundschaften zu pflegen & Neulingen das Segeln und Outdoor-Abenteuer mit Join The Crew näher zu bringen. Egal ob du bereits bei vielen Törns und Touren dabei warst, du noch nie mit uns unterwegs warst oder einfach nur mit coolen Leuten abhängen willst, auf unseren Meetups bist du immer willkommen! Mehr Infos zu unserer Community findest du auf [https://join-the-crew.com/de](https://join-the-crew.com/de) Fragen? Kommentiert bitte unter diesem Beitrag!

Have you always wanted to learn bouldering but never had the right company? Or are you an experienced boulderer who just wants to find boulder-buddies? If yes, this is the right event for you. We are going to meet inside "urban apes Basement Boulderstudio", close to S Anhalter Bahnhof, also not far from Potsdamer Platz. If you have never been there, you will need to sign up with them, which will take a bit of time. After that, **you can find us on the couches near the lockers (not in front of the reception), next to a red smiley**. When you enter the actual gym, enter the hall by turning left immediately - you are walking towards them. We will start warming up around 11:10, so everyone has enough time to arrive and get changed before that. ***\*\*\**** *Spots are limited, so please update your RSVP at least 24 hours in advance if you won't be joining. **NO-SHOWs ARE NOT COOL \*\*\**** We enter the gym at 11:00, if you are late, you will need to look for us inside. IMPORTANT: they only accept cards as a payment method. No cash. One day ticket will cost you 13,90 EUR (10,90 EUR if you are a student, free if Urban Sports Club). **What to bring: well, first of all, a good mood.** But you could also bring * climbing shoes if you have any. If not, you can rent them there, no worries. They cost 3,50 EUR. * a lock (for the locker). * chalk. You won't need that if you are a beginner. Renting is possible. * water. * extra clothes. It's quite chalky there and humans sweat, not the best mix, don't you think? :D Please, note: the organizer is not responsible for anything, including injuries. A basic introduction will be provided.

**"I swear it's a sport! 🏸"** Let’s meet, play, and have fun! Our motto: **Sweet & Sweat!** ⚠️ **CRITICAL: RSVP & CONFIRMATION** * **First-Timers:** If it's your first time joining us, I will send you a **Direct Message** to confirm your attendance. **Please reply by Friday 1:00 PM**, or your spot will be released to the waiting list. * **Stay Alert:** Check your Meetup messages and comments regularly if you are on the main or waiting list. * **Update RSVP:** Sign out immediately if you can’t make it (even from the waiting list). * **Safety**: By registering, you acknowledge that you are participating at your own risk, and will be considerate for other players safety. *** 💰 **HOW TO JOIN & PAY** **Option 1: PayPal (€12)** 1. Sign up for the event. 2. **When to pay:** You can pay **immediately** upon signup or anytime **until Saturday evening**. 3. Link: [https://paypal.me/berlinhorizon](https://paypal.me/berlinhorizon) (**Use "Friends & Family" only!**) - Indicate your name and the event date please ! * *Note:* If you are on the **Waiting List**, do NOT pay until you are officially moved to the Main List. **Option 2: Cash (€12)** 1. Reply **'Cash'** to the RSVP question when signing up. 2. Pay in cash **on arrival** (Exact change only, please!). **Refund & Cancellation Policy:** * Guaranteed refund if you cancel **before Friday 1:00 PM** (48h notice). * Late cancellations (after Friday 1 PM) will still be required to pay. *** 🕒 **THE SCHEDULE** * **13:00:** Meet inside for introductions and registration. * **13:15:** Official court time starts *(some courts may open at 13:00 depending on availability, so **please be punctual** to maximize playtime!).* * **14:45:** End of play. * 🎁 **Bonus:** Your 10th session is **FREE**! (Paid upfront, then refunded later). *** 📍 **FACILITY & GEAR** **Location:** TiB 1848 e.V, Columbiadamm 111 (Near Tempelhofer Feld). **Equipment:** * *Racket*: Bring your own or rent one for €2. * *Shoes*: Must be **non-marking**, light-soled, and **never worn outside**. (Rental available for €2). * *Amenities*: Showers and lockers available. Sauna access depends on the club’s discretion. **Last but not least:** No worries about level, we play for fun above all! Looking forward to seeing you on the court! :)

