Marine Ecology

Ever wondered how humanity would respond to an asteroid heading for Earth? Or how the world might react to first contact with aliens? Welcome to **The Thought Experiment** — a new kind of meetup where we explore big *“What if…?”* scenarios in a fun but thoughtful way. Each session, we’ll pick one scenario (from global crises to wild sci-fi situations) and work together to imagine solutions, strategies, and possibilities. This is for **curious minds of all kinds** — students, professionals, creatives, or anyone who enjoys thinking differently. Some people might bring research, others just bring imagination. Either way, we’ll brainstorm together and see where the discussion takes us. [Thought Experiment Site](https://thoughtexperiment.au) **We ask everyone to Buy a drink at the venue** **You Need to have Conversational English.** **Format:** * Quick intro to the scenario * Small-group discussions * Share back with the group * Wrap up + (optional) post-discussion drinks For our first meetup, we’ll introduce the format, get to know each other, and jump into a scenario together. ***Story Arc: Horrors of Consciousness*** Keywords: Underwater, Decision, Paranoia **Scenario: Crimson Tide** Next Week in the Horrors of Consciousness Series. You are aboard a ballistic missile submarine. Deep. Silent. Unreachable. Weeks submerged. At 02:17 AM, the alert triggers. A launch order arrives. Authenticated. Valid. Encrypted. Incomplete. The confirmation phrase is missing. The secondary channel is silent. Sonar detects a contact. Intermittent. Unresolved. Enemy. Noise. Imagination. The captain orders the launch. Calm. Certain. Doctrine calls hesitation failure. If you comply, cities burn. Millions will die in the nuclear fire. If you refuse and the order is real, retaliation may already be in motion. No clarification will come. You are not choosing whether destruction happens. Only whether it happens by your hand. 📍 Oxford Scholar — Saturday, 3–5 PM Small group. Big imagination. No right answers — just curiosity, debate, and fun.

I am opening my place in the city for a free film screening on a projector. This is a legit safe and private place with security cameras all around the premises (except my unit). Building address to be sent on rsvp attendees. The film 37 Seconds is currently on Netflix. Haven't watched it yet but it would be cool to do it with people who are curious about the same type of films.

**Please note:** We meet at 11am and start walking towards Elwood soon after. Please be on time or message us. Thanks! :) Walk and talk with us. Meet on St Kilda Beach in front of Republica near the Rhinocerous statue, Walk to Ormond Point Elwood 🏃🏼‍♀️‍➡️🏃🏻‍➡️ We practice English conversation plus our first and second languages on the way. Bring a friend, dog and perhaps a ✍🏽 and notepad to remember new words and phrases. Meet new people. We look forward to chatting with you!🤗 ***Please note:*** *For attendance at this beach walk read the disclaimer below:* *By signing up and participating in this **Language Practice and Walking on the Beach** today I agree to do so at my own risk. I know that my attendance and this agreement operates to exclude any liability in negligence for harm that I may suffer. I have been warned that this recreational activity may cause physical harm to me or to someone under my control or accompanying me, and I confirm that I do not have a condition, medical or physical, that could prevent me from, or be aggravated by, participating in this activity. Examples of the risks I have been warned about include: Tripping, slipping and falling • Collision with someone or something • Something giving way unexpectedly • Back injury, strains • Spillage and burns • Trip hazard• Bites and stings • Sun • Injury from falling branches*

