Local Wildlife

**No pressure. No plans. Just new friends ✨** Whether you’re visiting Washington DC for the first time, just arrived, or simply love meeting curious, open-minded people, this bi-weekly **Just Gutsy** meetup is an easy way to share stories, make friends, and explore the city together. **Who it’s for?** • Solo travelers • Expats & digital nomads • Locals who love meeting travelers **What to expect?** ✨ Relaxed, **self-led** gathering 🤝 Small group energy 🌍 Travel stories, tips & shared adventures 🍹 Grab a drink or snack if you like **How it works?** This is a self-led meetup, meaning I set it up for you but the magic happens between you. To make sure everyone finds each other smoothly, please follow these simple coordination steps: 1️⃣ **RSVP** Thoughtfully If you’re planning to come, tap “Going.” It helps others feel confident joining and builds momentum before the meetup. Even if you’re 80% sure, RSVP. If your plans change, please update your RSVP so others aren’t expecting your attendance. 2️⃣ **Confirm 2 Hours Before** (Essential) To ensure the meetup runs, please comment on this event page at least 2 hours before the start time: “Confirmed for today 😊” This allows everyone to see, ahead of time, who is actually coming. The meetup moves forward when at least 2 people confirm 2 hours before the event. If fewer than 2 confirmations are posted by then, attendance may be low that day. This avoids anyone showing up uncertain. 3️⃣ **Signal Your Arrival** When you arrive, comment on this event page: “Arrived” + where you’re sitting + what you’re wearing Example: “Arrived. Sitting outside near the entrance. Wearing a black t-shirt.” This ensures everyone can easily find each other. Recognition Tip Having a clear profile photo on Meetup is highly encouraged — it makes recognition effortless and helps the group form faster. **When & Where?** 📅 Day: Every Tuesday & Saturday 🕓 Time: **4:00 PM local time** 📍 Meeting point: In front of **Compass Coffee.** **Arrive on time,** smaller groups make it easier to connect. **Why join Just Gutsy?** • Meet open-minded people who genuinely want to connect • Feel at home anywhere in the world • Be part of a growing global solo travel community • Early members get lifetime premium access to the future Just Gutsy app 🚀 Join here 👉 https://justgutsy.com/ WhatsApp: After attending, you’re welcome to join the Washington DC Just Gutsy WhatsApp group to stay connected and suggest spontaneous meetups: 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/KwwHR0npG3aB8VykYjN3hw **About Just Gutsy** **Just Gutsy** is a global community for solo travelers who are free spirited, love exploring the world believe that real connections make the best memories. Hi, I am Syrine, I started solo traveling in 2018 and it changed my life, from introvert to extrovert. Along the way, I loved meeting people, but also felt how hard it can be to find connection when traveling alone. I’m building Just Gutsy so no one has to feel alone on the road — and so anyone who’s still shy to take that first step has a welcoming place to start. 💛

This pop-up pickleball experience is a fun, social, and active way to engage in this fast-growing sport. The program offers accessible pickleball courts paired with opportunities to try current paddle gear and equipment in a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere. This date will be held in the gymnasium. Ages 18 & up; FREE [REGISTER HERE](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=Oc6G6P6E0L1D1C4N343H1Z4B5T4J50470M5I495656024N4Z566D6E6V4S4Z696B684B674X1N003L5Q6C044Z4L6N69734T3U4Y4K19044Q4E5G735M416D6F735M574E&age=0.25&age=0.5&age=0.75&age=1&age=2&age=3&age=4&age=5&age=6&age=7&age=8&age=9&age=10&age=11&age=12&age=13&age=14&age=15&age=16&age=17&age=Adult&age=Senior&primarycode=27429-238A&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+One&showwithavailable=No&spotsavailable=&beginyear=&instructor=&dayoption=All&display=Detail&module=AR&multiselectlist_value=&arwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes) **Activity Code:** [27429-238A](https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com%2Fwebtrac%2Fweb%2Fsearch.html%3FAction%3DStart%26SubAction%3D%26_csrf_token%3DOc6G6P6E0L1D1C4N343H1Z4B5T4J50470M5I495656024N4Z566D6E6V4S4Z696B684B674X1N003L5Q6C044Z4L6N69734T3U4Y4K19044Q4E5G735M416D6F735M574E%26age%3D0.25%26age%3D0.5%26age%3D0.75%26age%3D1%26age%3D2%26age%3D3%26age%3D4%26age%3D5%26age%3D6%26age%3D7%26age%3D8%26age%3D9%26age%3D10%26age%3D11%26age%3D12%26age%3D13%26age%3D14%26age%3D15%26age%3D16%26age%3D17%26age%3DAdult%26age%3DSenior%26primarycode%3D27429-238A%26keyword%3D%26keywordoption%3DMatch%2BOne%26showwithavailable%3DNo%26spotsavailable%3D%26beginyear%3D%26instructor%3D%26dayoption%3DAll%26display%3DDetail%26module%3DAR%26multiselectlist_value%3D%26arwebsearch_buttonsearch%3Dyes&data=05%7C02%7CStefanie.Ascherl%40pgparks.com%7C0a29edbb1112482cc63708de74a0f4eb%7Ca9061e0c24ca4c1cbeff039bb8c05816%7C0%7C0%7C639076431831242096%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XeA5wBGJIDONpotSeroiVLSFm4xlrRumM1cfH1wkDDo%3D&reserved=0 "Original URL: https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=Oc6G6P6E0L1D1C4N343H1Z4B5T4J50470M5I495656024N4Z566D6E6V4S4Z696B684B674X1N003L5Q6C044Z4L6N69734T3U4Y4K19044Q4E5G735M416D6F735M574E&age=0.25&age=0.5&age=0.75&age=1&age=2&age=3&age=4&age=5&age=6&age=7&age=8&age=9&age=10&age=11&age=12&age=13&age=14&age=15&age=16&age=17&age=Adult&age=Senior&primarycode=27429-238A&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+One&showwithavailable=No&spotsavailable=&beginyear=&instructor=&dayoption=All&display=Detail&module=AR&multiselectlist_value=&arwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes. Click or tap if you trust this link.")

Since 1961, Amnesty International USA has fought to protect human rights as the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization. Our local group generally meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Cleveland Park Library. Each month, we do letter writing actions, discuss human rights issues in the news, and plan for hosting or participating in occasional events area events. For more information, email Mike Duffy at michaelbernardduffy@gmail.com.

Zero session Learning the basic rules to the game Creating an investigator for the first scenario No need to bring anything with you. I will have all the supplies needed.

James is out of town this week, so let's draft my variant of the famed 100 Ornithopters cube, featured in [this video by Rhystic Studies](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pddm1gbBuWE). My list is slightly different, but keeps the same design philosophies, although there might not be exactly 100 Ornithopters. The cube has no creature tokens, no creature lands, and no ways to kill your opponent without the card having something to do with controlling or having Ornithopters. My cube list is below: [https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/100ishornithopters](https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/100ishornithopters) The event will take place at a **NEW LOCATION** in Arlington, near Ballston Quarter, and the Ballston metro, accessible through the Orange and Silver lines! Feel free to contact me through Meetup or call me at 9194578870 if you have any questions about getting to the location. **CONDUCT POLICY** We cultivate a safe, friendly atmosphere. Please keep other's feelings close to mind. Derogatory comments of any kind are unacceptable, as is behavior that may make others uncomfortable, such as rage-quitting. If the stresses of the game are getting to you, we encourage you to politely sit out for a while. Thank you!

