Multicopters

We'll be playing Ultimate Frisbee or hotbox if we have lesser number of folks. all levels are welcome.

Join us for a fun day at the park! We'll be playing frisbee, roundnet/spikeball, and enjoying a picnic. Whether you're a pro or just looking to have a good time, all skill levels are welcome. Don't miss out on the chance to meet new people and enjoy some friendly sports in the great outdoors. See you there! We'll meet around this area here -- look for a green picnic blanket: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hTYqi3L1haoZ3aG97 Don't be discouraged by the lack of people joining officially here, some friends are coming either ways but don't join through the platform. See you there!

Join us for a curated afternoon walk through some of Berlin’s most exciting gallery spaces in the heart of Mitte — followed by coffee and conversation at a cosy spot nearby. We’ll visit a carefully selected route of 4 galleries, each offering a different perspective on contemporary art. I’ll be there to guide the experience, share context and stories, and make sure we leave with a lot to talk about over coffee. The full gallery route will be shared with everyone on the day when we meet. The café will be announced to all participants one day before the event — a little something to look forward to! ☕ 📋 Agenda 🖼️ Gallery walk through 4 curated spaces in Mitte ☕ Café to finish — share impressions, connect, unwind 📅 Date & Time: Saturday, 16.05 · 11:30 📍 Meeting Point: Sprüth Magers, Oranienburger Str. 18, Berlin Mitte 💶 Participation Fee: 10 EUR 📌 RSVP required — intimate group, spots are limited ✅ Event Info & FAQ 🕐 How long will it last? The full experience runs approximately 3-4 hours including the café. 💶 Payment — How do I pay? Payment is made on the day — cash or PayPal. Please bring 10 EUR. If your plans change, please update your status to “Not Going” so someone on the waiting list can take your spot. 🙏 🥐 Can I join only for the café or only for the galleries? No — it’s one full shared experience. ❗ What if I show up without signing up? Unfortunately a spot can’t be guaranteed. Only confirmed RSVPs are accepted. ✨ The walk is curated and guided by Yuliya, founder of Berlin Ladies Art Culture — a growing community of over 2,000 women passionate about art, culture, and meaningful connection. With a background bridging hospitality, real estate, and creative studies, Yuliya has lived in Ukraine, France, China, and now Berlin — and most recently completed studies at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. She curates experiences that blend art history, conversation, and exploration — always with the goal of making culture feel alive, shared, and inspiring.

***The surreal and majestic landscape invites you to hike through wild canyons framed by sandstone stacks and fairytale forests.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS EVENT?** Click on link below to get complete info and to sign up for this event by getting your ticket. [https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/saxon-switzerland-16may2026](https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/saxon-switzerland-16may2026) **SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW USERS** * 10% New User Discount using promo code: **MEETUP10** * Valid for this trip or any other trips available on our website. **WHY GO?** Saxon Switzerland is the mystical German wonderland you’ve never heard of before. The surreal and majestic landscape invites you to hike through wild canyons framed by sandstone stacks and fairytale forests. **WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?** * **Ridge Trail:** The steep slope is well secured with a railing. Stairs and ladders help us get up high. From up there we have the ultimate view of Saxon Switzerland. * **Schrammstein Viewpoint:** The viewpoint offers a magnificent view over jagged rock formations, impressive table mountains and wide landscapes as far as the eye can see. On the other side of river Elbe, you see the fortress Königsstein, out of the forest rises the mighty Falkenstein. It is also a great spot for a picnic. * **Gate of Schrammstein:** The 'Schrammsteintor' is one of the most stunning rock formations in the entire national park. The deeply cut passage between the rocks is completely covered with sand and looks like a piece of desert and is a unique photo opportunity. * **Schmilka:** This traditional village is often described as the most beautiful village in Saxony. * **Bad Schandau:** Hike, feel good, come back - that is the motto under which Bad Schandau welcomes its guests. Beautifully situated on the Elbe, Bad Schandau is the most centrally located holiday resort in Saxon Switzerland. The small town with its typical medieval centre invites you to take a leisurely stroll through its cafés, restaurants and shops. As the oldest spa town in Saxon Switzerland, it has a great tradition. **WHAT IS THE PLAN?** * **5:30 am -** Meet in Berlin Hbf train station * **5:40 am -** Catch train for Bad Schandau (starting with RE 8 to Elsterwerda) * **10:30 am -** Arrive in Bad Schandau train station and start hiking * **2:00 pm -** Arrive in Schrammstein tor and have a lunch break * **2:45 pm** \- Continue hiking * **5:00 pm -** Arrive in Schmilka and have an early dinner * **6 :15 pm** \- Arrive in Schmilka Hirchmule train station across the river from Schmilka * **6 :30 pm** \- Catch train back for Berlin starting with S1 to Dresden * **11:30 pm** \- Arrive back to Berlin **WHAT IS INCLUDED?** * Community Leader and Guide for the entire duration. **Note:** English is the main language spoken on this trip. * All public transportation for the entire trip starting from the meeting location to the finishing location. * Access to Google photos album dedicated for this event. * Access to WhatsApp group dedicated for this event where you can chat with other participants. * **Note:** Email us immediately if you do not have WhatsApp and we can make alternate arrangements from our end to ensure you do not miss out on any communication. **FOR FUTURE TRIP UPDATES:** Please do join our WhatsApp / Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [WhatsApp Channel](https://bit.ly/unt_travel_channel) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