🌸 **Mid Summa Social Bar Night** 🌆 **Saturday 10 January 7:00 PM @ Lustre Bar, Melbourne CBD Optional Dance Extension @ Fadd Gallery from 10:00 PM** Or we'll figure it out on the night. **Update:** Happy hour cocktails for all the ladys and lady boyz between 7 and 10. No luck on discounts for knuckle draggers like me though 😭 Melbourne’s social scene is blooming again—and so are we. Join us for the first night of Eat, Drink and Dance, 🌸 . Think candlelight, cocktails, and the kind of atmosphere that makes introductions feel effortless. Whether you come solo or with a wingperson, you’ll find yourself in easy orbit with friendly others who are curious, open, and ready to vibe. Expect flirty banter, warm welcomes, and the kind of conversations that start with “So what brings you here?” and end with “You have to meet my friend…” If you’re a woman who’s outgrown the backpacker and dive bar circuit and a man who prefers charm over chaos—this one’s for you. 💃 Part Two: Open option but this is a regular haunt. Think Whiteheart Bars off Little Bourke St or Swing & Sway at Fadd Gallery (from 10:00 PM) _Address:14 Corrs Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000. About 5 or so minutes walk away just off Little Bourke St in China Town._ When the clock strikes ten, the rhythm calls. We’ll drift to either Whiteheart Bar or Fadd Gallery, Who knows maybe QT Rooftop Bar is also on the way, where the dance floor pulses with throwback magic—70s funk, 80s synth, and 90s pop that knows how to flirt. Whether you’re a shoulder-shrugger, a hip-swinger, or just there for the vibe, this is your chance to move, mingle, and maybe make a memory or two. Come for the cocktails, stay for the chemistry. Eat. Drink. Dance. Repeat. **Notes** If you can't make it please update your RSVP. The bar has a very limited capacity and it's always courteous to allow people on the waitlist a chance to come.

**WALK DESCRIPTION:** Join us for a spectacular summer coastal adventure along one of Victoria's most dramatic and underrated shorelines. The George Bass Coastal Walk features rugged cliffs, sweeping ocean views and quiet beach sections that rival the Great Ocean Road - without the crowds. Located approximately 1.5 hours from Melbourne, both groups start from the same location east of Kilcunda and make their way to the coast, with the longer walk taking in the scenic mouth of the Powlett River along the way, before continuing toward the outskirts of San Remo along the wild Bass Strait coastline. From Kilcunda, we'll follow a stunning cliff-top trail with uninterrupted views of pounding surf, jagged rock platforms and wide open sea. The landscape constantly shifts - from rolling farmland to exposed headlands and peaceful beach sections where waves break just metres away. Expect a mix of coastal tracks, beach walking and farm stiles, making this a rewarding walk for those with moderate fitness. Tracing the route explored by George Bass in 1797, the walk blends coastal history with breathtaking scenery and fresh sea air. Important notes: * Long pants or gaiters are strongly recommended due to coastal vegetation. * This is an exposed coastline - come prepared for strong winds and possible rain, even in summer. * The E/M walk includes approximately 4-5 km of beach walking on sand, requiring good balance and stamina. Registration: Visitors wishing to register are welcome to come to Mission to Seafarers on Wednesday 7 January. If you enjoy big coastal scenery, a sense of history, and walking where land meets sea in its rawest form, this is a hike not to be missed. Please note that at this time of year there is always a possibility of encountering snakes, and appropriate leg covering is recommended. As the weather can be warm at this time of year, **please carry at least 2 litres of water.** . **DISTANCE(S):** 13km and 15km . **TOTAL ASCENT(S):** 420m Rise and 450m Rise . **GRADINGS:** Easy and Easy/Medium **Easy (E):** Walking mostly on tracks or in open country, with possibly some stretches of light scrub. Few hills and adequate rest stops. Distances may be up to 15km in flat open terrain but will be shorter if scrub or significant hills are involved. **Easy/Medium (E/M):** More consistent walking, mostly on tracks or in open country, but with some significant hills, probably some stretches of light scrub. Possibility of some rock hopping. Distances up to 19km but may be much shorter depending on the difficulty of the terrain. Reasonable lunch and rest stops. **.** **PLEASE NOTE:** Your RSVP on MeetUp lets us know who may be interested but does not add you to the booking list. To register and pay for the walk you must visit our clubrooms (details below). . **HOW TO BOOK AND PAY:** (a) Visit the Melbourne Bushwalkers' clubrooms on either of the two Wednesday evenings before the walk, speak to the leader and, if it is agreed to walk, make a payment to secure your place on the bus. (b) To cancel a Sunday Walk booking before 4pm on the Thursday before the walk, send a note to sunday@mbw.org.au. A credit will be issued for a future walk. (c) To cancel a Sunday Walk booking after 4pm on the Thursday before the walk contact the walk leader direct. You should be given the walk leader contact details at the time of booking. (d) The costs for the walk are $30 bus fare plus $10 visitor fee if you are not a paid-up Member of Melbourne Bushwalkers. . **OUR CLUBROOMS:** Our clubrooms are located at The Mission to Seafarers Victoria, 717 Flinders Street, Docklands. We are open Wednesday nights 6:30pm - 8.00pm. . **CONTACT US:** To contact us regarding this walk send an email to sunday@mbw.org.au. We do not regularly check the MeetUp site for messages and the above address will get a faster response. **.** **CAN I MEET AT THE START OF THE WALK?** No! Since Sunday Bus walks are generally walks starting and finishing at two widely separated locations we do not accept walkers meeting at the start of the walk. There is no way for them to get back to their transport. We can arrange for a pick-up and drop-off at a designated location along the route closer to Melbourne, however, the full bus fee is still payable since a seat has to be kept free on the bus. . **IMPORTANT TO KNOW:** Registration (membership) on Meetup is not the same as paid-up Membership of MBW. To become a paid-up Member with online booking and other benefits see: https://mbw.org.au/MBW_membership.php . **WHAT TO BRING:** A day pack containing: \* Lunch, a morning and afternoon snack. \* Full water bottle - we recommend 2 litres, more in warmer weather. \* An unlined waterproof jacket or cape, waterproof over-trousers (if your jacket is short). \* Whistle, pencil and paper. \* Personal and first aid items, including sun screen, lip screen, toilet paper, identification, Club green Health Card, some money etc. Note: The leader always carries a first aid kit. \* A change of footwear for the trip back. . **DO YOU HAVE COMPREHENSIVE AMBULANCE COVER?** The Club strongly recommends that all participants have comprehensive personal ambulance cover. . **MORE DETAILS:** The visit to the clubrooms on a Wednesday before a walk is to cover three things: (a) Provide background on the club and ensure all walkers are familiar with the safety and courtesy guidelines we adopt; (b) Meet with the leader of the walk who will be in the clubrooms to discuss any special features of the walk and ensure that adequate gear and fitness requirements are met. (c) Sign an Acknowledgement of Risk form and pay the visitor fee ($10) and bus fee ($30) to reserve a seat on the bus. No booking is accepted until the payment is received. . **DAY WALKS BY BUS** with Melbourne Bushwalkers: https://mbw.org.au/mbw_activities/walks/MBW_bus_walks.php

Hi everyone :) We had a great first meeting in November with crochet, cross stitch, embroidery, and macrame all happening at the table. It was lovely getting to know those who came along. We are following it up with a second event after the holiday rush. Join us on January 11 at 1pm at Our First Cafe and bring along a craft project to work on. Our two lovely hosts Sam & Yasmin have some skill in macrame, knitting and crochet. If you would like to have a go at any of those crafts, we will have some basic supplies and will be able to get you started on your new craft! See you there 🪢

Take your doggos out for an afternoon of fun, socialising, and exploring as we wander down Johnston Street together. We’ll be making our way through some of Collingwood’s dog-friendly spots – from a stylish rooftop bar, to an Art Deco-inspired gem, and finally a warm, nostalgic tavern. Whether you’re discovering the neighbourhood for the first time or rediscovering an old favourite, it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday with your pup. Total walking distance: just 700 metres. Ticketed event only, please book your tickets early at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/collingwood-puppy-pub-crawl-tickets-155644194977?aff=oddtdtcreator 1st Stop – Runner Up Rooftop Bar Perched above the iconic Collingwood Yards, Runner Up Rooftop Bar offers 270-degree views across Melbourne’s inner north. With its laidback, open-air vibe, this breezy rooftop is the perfect place to kick off the crawl. Behind the bar, expect sophisticated cocktails crafted with flair, a vibrant mix of red, white and orange wines, plus a thoughtful selection of spirits, each bringing unique depth and character. To make things even better, Chappy chips and dolmades will be served for human attendees – the ideal bite to pair with your first drink as the pups get ready for an afternoon of adventure. 2nd Stop – Night Hawks bar Our next stop takes us to Night Hawks, a chic Art Deco-lite fit-out bar with cool, easy-going vibes. They’ve reserved us a cosy spot in their back courtyard – the perfect place to mingle with fellow dog lovers while your pups relax. For the pooches: Willow’s Pantry grazing platters, featuring artisan dog cakes made without added sugar, using only certified organic, free-range, and natural ingredients. For the humans: enjoy $10 schooners of Nighthawks Draught, $10 Young Henry Cloudy ciders, $10 Louis dry cider cans – an exclusive offer just for our crew. 3rd Stop – Goldy’s! Tavern To wrap up the crawl, we’ll settle in at Goldy’s!, a traditional-style tavern tucked away in the back streets of Collingwood. With its warm and nostalgic atmosphere, this hidden gem has reserved us a spot in their undercover beer garden. For the pups: a doggie meal of the day, served alongside a decadent doggie cocktail. For the humans: hearty pub fare and a relaxed vibe – the perfect way to end the afternoon with your doggo and new friends, rounding off the crawl into a truly pawfect Sunday evening. 📝 Nitty Gritty Please keep all dogs on-lead while visiting Melbourne’s dog-friendly bars and pubs. Follow us for updates on future Puppy Pub Crawls and other dog-friendly events:📍 Facebook | 📸 Instagram: @crawlpuppypub Need a dog-friendly ride? Try Uber or Uber Pets – just bring a small blanket for your dog to sit on, and be sure to notify the driver before pickup.

Like to start our year hanging with nature/forest bathing, walk, looking at arts/NGV and in person conversation/dreams. Please have good walking shoes, bottle of water (predict cooler weather). We will stop often to group chat in a good sitting areas.

**walk & meet new people @Albert Park Lake** \- social walking \- dogs welcome \- prams welcome \- for ages 18 and over how it works: We will do 1 lap around Albert Park Lake (4.8 km) where - meet at pin on Meetup map @Palms Lawn, Albert Park Lake - coordinates 37.84198S, 144.96466E \>\[note: searching **37.84198S, 144.96466E** in your maps app will show the exact meetup location] who is it for - anyone 18 years old and over **cost: FREE** \- rain: this walk will continue in the event of rain\, unless conditions are deemed unsafe Got a question? contact **0431 833 624**

Looking to get outside, clear your head, and connect with good people? Join us for a relaxed walk around the promenade of Port Melbourne during the golden hour. The route will start at the meeting point and heading towards St. Kilda. After 40m aprox we will turn around and back to the meeting point. This is a casual meetup, no pressure. Just a friendly stroll, good conversation, and a reason to step away from screens and into the fresh air. Whether you’re new in town, working from home, or just want a social reason to walk, you’re very welcome. Come as you are. Comfy shoes, water bottle, and curiosity are all you need. **Optional:** After the walk, some of us might grab a coffee nearby — feel free to join if you’re up for it!

December's outdoor version of Silent Book Club was a hit, so January's will be at Fitzroy Gardens too. Bring your own book, read in silence, and we'll gather afterwards for a chat about what we enjoyed. **ITINERARY** 11am: Meet at the lawn outside Kere Kere Green Cafe next to the visitor information centre at Fitzroy Gardens. Find a cosy spot to read. You might want to take your book for a meander around the park. 12.15pm: Meet back on the lawn to chat about your book. 1pm: End of event. **Note:** Feel free to bring your deck chair / picnic mat, whatever you need to feel comfy. Coffee and lunch can be purchased from the cafe. If you're running late, look for us at 12.15pm on the lawn outside Kere Kere Green Cafe. There is an organizer fee of $5 for this event. You can bring cash on the day or PayID me at 0403 413 056 (Serena Low). **Getting there:** The closest train stations are Jolimont (2 min across the road) and Parliament (10 min walk).

Join us for a gentle seaside walk from **Brighton Beach Station (**first stop **= Beach Boxes)** to **St Kilda**, designed for people who enjoy meaningful conversation without pressure or performance. We’ll walk at an easy pace, naturally breaking into small chats as we go. There’s light structure (so no one feels awkward arriving solo), but plenty of freedom to simply enjoy the walk, the views, and the company. This is for you if you enjoy: * Thoughtful, curious conversation * Being outdoors and moving your body gently * Social connection that feels relaxed and human * Meeting like-minded people without loud venues or small talk overload **Good Conversation questions will be available** (completely optional). After the walk, those who wish can stay on for an **early dinner around 5:30pm** in St Kilda. ### **Details** 📍 **Start:** Brighton Beach Train Station 🕒 **Meet:** 3:00pm 🚶‍♀️ **Walk:** Brighton → St Kilda (**8km** easy pace) 🍽 **Optional:** Dinner around 5-5:30pm 💸 **Cost:** Free 👟 **What to bring:** Comfortable shoes, layers, water, sun protection Open to **young-at-heart adults (approx 25–50)**, but age isn’t rigid - vibe matters more. **NOTE:** Travelling from Melb CBD? There's a bus replacement service today (Sandringham Line) from South Yarra. That bus arrives at Brighton Beach station at **2:40pm**. For this event, people park their car near St Kilda Beach and catch public transport (trams + train / bus) to Brighton (52min journey).

First attempt at this. If it's good, we'll do it again. If it sucks, we tried. (Event photo is from a recent trip to Flagstaff. Stock photos of fake people drinking coffee are the worst.) **Why I'm doing this:** You're the average of the people you spend the most time with. Running a business solo means I've been spending most of my time with myself. And AI tools, which are great for thinking through business problems, but terrible for actual human connection. I want to raise that average. Looking for people who want real conversations. Not networking, not pitches, just the kind of talk that makes you think differently about what you're building and why. If we all end up making a few friends along the way, even better. **What to expect:** Coffee. Conversation. No pitches, no elevator speeches, no going around the table introducing ourselves like it's a corporate icebreaker. Just show up and talk like a normal human. **Ground rules:** * No pitching your business * No recruiting * No MLM talk * No hustle porn **RSVP cap:** 6 people max so it doesn't turn into a crowd. **Location:** Transcend Coffee & Roastery in Grove City **Time:** Friday, January 16th at 11 AM. See you there!

Happy New Year, all! I hope it is a great one for all of us. Let's welcome 2026 together! Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday January 20** **from 7-10 pm at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new friends! Hope you can join us! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!

**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.

12;45-3:45 in Conference Room A, Library lower level. Bring your yarn projects, meet new friends. If you plan to attend, please RSVP yes. If you can’t attend, please change your RSVP to no. This helps anyone who is waitlisted and it allows me to have an accurate count of attendees as our space is quite limited. Plenty of parking in the lot, in the overflow lot across the street, and on the street. See you there! Winter Note: If the weather is bad and I have to cancel the Meetup, i will issue the cancellation not later than 10:00 a.m. of that day.

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

**Doing KPIs Right: a KEY to Analytics (and AI!) Impact!** On the one hand, KPIs are such a Business 101 concept that it may seem a little silly to dedicate an entire session to the topic. On the other hand, KPIs get handled so poorly so often that a case could be made that this meetup could just be one of the most impactful sessions of the entire year! We’re starting off the year at a new location: [COhatch Upper Arlington](https://www.cohatch.com/locations/columbus/upper-arlington/) but with a familiar speaker, Tim Wilson! We’ll be back at Rev1 in February, when the speaker will presumably not be Tim. Tim will make the case that effectively measuring performance of projects, campaigns, and initiatives (and even meetups!) should be a foundation for any data analytics program. Topics covered will include: the “two magic questions” of performance measurement, how to help business partners distinguish between outcomes and outputs, and effective tactics for collaboratively establishing KPI targets. He will also stick his neck out by demonstrating some of these techniques in real-time by measuring whether his talk lives up to the promise of this description! All CBUSDAW events are free thanks to our 2026 Sponsors: Clarivoy, Conductrics, What Box Consulting Group, and Piwik PRO. Check out [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com) for more information.