We invite you to join our weekly Evenings of Meditation, to gently meet yourself, dissolve stress and live life from beautiful inner states, like calm, joy and connection. These gatherings are not just about meditating on your own, but a step inward we take together. Each time we’ll look into a particular topic in the light of timeless wisdom, reflect on it in a guided meditation, do powerful Oneness practices for greater wellbeing, and experience Deeksha - which helps to speed up your inner growth. For more info see: [www.onenessberlin.com](www.onenessberlin.com) **This week's topic: Restfulness** To experience vitality, intelligence and strength in life, being able to move into a state of restfulness is essential. It is not just about sleeping well, it is about being able hush the inner rush, whether it is physically, emotionally or mentally, so that we become present to life. Let’s explore what can take us into the state of restfulness. 🎟️ **Entry**: € 10 for walk-ins (in cash or PayPal) just for us to pay for the space or **[get a ticket from € 5 >](https://momence.com/l/b8hVg68G)** 📍**Where**: Yoga Sky, Am Tempelhofer Berg 7d, 10965 Berlin Follow the Yoga Sky signs in the yard, and take the elevator to the top floor. 🗓 **When**: Sunday, 26th of April, 19:00 - 20:30 Please arrive 5-10 min earlier to settle down. You’re welcome, no matter your background or experience. This is what has worked for us over many years and we love to share it with you. Looking forward to see you, Oneness Berlin Florian & Jazgul