***Relax, you're in good hands.*** ***Pro comedians, cosy ambience, sophisticated drinks*** Saturdays in Schöneberg at Mein Freund Harvey, professional comedians bring their best material for longer sets of Top Shelf Comedy Doors 7pm - Arrive early to enjoy top-notch spirits, cocktails & wine before the show (no beer, so treat yourself to something special) **Show starts 8pm** Break 9-9:15pm Show ends 10pm Limited capacity of 22 seats so **please prepurchase your tickets** Tickets 17€+ booking fee here: **https://www.annaberos.com/berlin** or via **https://topshelfcomedymay2025.eventbrite.de** Remaining seats may be available at the door 18€ cash or card **produced by and often featuring ANNA BEROS** (AUS) Anna’s a Kiwi born, Melbourne raised, Berlin based full-time independent standup comedian, YouTube host, podcaster and producer. She celebrates life’s struggles with incisive standup and playful audience interaction. Her new standup solo, High Hoe enjoyed a successful full run at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025 and her previous solos, Creampie Curious and Creampie Clarity played at numerous comedy festivals through the UK and Australia in 2023 and 2024. She tours Europe and produces and hosts 5 weekly shows in Berlin. In 2025, she opened for Jeff Arcuri at Admiralspalast, in 2024 for April Macie on US army bases in Germany and for Ian Fidance in Berlin in 2019. She hosts the comedy channel, Ersties Nonsense, has the podcast Adults ONLY Comedy Berlin and has written for Comedy Central DE. "Beros is a full-time standup and her hours on stage are evident in her skill at taking the temperature of the audience and bringing them along with her as she veers into darker material." – The Age, Melbourne Australia **[https://www.instagram.com/afberos/](https://www.instagram.com/afberos/)** **GUEST COMEDIANS** see full lineup at **https://www.annaberos.com/berlin** or on instagram stories @adultsonlycomedyberlin **https://www.instagram.com/adultsonlycomedyberlin/** **Venue: MEIN FREUND HARVEY** S/U-Yorckstraße, U-Kleistpark, U-Bülowstraße Your new favourite bar in Schöneberg. Cosy, friendly and sophisticated with a huge range of spirits and cocktails, with seasonal bar snacks. Arrive early to enjoy something special. Non-smoking inside. Seating out front for smoking. Card payment only