**April’s event will give you a sneak peek of [FedGeoDay 2026](https://www.fedgeo.us/)!** GeoDC’s guest speakers for the evening will be members of the organizing team for **[FedGeoDay](https://www.fedgeo.us)**, a conference about how federal programs and stakeholders build, support and use geospatial open-source software, open data, open science and open mapping. **FedGeoDay 2026: *Building Ecosystems for Supporting Federal Data Stewardship*** Do you use US Census data, NASA satellite imagery or federal GIS tools? Curious how policy changes and AI innovation are shaping the way we think/talk about or solve problems with location and maps? **FedGeoDay 2026**, a conference on April 22–23 in the DC area, will answer these questions and more. **[FedGeoDay](https://www.fedgeo.us)** is the premier conference devoted to how federal programs and stakeholders cultivate and harness “open geospatial ecosystems.” Themed ***Building Ecosystems for Supporting Federal Data Stewardship***, FedGeoDay 2026 will feature more content than ever and more ways for attendees to engage and shape the dialogue. Organizing team members including **[Eddie Pickle](https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-pickle-b67545)** from Snowflake will answer your questions and tell you more about the conference, including the hands-on workshops on day two and the first-ever FedGeoDay "unconference," which gives the power to shape the discussion back to the attendees in the spirit of open source. FedGeoDay's planning team also includes GeoDC's very own Chad Blevins and Puneet Kollipara. FedGeoDay is April 22–23 in Suitland, MD at the Census Bureau HQ, just off the Green Line. Check out the website for an at-a-glance view of the [program](https://www.fedgeo.us/program), keynoted by **[Denice Ross](https://www.fedgeo.us/denice-ross)** (former U.S. Chief Data Scientist, now at Federation of American Scientists). Get your **[early-bird tickets](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fedgeoday-2026-tickets-1980250906769)** by this **Friday, 4/10**. **Agenda** * **6–7 pm:** Happy Hour / Networking \*Sudhouse has great HH specials! * **7–8:30 pm:** Announcements / Events /Jobs-Internships and FedGeoDay Preview Presentation Happy Spring, and we look forward to seeing you at Sudhouse DC! If you're interested in presenting for the May GeoDC event, we've got a few spaces remaining. Please complete an [interest form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10Yj1-BOBXHqtoepJNW2X1WRzmdMjvbBPB8F5fgu5Lhk).

Join Sarah and Willow for a walk at the Arboretum! We will meet at the Visitor Center Parking at 9:00am and plan to go for an hour and half walk. The azaleas will be blooming, so we will start there. magnolias. Then we will do a big loop to check out the lilacs end up back at the Capital Columns. Time: 9:00am - 10:30ish. Plan on getting there a little early so we can be ready to go on time. Location: Visitor Center Parking lot by R street entrance What to expect: This walk will be on leash. Don't forget to bring water for you and your dog. The walking surface will be a mix of paved road and grass/dirt. More info and directions here: https://usna.usda.gov/visit/hours-and-directions/

Come take a mindful and sensory meander along Big Hunting Creek in Catoctin Mt. Park, Thurmont, MD with the forest & water as our guides. This is a nature connection experience. Pace of this 3.74 mile round trip hike along the white & orange blazes toward the Lewis Property will be unhurried along dirt and rocky trails that move between the tree canopy and creek's edge. There are some small hills to navigate with no more than 500 ft elevation but still require aerobic capability. We will have time to be social while also experiencing social silence, gentle forest invitations and a short nature meditation by the creek. **Bring**: water, snacks, bug repellant, sunblock, something to sit on, good walking footwear & appropriate clothing for the weather. **Fee**: There is no fee for this hike, but SCPRO appreciates a voluntary $2 per person donation to support the costs of Sierra Club's many volunteer-led activities. Please bring cash or donate at **www.sierraclub.org** where you can also join our national club or state chapters. **Participants limited to 20.**

What better way to celebrate the arrival of spring and Earth Day than a little community service with your local queer community? This event is family-friendly :) **9am-11am** \- Join QA to participate in the City of Alexandria's Stream Cleanup at Four Mile Run Park\. **Participants will meet at the Commonwealth Avenue Cul-de-Sac near the Four Mile Run ballfields.** Details here: [Four Mile Run Stream Cleanup April 12](https://apps.alexandriava.gov/Calendar/Detail.aspx?si=58842) 11:30amish - 1pmish - **Join us right down the road from the park for brunch at District Biscuit Company!** 3401 Mt. Vernon Ave. Please feel free to join us for either or both parts of this event. Hope to see you there!

Enjoy numberless ephemeral flowers, new leaves, and local fauna while hiking along the Potomac River and C & O Canal, and through upland woods to a dramatic view that is fast disappearing below the expanding tree canopy. We’ll look out for many inhabitants, whether flowers already going by, in bud, at peak, or yet to flower - including bluebells, blood root, spring beauties, cutlet toothwort, cranefly orchid, violets, Dutchman’s britches, smooth rockcress, trillium, trout lily, perhaps elusive hepatica, also turtles, heron, and maybe an eagle. We’ll hike about 8.7 miles. Expect about 617 ft of elevation gain, some rock scrambles and a stream crossing, moving around 2 mph, and pausing to admire discoveries, especially during the first section along the Billy Goat B Trail. From there we take the towpath to the canal crossing at Angler’s on up to a woodland loop including out and back to overlook for lunch, then return via towpath. **Note: Sign up only if you know you can make it, and please remove yourself from the Going or Waitlist as soon as possible if you find you can’t.** **The Sierra Club welcomes a $2. Donation to cover expenses** **Meet**: [Carderock North parking lot](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uPXMBmBAx7mTQ7366) At 8:45 am for registration, we will start hiking at 9 am. There are privies at the parking lot, and a bio-break op after lunch. **What to Bring / Wear:** Plenty of water, snacks / lunch, bug spray, sunscreen, hat, grippy hiking shoes, camera. You might want to record finds on the i-Naturalist App, and contribute to citizen science, including to phenology, the study of periodic biological phenomena, such as flowering and migration. For carpooling, the closest metro stations are the ones on the Red line: Friendship Heights, Bethesda, Medical Center, Grosvenor-Strathmore. Arrange for carpool in Meetup Comments, on your own. Questions: Use comments below or Text / Call Hike Leader Barbara 703.772.5401 To participate in this event, you must: Read the liability waiver (officially, the Sierra Club Participation Agreement) http://bit.ly/3Qd4F1B 2: Tap ATTEND at the bottom of this event 3: When prompted, type ’I accept’ to the liability waiver, your first and last name, your contact cell number, and an emergency contact number – Example: I accept, Jane Doe, (703) 555-5555, (301) 666-6666”

Social Sips & Bites Friends - Looking for a calm and scenic way to spend the day? Join us for a refreshing walk through the U.S. National Arboretum, one of DC’s most beautiful hidden gems. After exploring the peaceful trails and stunning gardens, we’ll head to a nearby restaurant for a relaxed group lunch.

Join us for a two mile trail hike alongside the Brookside Trail at Blendon Woods Metro Park. This trail is largely gravel and does include some hills and stairs. Hopefully we will see some wildlife while hike this scenic trail! Join us!

**💝 Cincinnati Speed Dating – Personality Matched & Hosted on Zoom** For this online speed dating version, the host and the people in the room matter as much as the agenda. The experience is designed to feel guided, welcoming, and social. We pair you by personality and age so every conversation feels natural. Each round is a brief one-on-one Zoom chat with a Cincinnati local paired by age and personality. A host keeps the pace comfortable. **Register under your age group:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - ⚡ **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) **⚠️ Heads up — RSVPing here isn't enough.** Register through your age group link below and complete the quiz. Capacity is limited. --- 👥 **Best for:** - 🔥 Anyone who likes connecting online before meeting face-to-face - Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations - Singles in Cincinnati who want to meet people from home 📌 **What to know** - 🎯 **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – hosted and well-structured - **Location:** Online from home – no need to go anywhere - **Host:** Professional host keeping the evening smooth and relaxed **How the event unfolds** 1. **Pick your age group** – Register through your link above. 2. **Fill in the matching quiz** – Helps us find your ideal matches for the evening. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Click the link, jump on, and the host handles the rest. 4. **Meet your matches** – Cycle through short chats with compatible Cincinnati singles. --- ✨ Register, take the quiz, and connect with Cincinnati locals tonight. � ✨ Short-form version for faster scanning. Everything important, without the extra padding. 🤝 **Community angle** - The community matters as much as the session itself - The host keeps the pace clear and the room welcoming - The structure is designed to help people settle in quickly It is meant to feel like the start of ongoing relationships, not just a single session on the calendar.