*🙏 Please let us know and cancel your spot if you can’t make it after all. This allows others to join and helps us avoid waiting unnecessarily at the meeting point.* *If someone repeatedly doesn’t show up without cancelling, they may not be considered for future rides. Thanks for your understanding! 🙂* \-\-\- **Fährst du gerne Fahrrad, bist gerne in der Natur und möchtest neue Leute in Berlin kennenlernen? Dann komm mit auf diese Frühlingstour von Bornholmer Straße nach Spandau! 😊** Hier geht es nicht um sportliche Bestleistungen, sondern darum, gemeinsam draußen unterwegs zu sein und neue Kontakte zu knüpfen. Eine gewisse Grundfitness und Sicherheit im Umgang mit deinem Fahrrad solltest du mitbringen – aber egal welches Bike du fährst: Du bist willkommen. 😉 Wir fahren entspannt und warten aufeinander. Außerdem ist mir eine respektvolle und entspannte Atmosphäre in der Gruppe wichtig. ☺️ 📍 **Treffpunkt:** S-Bahnhof Bornholmer Straße (am Mauerdenkmal) ([Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nEHC3FBPmgJwpt1WA)) 🕚 **Abfahrt:** 11:00 Uhr (bitte spätestens fünf Minuten vorher da sein) 🗺️ **Route:** Wir fahren ca. 40 Kilometer auf naturnahen Wegen (teilweise entlang des Mauerwegs), vorbei an Seen, durch Wälder und Felder bis nach Spandau. Unterwegs lernen wir uns bei einem Getränk und/oder Snack am See (Jagdhaus Spandau) noch besser kennen. Wer möchte, fährt anschließend mit dem Fahrrad durch die Stadt zurück. Alternativ kann von Spandau die S-Bahn genommen werden. Die Routenkarte findest du hier auf der Seite [und direkt auf Komoot.](https://www.komoot.com/tour/2844736844) 🎒 **Bitte mitbringen:** Wasser, Snacks, ggf. Flickzeug ☀️ **Wetter:** Bringt schönes Wetter mit! Dauerregen macht keinen Spaß – deshalb kann die Tour auch kurzfristig abgesagt werden. Ich freue mich auf euch! 😊 ℹ️ *Private, kostenlose Fahrradtour. Teilnahme auf eigene Verantwortung. Typische Risiken auf unbefestigten Wegen sind möglich. Jede Person fährt eigenverantwortlich und ist für Rad, Ausrüstung und die Einhaltung der Verkehrsregeln selbst verantwortlich.* *** **Do you enjoy cycling, being outdoors, and meeting new people in Berlin? Then join this spring ride from Bornholmer Straße to Spandau! 😊** This is not about athletic performance or racing, but about being active outside together and connecting with new people. You should feel comfortable on your bike and bring a basic level of fitness – but no matter what type of bike you ride, you’re very welcome. 😉 We’ll ride at a steady but relaxed pace and wait for each other. Additionally, having a respectful and relaxed atmosphere within the group is important to me. ☺️ 📍 **Meeting point:** S-Bahnhof Bornholmer Straße, at Mauerdenkmal ([Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nEHC3FBPmgJwpt1WA)) 🕚 **Departure:** 11:00 am (please arrive at least five minutes early) 🗺️ **Route:** We’ll ride approximately 40 kilometers on scenic, nature-friendly paths (partly along the former Berlin Wall Trail), passing lakes, forests, and open fields on our way to Spandau. We'll stop at a beer graden (Jagdhaus Spandau) to get to know each other better over a drink and/or a snack. If you’d like, you can cycle back through the city afterwards. Alternatively, you can conveniently take the S-Bahn. You can find the route map here on the event page [and on Komoot.](https://www.komoot.com/tour/2844736844) 🎒 **Please bring:** Water, snacks, and a repair kit if you have one ☀️ **Weather:** Let’s hope for sunshine! Heavy rain isn’t much fun, so the tour may be cancelled at short notice if the weather is too bad. Looking forward to seeing you! 😊 ℹ️ *Private, free bike ride. Participation is at your own responsibility. Typical risks on unpaved roads and tracks may occur. Each participant rides at their own risk and is responsible for their bike, equipment, and compliance with traffic rules.*

