Local Wildlife

Looking for a new skill? Want to seem mysterious when people ask about your hobbies? Enjoy puzzles? Lock picking might be right for you! Is this legal? Yes! Is it fun? Yes! The meeting is very casual, come and go as you please. We meet in the upstairs area of Board Room. No payment, skills, tools, or RSVP necessary. If you can make small precise movements with your hands, you can learn to pick locks. Introductory talk at 7pm. All are welcome. We meet in a bar but minors are allowed to attend. We are not in a private room; parental discretion advised. If you are a minor or are responsible for one who's attending, please email the organizer in advance at chapter-DC@toool.us Open invite; bring friends! We are the DC chapter of TOOOL. More information here: http://toool.us/

This is an opportunity for volunteers to support a professional mechanic as he guides customers working on their own bikes. If you know how to do some basic repairs, that's a plus, but even if you don't, you can greet customers and manage who gets helped next. Feel free to attend for only a portion of the time if you can't be there the whole three hours. Please note that this event is not usually an opportunity to learn about bicycle repair, since the mechanic tends to be very busy helping customers, especially during the warmer months. But it's a great way to contribute to Velocity, since almost all the funding for the volunteer program comes from the work done at the shops.

The temperature is supposed to be in the 50s next Wednesday. Let’s take advantage and go on at walk at Brookside Gardens. It is half price burger day at Stained Glass Pub if anyone wants to go to lunch afterwards. We will meet to the right facing the visitors center.

NEW MEETING PLACE!! We will start at the bathroom temple on 15th st- Due east (towards capital) from Washington monument. WASHINGTON LODGE. We will visit some of the lesser known spots as well as the usual highlights. This is an easy, though fast, walk around the mall. Route varies, but walk may include Washington monument, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, MLK memorial, tidal basin, Signers memorial, and my favorite, the Roosevelt memorial. Many people feel that the mall is at its most beautiful at night with the monuments lit. We walk fast, this is not a stroll. This is a walk- not a sightseeing tour. We stop very briefly, if at all, at the monuments, then move on. Where to Meet: bathroom temple on 15th st- Due east (towards capital) from Washington monument. We leave 6:15 sharp. Please be a few minutes early. Difficulty: Easy, although we do walk fast. If you can’t stay with the group I assume you can find your way back on your own. Distance: 5-6 miles Duration: 1.5 hr Scenery: National monuments, tourists, geese, pigeons. Trail surface: Some gravel, paving, some mud. Facilities: There are rest room facilities at various spots, we will stop as needed. Park Fees: none Elevation Gain: 4 feet Dogs: No Metro: Smithsonian stop. Blue, Silver, Orange lines. There tends to be metered parking on Jefferson drive that opens up right at 6. Bringing a flashlight can be helpful. National Guard and other visitors to our capital are welcome.

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

This 7-mile circuit hike is a great local hike that travels through a few eras of time along the Potomac River. Our planned loop is rated as easy/moderate with approximately 500 feet of elevation gain over variable terrain and some tricky footing in one area. There there will likely be mud somewhere along the way. Our hike visits both the C&O Canal and Blockhouse Point in Darnestown, Maryland. The Blockhouse played a role in Civil War history as a supply complex, nestled in upland forest overlooking the Potomac River. We'll be travelling over trails over 150 years old. We might to see a few local winter birds as we pass the Dierssen Wildlife Management Area and along the C&O Canal. And of course, we’ll have Potomac River views for days from atop the high bluff. Meet at the Rockville Metro Station at 10 a.m. to form carpools. We’ll gather at the Kiss & Ride lot on the west side of the station (the side on of MD-355). Bring mud-worthy sturdy footwear, water, snacks, lunch, sunscreen, and bug spray. Trip fee: $6. ($1 transportation, $5 Adventuring trip fee) There will NOT be a pit stop on the way to the trailhead. RSVPs open 2 weeks before the event. --> Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.

PawsUP for David and Brick for originally suggesting this awesome meetup and our dogs love it! -Dumbarton Oaks/Montrose Park in Georgetown -Meet at the entrance off of R st, on the East side (closer to the cemetery) -Plenty of street parking in the area -Bring water and a ball for your Aussie This park is a very large open field, that is very dog friendly. Tons of space to run and chase. Most if not all dogs are off leash. Occasional runners and kids (there is a playground), so keep that in mind. There is also a trail inside with a stream that the dogs love to play in.

(Bus hike) Today's there-and-back hikes go along the section of the Tuscarora Trail that straddles the state line between Virginia and West Virginia on the ridge line of Great North Mountain. This section of the Tuscarora Trail runs along the ridge line of Great North Mountain and provides extensive views both the west and the east. All hikers start from Rte. 55 and go up to Eagles Nest Overlook. At this point moderate hikers lunch, enjoy the view to the area at Capon Springs Resort, and then return. Long hikers continue to a second overlook at the power line crossing, which also provides extensive views, lunch, and then return. The absence of foliage during this season enables hikers to obtain views of the valleys to the east and the west, even in places that are not designated as overlooks. Est.: 12.5 miles, 1700' and 7 miles, 1200'. Tuscarora Trail Guide. Fare: $33. VA Hikes * **[DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu)** downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am. * **[Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus)**, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181 * * Caution: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway that passes the fare gates over I-66 to the north lot. RESERVATIONS Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. FIRST-TIME HIKERS If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike. **Liability Waiver:** Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before NOON on the Friday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead. COVID PRECAUTIONS Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)

This is an easy out-and-back, go-at-your-own pace hike of up to 8 miles on the C&O Canal towpath along a scenic stretch of the Potomac River between Carderock Recreation Area's Parking Lot 4 and Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center. ([Trail map](https://bit.ly/41EUJCq).) Meet by 10 AM at Parking Lot 4 in Carderock Recreation Area (Note that the Google Map will take you to Lot 2, but follow the signs to Lot 4). A portion of the hike is along a serene lake-like portion of the canal known as Widewater. The Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center has historical and interpretive information and exhibits about the canal. Restrooms are nearby. Return to the towpath from the visitor center/restrooms and head back to Carderock. The 0.25-mile Great Falls Overlook trail is 0.3 miles from the visitor center on the right. From the overlook are spectacular views of Great Falls (pictured above). Although open to all, this hike is part of a series of Saturday training hikes leading up to the [One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/297686196/) (ODH)—100 or 50 km along the C&O Canal—on May 2, 2026. See SCPRO’s [Meetup page](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/) for other training hikes as they are posted. If you would like to support the ODH, see [volunteering opportunities](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467618/) and/or contact Mike Darzi ([Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com](mailto:Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com)). For official updates regarding training hikes, registration, and other information, join the ODH email list by sending a blank email to [OneDayHike+subscribe@Groups.io](mailto:OneDayHike+subscribe@Groups.io) . Dress for the weather---layered, non-cotton clothes. Bring water (two quarts) and snacks. Sierra Club requires all participants to sign a liability waiver form; you may sign at the trailhead. A $2.00 donation per person is appreciated to cover SCPRO expenses---leader training, first aid, and web site. Optional: After the hike, meet for pizza at [Potomac Pizza](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Potomac+Pizza+-+Potomac+Village/@39.0174149,-77.2130225,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x89b634bb3590299d:0x69265a0f8d1971fb!4m5!3m4!1s0x89b634bb4049e6a7:0xb04f879e1747f02!8m2!3d39.0174108!4d-77.2108338), 9812 Falls Road, Potomac, MD. If you are not already, become a Sierra Club member by clicking "join" on the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter web site: [http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia) (You don't need to be a member to participate in SCPRO events.) Leaders: Gabriele Ludwig; Gary Kosciusko; Frank Wodarczyk

Hey Social Sips & Bites Friends! We’re heading back to Whino-and we’d love for you to join us! This place has been a hit with our group in the past, and it’s easy to see why: vibrant art, delicious food and drinks, and an atmosphere that’s perfect for mingling and making friendship. Whether you’ve been with us before or it’s your first time, you’re in for a great night. Come sip, chat, laugh, and unwind with some of the best people around. Bring a friend- or just bring yourself. Either way, you’ll be in good company. Let’s make it a night to remember at Whino! 🎨🍷✨

Wild Ones: Annual Native Seed Swap January 10, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am Join Wild Ones Columbus for their annual native seeds swap. If you have native seeds to share, please label them with the Latin name and common name. The seeds don’t need to be removed from the seed head if you aren’t sure how to do it, but remove as much stem as possible. Bringing seeds is not required. Bring bags or envelopes to store seeds. Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S. Hempstead Rd. Westerville, OH 43081 Phone (614)895-6216 This event will be held in the Greenhouse/Multipurpose Building located near the east end of the parking lot. Click here to see the Inniswood map. If you have native seeds to share, label each species with this information: * Botanical Name * Common Name Species we will accept: * Species native to our ecoregion (8.2.4) - Best * Species native to Ohio and surrounding states - Good * Straight species only - no cultivars. The seeds don’t need to be removed from the seed head if you aren’t sure how to do it, but don’t leave much stem on the seed heads. Please email the list of species to Mary May so we can prepare information for attendees. You can bring the seeds on the day of the swap, or we can arrange to have them picked up beforehand - just let her know in the email. If you don’t have any seeds to bring, no worries. If you are new to native plants or didn't have time to collect seeds, there are ALWAYS plenty from those that do bring them! We love to see "newbies" at our seed exchange! Also, remember to bring something to put seeds in such as envelopes, paper bags or containers.

Join Soft Life Society for a cozy and intentional Cultural Potluck Night centered on community, connection, and culture. This is a potluck-style gathering where each guest is invited to bring a dish that represents their culture, heritage, or a family tradition. We will be tasting and sharing each other’s cultural foods while connecting through conversation, laughter, and soft living. The evening will also include fun games and a prize for the winner. Drinks will be available, but guests are welcome to bring their own favorite beverage if they prefer. This is a relaxed, welcoming space to slow down and enjoy a beautiful evening together. Limited spots available. RSVP required.

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

Do you sometimes feel like you do well in life then something happens and you slide back, never quite getting ahead. At this Meetup you'll find out how to identify what actually causes the lows, the highs and everything in between. More importantly you’ll get the secret of how to gain control over your life so the highs are higher and the lows go away. Wouldn’t it be nice to stop the wild roller coaster ride for good? Or at least make it a fun roller coaster ride, with more ups and downs. There is a hidden factor that will be going over and you’re going to be quite surprised what it is and how much it affects your life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is hosted at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Inspired by the successful events like "Pot Luck in the Park" and "Saturday Mornings @ East Market," this meetup promises a fun and engaging atmosphere where like-minded individuals can connect over a shared love for languages and cultures. Whether you're a language learner, ESL student, or simply passionate about exploring new cultures, this event is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a diverse and welcoming community. Come join us for an enlightening evening of language, culture, food, of course, and connections! (Everyone will choose from the menu and pay individually)

Join us for this free, in person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Do you want more motivation and confidence to build lasting relationships? Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Java Central Café and Roaster](https://javacentral.coffee/)**!**