5th annual Earth Day Celebration! This year (2026) the Celebration is scheduled for April 25th with activities running from 10am-2pm. This is a non-ticketed event. Everyone is welcome! We will have food trucks, Birds of Prey, kids crafts, live music, raspberry plants, apple trees, and of course NATIVE PLANTS! Where: Lynd Fruit Farm, 9399 Morse Rd, Pataskala Ohio 43062 Time: Activities will be from 10am- 2pm. The Market will remain open until 5pm.

**� Zoom Speed Dating for Fort Wayne Locals – Matched by Age & Personality** For this online speed dating version, the host and the people in the room matter as much as the agenda. The experience is designed to feel guided, welcoming, and social. A hosted online speed dating experience for Fort Wayne locals. Join from home, get paired with Fort Wayne singles your age, and have real conversations on Zoom. A host manages everything so you can just relax and enjoy. **Find your age group below:** - 🎯 **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=downtown-local-singles-mixer-and-mingle&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=downtown-local-singles-mixer-and-mingle&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=downtown-local-singles-mixer-and-mingle&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ Your RSVP doesn't guarantee a place.** Click your age group link below, register, and take the personality quiz to lock in your spot. Limited places. --- 👥 **Best for:** - Singles who prefer a hosted, structured experience - People fed up with swiping who want actual conversation - Singles in Fort Wayne who want to meet people from home 🧭 **How the session runs** 1. **Sign up** – Tap the link for your age range above. 2. **Fill in the matching quiz** – Helps us find your ideal matches for the evening. 3. **Log in** – Connect to the Zoom session from home. The host runs the show. 4. **Speed date** – One-on-one rounds with personality-matched Fort Wayne locals. 🗂 **Quick details** - **Format:** Zoom video session – short timed rounds - **Location:** Wherever you're comfortable – no venue, no travel - **Host:** Live host handling rounds and introductions --- ✨ Speed dating from home — easy, fun, and personality matched. 🫶 ✨ Quick version: this one gets straight to the point. Built for clarity over length. 🤝 **Community angle** - The host keeps the pace clear and the room welcoming - Repeat attendees help create familiarity and momentum - The community matters as much as the session itself The long-term goal is a room people want to come back to, not a one-off event people forget about.

Join WQC on April 25th from 11am-1pm at Inniswood Metro Park for a Nature Photo Walk. All types of cameras welcome! Let's enjoy spring to the fullest... 🌻🌼🌷🐤

**💝 Cleveland Zoom Speed Dating – Personality & Age Matched** This online speed dating event is built around a host who sets the tone, keeps things easy, and helps people feel comfortable from the first minute. Meet Cleveland singles from home. We sort the matching, you just turn up. It's simple: complete a short personality quiz, jump on Zoom, and meet Cleveland singles in guided one-on-one rounds. Matches shared afterwards. **Pick your age group and sign up:** - 💡 **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) **⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** You need to register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- 🎯 **Especially useful for:** - Singles who prefer a hosted, structured experience - Singles in Cleveland who want to meet people from home - 🔥 Anyone curious about speed dating in a relaxed setting 📌 **What to know** - 🔥 **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – hosted and well-structured - **Location:** Your space – couch, desk, wherever suits you - 🎯 **Host:** Experienced host steering the session 🔄 **What to expect** 1. **Register** – Select your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the personality quiz** – We use it to pair you with compatible Cleveland singles. 3. **Hop on Zoom** – Join the call and your host will walk you through it. 4. **Speed date** – One-on-one rounds with personality-matched Cleveland locals. **Frequently Asked Questions** **What if I'm shy?** The virtual setting and hosted rounds keep things comfortable for everyone. **What's the personality quiz for?** **How long are the chats?** --- ✨ Real people, real conversations — all from your home. 🥰 ✨ Lean version: fewer words, same core offer. Everything important, without the extra padding. 🤝 **Community angle** - Repeat attendees help create familiarity and momentum - The structure is designed to help people settle in quickly - The atmosphere is guided, social, and easy to join That community angle is deliberate: better conversations, more familiar faces, and stronger momentum over time.