### The Body: Power, Shame, and Freedom The body is one of the most personal and universal aspects of human existence. It is how we experience the world, express identity, form relationships, and navigate society. Yet the body is never purely biological. Across history and cultures, bodies have been shaped by social norms, political systems, religious beliefs, economic structures, and ideas about morality, beauty, gender, and control. The human body is deeply connected to power. Societies regulate bodies through laws, institutions, medicine, fashion, labor, media, and cultural expectations. Certain bodies are privileged, protected, and celebrated, while others are marginalized, disciplined, or excluded. Standards surrounding beauty, health, sexuality, gender, and physical ability influence how people are perceived—and how they perceive themselves. At the same time, the body is closely tied to shame. Shame can emerge from social judgment, religious expectations, family dynamics, cultural ideals, or comparison with others. People may experience shame related to appearance, aging, sexuality, vulnerability, illness, disability, race, gender expression, or bodily imperfection. In this sense, shame is not only personal but also social and political, shaped by broader structures of power and belonging. Yet the body is also a site of freedom, resistance, and self-expression. Throughout history, individuals and movements have challenged norms surrounding bodies, identity, sexuality, dress, and physical autonomy. The struggle for bodily freedom includes questions of consent, self-determination, health, gender equality, reproductive rights, disability rights, and freedom from violence and discrimination. In contemporary society, the body is increasingly shaped by technology, digital culture, and consumer capitalism. Social media intensifies visibility, comparison, and self-presentation, while medical and technological developments transform how bodies are modified, monitored, and understood. New possibilities for self-expression coexist with new pressures surrounding perfection, productivity, and control. Looking ahead, emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, genetic engineering, and virtual reality—may fundamentally reshape how humans experience embodiment, identity, and physical existence. This raises important questions: What does bodily freedom truly mean? How much control should individuals or societies have over bodies? And how can dignity and autonomy be preserved in a world of increasing surveillance, optimization, and technological intervention? This discussion invites a critical exploration of the body as a biological, psychological, social, and political reality—one deeply connected to identity, power, vulnerability, and human freedom. *** 📅 Event Details 🗓️ Date: Saturday, 16 May 2026 ⏰ Time: 14:30 📍 Location: Hardenbergstraße 10, 10623 Berlin 📱 WhatsApp: For prep materials and directions (Group Chat) [Group Chat](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ba8ZAaH2Yuk6FGmD3LLO7H)

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) **Stay updated**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

After a lovely first Poetry in the Park gathering in Bürgerpark Pankow, we’re bringing the idea into a second round — this time with a photographic twist. Join us for a spring afternoon around Schloss Charlottenburg where photography and poetry meet. Bring a poem you love — or one you wrote — and we’ll begin by reading a few poems together. Then we’ll set out for a gentle 30 minute photo walk through the park, capturing details that catch our attention: blossoms, reflections, statues, hidden corners, fleeting scenes. Using the images we gather as inspiration, we’ll meet again on picnic blankets to write short poems from guided prompts and share them in an informal circle. No photography skills needed. No poetry experience required. Just curiosity, observation, and a bit of spring magic. Bring: * A poem to share (optional) * A journal + pen * Your phone or camera * A picnic blanket Duration: approx. 2 hours. This meetup is donation based. Your contribution helps keep this community alive and is highly appreciated. You can either contribute in cash or via Buy me a Coffee: [https://buymeacoffee.com/butterflyradar](https://buymeacoffee.com/butterflyradar) Questions? Check our Meetup-FAQs: [https://socialbutterfly.berlin/meetup-faq/](https://socialbutterfly.berlin/meetup-faq/) Meet your host I’m Julia — a Berlin local who loves bringing people together. My path went from growing up in a dance school to studying philosophy to working in IT support, and somehow all of that led me here: hosting meetups and creating spaces where people can show up, relax, and connect. Insta [https://www.instagram.com/juwaberlin/](https://www.instagram.com/juwaberlin/) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-waehnert/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-waehnert/) About The Social Butterfly Club 🦋 is a Berlin-based community that has been bringing people together for over three years. Each gathering is part of a larger framework designed to help friendships grow through shared experiences in the city — with a long-term vision of turning Berlin itself into a shared, playful experience. Love the vibe? There’s a whole community waiting for you. 🦋 Join the Social Butterfly Club and experience Berlin together: [https://socialbutterflyradar.substack.com/](https://socialbutterflyradar.substack.com/)

***Discover the mystical sunken birch forest, the valley and its unspoilt nature while hiking along river Briese.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS EVENT?** Click on link below to get complete info and to sign up for this event by getting your ticket. [https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/briesetal-fairytale-forest-17may2026](https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/briesetal-fairytale-forest-17may2026) **SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW USERS** * 10% New User Discount using promo code: **MEETUP10** * Valid for this trip or any other trips available on our website. **WHY GO?** The Briesetal is one of Brandenburgs most scenic valleys, formed by river Briese. The quiet nature preservation area is home to mischievous beavers whose dams created a sunken birch forest. The valley is still dominated by unspoilt nature, seemingly untouched by humans. It's only a 40 minute train ride north of Berlin, making it the perfect day trip getaway from the city's hustling. Following the meandering river we traverse the mystical forest, walk on wooden planks through moors and marshes and explore natural habitats and endemic wildlife. On this hike, immerse yourself into nature’s wonder! Have you ever observed the tiny details of the outdoors? Such as the intricate veins on the back of a leaf? Or the delicate edges of flowers’ petals? Or the movement of a cheeky squirrel? On this walk, you will have the chance to truly connect with the natural world around you. No experience or preparation is needed, just your curiosity. You will be guided through every step of the way. **TRIP DETAILS** **Distance:** 13 km walking, 7 hours from start to closing, multiple break times **Hiking Difficulty:** Easy – walking on marked paths / dirt roads, mostly flat terrain, relaxed pace **Kid Friendly:** Yes **Pet Friendly:** Yes **What is included?** * Community Leader and Guide for the entire duration. * Guided hike. * Access to Google photos album dedicated for this trip for sharing all your amazing pictures and videos from the trip. * Access to a WhatsApp group for the confirmed participants. **Note:** Please contact us immediately if you do not have WhatsApp and we can make alternate arrangements from our end to ensure you do not miss out on any communication. **FOR FUTURE TRIP UPDATES:** Please do join our WhatsApp / Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [WhatsApp Channel](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

Willkommen zum 20. PlebWalk. Komm mit auf eine Wanderung entlang des Berliner Mauerwegs! Wir erkunden gemeinsam ein Stück Geschichte, genießen die frische Luft und tauschen uns ganz entspannt über Bitcoin aus. Egal ob Einsteiger oder alter Hase – alle sind willkommen. LOS GEHT'S! 17.05.2026 Plebwalk- Etappe 1 Berliner Mauerweg: Von Hermsdorf zur Wollankstraße Treffpunkt: S-Bahnhof Hermsdorf Endpunkt: S-Bahnhof Wollankstraße komoot: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2948236510 Uhrzeit: 13:00 Uhr (Bitte pünktlich sein! Die maximale Wartezeit beträgt 15 Minuten, so dass wir spätestens um 13:15 Uhr mit dem PlebWalk beginnen können). Dauer: 5-6 Std (inklusive Pause im Café schöngrün https://www.alte-fasanerie-luebars.de/cafe-schoengruen) Öffentliche Verkehrsmittel: S1 Strecke: 17,4 km Bei Fragen kontaktiert gerne die PlebWalk Telegram Gruppe (https://t.me/plebwalk_berlin). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\+\+\+\+\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Welcome to the 20th PlebWalk in Berlin. Come join us for a hike along the Berlin Wall Trail! We’ll explore a piece of history together, enjoy the fresh air, and have relaxed conversations about Bitcoin. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned Bitcoiner, everyone is welcome. Meeting point: S-Bahnhof Hermsdorf Final stop: S-Bahnhof Wollankstraße Public Transport: S1 Meeting time: 01:00 pm (Please be on time! Max waiting time is 15 min so that we will start our PlebWalk no later than 01:15 pm). Duration: 5-6 hours (including a break at Café schöngrün https://www.alte-fasanerie-luebars.de/cafe-schoengruen) Route: 17,4km For any questions, feel free to reach out to the PlebWalk Telegram group (https://t.me/plebwalk_berlin).

**"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! :)

**Neue Leute kennenlernen, nette Gespräche & frische Luft. Am Sonntagnachmittag.** . **💶 2 Euro Gebühr (vor Ort, in bar)** . **🛑 Falls Du es nicht schaffst, sag bitte rechtzeitig ab.** 😊 **Zusagen sind bis kurz vor Beginn möglich. Ich freu mich Dich zu sehen.** . 👋🏼 Wir treffen uns an der [S-Bahn Station Treptower Park, am Hinterausgang Richtung Park (Link Google Maps)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/4kVsM838mCSftVPc9). . Wir machen eine kleine Vorstellungsrunde. Danach gehen wir los. . 💐 Wir laufen auf dem großen Uferweg entlang der Spree, vorbei am Vergnügungspark Plänterwald bi szum Ende des Plänterwalds. Dort kehren wir um, gehen zurück durch den Plänterwald um dann wieder das wunderschöne Spree-Ufer entlang zu laufen. 😊 Ich bereite Deep-Talk-Fragen vor, damit Ihr gut uns Gespräch kommt. . **💧 Empfehlungen:** * Bring etwas Wasser mit, falls Du durstig wirst (1 Liter) * Gegen Abend kann es kühler werden: Bring Dir etwas Warmes anzuziehen mit. . **👉 Rechtlicher Hinweis** Auch wenn wir uns als Gruppe treffen und ich einen schönen Weg für uns herausgesucht habe, **bist Du voll verantwortlich für Dich selbst**. . **👱🏼‍♂️ Mehr über Abenteuer Freundschaft** Ich bin Georg Preller. Ich habe Abenteuer Freundschaft gegründet, um Freundschaft zu erforschen. Mein Ziel: Mehr echte Freundschaften auf dieser Welt. . Auf Meetup findest Du zahlreiche Events zum Kennenerlenen oder um über Freundschaft zu lernen. . **👋🏽 Weitere Gruppen & Kontaktmöglichkeiten** . **✈ Telegram-Kanal: [t.me/abenteuer_freundschaft](http://t.me/abenteuer_freundschaft)** für Events, Workshops & Treffpunkte für neue Freundschaften . **✉ Freundschafts-Newsletter:** [https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter) Alle 4 Wochen das Neuste aus der Freundschaftsforschung; oft seltener, denn ich schreibe nur dann, wenn es wirklich etwas zu berichten gibt. . **🔥 6 Zutaten großartiger Freundschaften** Seit 2020 forsche ich, was großartige Freundschaften wirklich ausmacht. Das Ergebnis ist das 30seitige eBook: "Die 6 Zutaten großartiger Freundschaften". Du erhältst das eBook zurzeit kostenlos mit der Anmeldung zum Newsletter: [https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter) **💯 Wie wird man Freunde in Berlin:** * [Freunde finden: Wie wird man Freunde?](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/freunde-finden) * [Was ist Freundschaft?](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/freunde-finden) * [Wie schnell wir man Freunde?](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/wie-schnell-entsteht-freundschaft)

Capture **spring daylight and industrial textures** with **the raw energy of Friedrichshain’s Sunday buzz**. Walk, shoot, and connect with photographers & creators as we move from **Boxhagener Platz** into the **Warschauer Straße & Oberbaumbrücke area**. Beginners, enthusiasts, and pros — all are welcome. –––––––––– **EVENT DETAILS** **Location:** Boxhagener Platz → Revaler Str. → Warschauer Str. → Oberbaumbrücke **Date:** Sunday, May 17, 2026 **Time:** 11:00 – 13:00 **Meeting Point:** In front of the Bio-Company at Boxhagener Platz (corner of Gärtnerstraße) –––––––––– **EVENT FLOW** **11:00** \| **Meet & Connect** We’ll gather at the meeting point, introduce ourselves, and warm up creatively amidst the flea market bustle. **11:30** \| **Main Walk (Daylight & Street)** Capturing the candid moments, vintage details, and eclectic crowds of the market before heading south toward the RAW-Gelände to focus on street art and industrial architecture. **12:45** \| **Second Focus (Urban & Spree Views)** A shift toward the iconic skyline. We’ll frame the U-Bahn passing over the Oberbaumbrücke and capture wide-angle views of the Spree river and the Molecule Man. **14:00** → **Optional lunch or drinks nearby.** –––––––––– IMPORTANT This isn’t a class. It’s not a tour. It’s a creative meetup. We’ll walk. We’ll shoot. We’ll connect. –––––––––– WHAT TO EXPECT Bring your: • Film camera • Digital camera • Smartphone • Curiosity Whether you're a beginner, seasoned photographer, content creator, or just creatively curious — you’re welcome here. Come solo or bring friends. Spots are limited — reserve your place ASAP. –––––––––– STAY CONNECTED 📍 Join our [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IfWmcwgjHtzLJlg7farUBS?mode=gi_t) for live location & updates. 📸 Follow [@takeaphotowalkcommunity](https://www.instagram.com/takeaphotowalkcommunity) and tag us in your photos. –––––––––– ABOUT TAKE A PHOTO WALK Founded in Barcelona in July 2024, Take a Photo Walk connects photographers and creators around the world through real-life creative experiences. Now **Berlin** is part of the story. –––––––––– **Framing the soul of the Spree through the heart of the city.** See you in **Berlin**. 📸

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

**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.