**Embodied Consent** mit **Kuem** für **LGBTIQA+** Kostenlos mit **[Anmeldung](https://wearevillage.org/shop/embodied-consent/w17-2026-2/)** **Lernen über Grenzen und Kommunikation** Wenn Sie noch nicht an einem Workshop zum Thema Consent im Village teilgenommen haben, ist es jetzt an der Zeit! Dieser Workshop ist sehr zu empfehlen für alle, die unser Projekt regelmäßig besuchen oder an einem unserer Workshops teilnehmen möchten. Diese Erfahrung wird Ihnen nicht nur helfen, sich in der we.are.village-Community zurechtzufinden, sondern sie wird Sie auch dazu befähigen, diese Werte in Ihr Leben zu übertragen. Sich seiner Grenzen bewusst zu sein und sein Einverständnis oder Nicht-Einverständnis auszudrücken, sind wichtige Fähigkeiten im Leben, aber wir haben nicht oft die Gelegenheit, die Fähigkeit des Einverständnisses auf die gleiche Weise zu üben wie andere Fähigkeiten, wie Singen, Sport treiben oder eine Sprache lernen. Bei Consent geht es um viel mehr als ein einfaches Ja oder Nein. Wenn wir die Zustimmung dekonstruieren, entdecken wir, wie wir unsere wahren Wünsche kommunizieren können, und hören auf, Dinge zu wählen, die wir nicht wollen. Durch Diskussionen, Bewegung und Partnerspiele werden wir Werkzeuge entwickeln, um körperliche Wünsche auszudrücken und zu verhandeln und durch praktische Übungen Grenzen zu setzen. Dieser Workshop ist für Menschen aller Körpergrößen, Geschlechter und Hintergründe offen und einladend. Es handelt sich um einen nicht-sexuellen Workshop bei dem, ohne Druck, Kommunikation und Berührung geübt werden können. Es geht genauso darum, wirklich Ja zu sagen und es auch so zu meinen, wie es darum geht, Nein zu sagen! Wenn Sie noch nicht an einem Workshop zum Thema Consent im Village teilgenommen haben, ist es jetzt an der Zeit! Diese Erfahrung wird Ihnen nicht nur helfen, sich in der we are village Community zurechtzufinden, sondern sie wird Sie auch dazu befähigen, diese Werte in Ihr Leben zu übertragen. Gemeinsam wollen wir eine auf Consent ausgerichtete Gemeinschaft mit gemeinsamen Werten aufbauen und dabei die Verantwortung des Einzelnen für die Einhaltung dieser Grundsätze betonen. Unser oberstes Ziel ist es, gesunde Beziehungen zu fördern und eine integrative Community für eine bessere, vernetzte Zukunft zu schaffen. 🔵 **Embodied Consent** with **Kuem** for **LGBTIQA+** Free **[Registration Required](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/embodied-consent/w17-2026-2/)** **Learning about boundaries and communication**. If you have not yet attended a workshop on Consent in the Village, now is the time! This workshop is highly recommended for anyone wishing to visit our project on a regular basis, or to attend one of our workshops. This experience will not only help you navigate within the we.are.village community, but it will also equip you to carry these values into your life. Being aware of your boundaries and expressing your consent or non-consent are essential skills in life, but we don’t often get a chance to actually practice consent skills in the same way we practice other skills, like singing, playing sports or learning a language. Consent is about much more than a simple yes or no. When we deconstruct consent, we discover how to communicate our true desires and stop choosing the things we actually don’t want. Through discussion, movement and partner games, we will build tools to express and negotiate physical desires and set boundaries through the use of practical exercises. This workshop is inclusive and welcoming to individuals of all body sizes, genders, and background. This is a non-sexual workshop, and great, low pressure situation in which to practice communication and touching. It’s as much about how to truly say yes and mean it as it is about saying no! If you have not yet attended a workshop on Consent in the Village, now is the time! This experience will not only help you navigate within the we are village community, but it will also equip you to carry these values into your life. Together, we aim to nurture a consent-centered community with shared values, emphasizing individual responsibility in upholding these principles. Our ultimate goal is to foster healthy relationships and create an inclusive community for a better, more connected future.

**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.

This Monday 4/27/26 at 6:30p we will walking at Thompson Park. The address is 5600 Thompson Rd. We will meet at the shelter house. The walk will be approximately 2 miles on paved trails~Join us if you can.

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

Hosted by Licking County Parks Registration opens at 9am on April 9th. Ladies are you ready? It's back! Every other year we hold the Women's Outdoor Skills Workshop! The day is a chance for women to relax, enjoy exploring new skills in a welcoming environment, and make new connections! Session topics this year include: archery, kayak, stand up paddleboard, outdoor cooking, firemaking, knot tying, foraging, forest bathing, orienteering, nature photography, nature journaling, intro to disc golf, yoga, Tai Chi, birding, intro to backpacking, and more! Lunch is provided. Fee: $75 * Event Address: James Bradley Center, Infirmary Mound Park, 4309 Lancaster Rd, Granville, OH 43023 * Ages 16+. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. * Cancellation: Cancellation deadline is May 20, 2026. Cancellations before this date will receive a refund. There will be 4 sessions: three 1.5 hour sessions throughout the day (9am-10:30am, 10:50am-12:20pm, 1:30pm - 3pm) followed by the final 1 hour wellness short session (3:20pm - 4:20pm). Each session will have 6 or more classes to choose from. PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST FILL OUT THE GOOGLE FORM TO BE FULLY REGISTERED - The link will be in your receipt email. It determines your sessions. Sessions assigned FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. Register and pay here: [https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/271/June-2026](https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/271/June-2026)

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL