Mycology

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !! Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :) Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson Namaste, Frank Tennyson http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg

Garden to the Max Join the Inniswood Garden Society for their annual meeting and garden reception. Featured speaker, Teresa Woodard, will discuss maximalist gardening Having a maximalist garden is a bold aesthetic choice—yet it also brings vitality back to the earth, in an abundant expression of more. Garden to the Max celebrates gardens across the US that embrace maximalism through joy and wonder, nonstop blooms, and abundant layers 06/07/2026 Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Days: Sun Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S Hempstead Rd Westerville, OH, 43081 (614)508-8111 Location Map: Innis House.

This is a time where players of all ages, and skill levels can gather and enjoy a nice Sunday full of Chess!

Who’s up for a pizza night at the highly requested Pizza House? 🍕🍻 Join us at for great pizza, good laughs, and even better company! Come hungry and ready for a cheesy good time.

Join us at Woodhouse Vegan on Sunday June 7th @11:30am for some great food, drinks, and socializing after the yoga class! The food here is always so good and the atmosphere is awesome. We want to support Woodhouse before they are no longer a go to spot for us. 😋🍴You can find the menus below! [ WOODHOUSE BAKERY + PARK SERVICE COFFEE MENU](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e8a4164fa23ca220c2ceee5/t/65fdd2e1ca51a46979929391/1711133409875/Bakery+Menu+Spring+2023+%282%29.png) [WOODHOUSE BRUNCH + LUNCH COCKTAIL MENU](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e8a4164fa23ca220c2ceee5/t/65fdd3698396e65a1e3abc0f/1711133545604/Bakery+Menu+Spring+2023.png) [WOODHOUSE BRUNCH + LUNCH FOOD MENU](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e8a4164fa23ca220c2ceee5/t/65fdd261b2e21b4ddde997a6/1711133281660/Bakery+Menu+Spring+2023+%281%29.png) 🅿️ Sundays are free street parking Woodhouse Vegan also offers parking validation for the adjacent " LAZ Parking - Joseph Garage" parking garage. You can find links to that address below. 🔗 [Apple Maps](https://maps.apple/p/u4uR0vxh~_c60B) 🔗 [Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/K37216FrEJd3qiRp8) The validation gives you free parking after you have spent an hour inside the restaurant. You will need to get your parking slip validated from the restaurant by asking them after an hour has passed. We hope to see you there!

Join us Sunday, June 7th at 10am for a gentle beginner-friendly yoga flow in Goodale park with Victoria, one of our very own vegan community members and certified yoga teacher! Whether you’re brand new to yoga or a long time practitioner, this class is designed to help you slow down, stretch, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Expect a relaxed, accessible flow focused on easing tension, moving mindfully, and leaving you feeling a little more grounded. All levels welcome! Bring water and a yoga mat (or towel if you don’t have a mat). A suggested donation of $10 is appreciated, but payment is absolutely not required to attend and enjoy class. A Venmo QR code will be available on-site for anyone who would like to contribute. The class duration will be one hour from 10-11am. After class, we’ll head to Woodhouse Vegan for anyone who wants to keep the good vibes going over food and conversation 🌱

Join us this Pride season to paint your own pride on rocks, paper, canvas, and yes- we are bringing back the bricks! Come create and paint with us. Seats and supplies limited! Come while you can for as long as you like! Westerville Public Library Meeting Room D.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

**🥰 Online Speed Dating via Zoom – Connect with Port St. Lucie Singles Tonight!** We pair you by personality and age so every conversation feels natural. It's simple: complete a short personality quiz, jump on Zoom, and meet Port St. Lucie singles in guided one-on-one rounds. Matches shared afterwards. **✅ Grab your spot by RSVPing.** The host will send you a personality quiz and Zoom details directly after you RSVP. Don't leave it too late — places fill up. --- 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Singles who prefer a hosted, structured experience - Busy professionals who don't want to waste evenings - Singles in Port St. Lucie who want to meet people from home - People re-entering the dating scene after a break - Anyone who likes connecting online before meeting face-to-face **Event Details** - **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – hosted and well-structured - **Location:** From home – all you need is Wi-Fi and a webcam - **Host:** Professional host keeping the evening smooth and relaxed - **Vibe:** Laid-back one-on-one chats with Port St. Lucie locals - **Tech:** Zoom, webcam, and a stable connection - **Duration:** Roughly 90 minutes - **Matches:** Mutual matches sent out after the event - **Rounds:** Multiple short one-on-one rounds **How It Works** 1. **RSVP here** – Secure your spot on Meetup. 2. **Check your Meetup messages** – The host will reach out with a personality quiz to match you with compatible Port St. Lucie singles. 3. **Complete the quiz** – A quick personality quiz so we can find your best matches. 4. **Hop on Zoom** – You'll receive the Zoom link before the event. The host handles the rest. 5. **Chat & match** – Quick timed rounds with Port St. Lucie singles, then mutual matches sent out after. **Frequently Asked Questions** **Do I need experience?** Not at all. The host walks you through everything. **How long are the chats?** A few minutes each — just enough to get a sense of someone. **Do I need anything besides Zoom?** Just Zoom, a webcam, and Wi-Fi. That's it. --- ✨ Real people, real conversations — all from your home. RSVP to join us. ❤️‍🔥 ✨

**🎶 BTS Is Coming – Port St. Lucie K-Pop Random Dance Party!** K-pop fans in Port St. Lucie, this one's for you. We'll put on the music, call random songs, and dance together. BTS tracks, K-pop bangers, all of it. Come ready to move. **🔞 18+ only.** This is an adults-only event. --- 🎶 **What to expect:** - A chance to meet Port St. Lucie locals who love K-pop as much as you do - Random play dance to BTS and K-pop hits - Fan chants, singalongs, and pure concert energy - Random song calls — jump in when you know the choreo **Event Details** - **Format:** In-person random play dance – Port St. Lucie fans only - **Vibe:** Loud, fun, and full of Port St. Lucie K-pop fans - **Age:** 18+ only **How It Works** 1. **Show up** – RSVP and come ready to dance. 18+ only. 2. **The music starts** – We go random play dance format. Song called, fans jump in. 3. **Full BTS section** – We dedicate a proper block to BTS to get everyone hyped for the concert. 4. **Fan time** – Between rounds, meet fellow Port St. Lucie fans and share concert plans. 💡 **Tip:** Even if you don't know every move, come and vibe. The energy is the point. --- ✨ See you on the dance floor, Port St. Lucie. 18+ only. 💃 ✨

**⚡ BTS Is Coming – Hialeah K-Pop Random Dance Party!** With BTS on their way, it's time to get the fan energy going in Hialeah. We'll put on the music, call random songs, and dance together. BTS tracks, K-pop bangers, all of it. Come ready to move. **🔞 Adults only — 18+.** Please only RSVP if you are 18 or over. --- 🎶 **What to expect:** - All levels welcome — know the moves or just vibe along - Fan chants, singalongs, and pure concert energy - Random song calls — jump in when you know the choreo - Celebration vibes ahead of the BTS concert **Event Details** - **Format:** In-person K-pop fan gathering with random dance - **Vibe:** Loud, fun, and full of Hialeah K-pop fans - **Age:** 18+ only **How It Works** 1. **Come along** – RSVP below and show up on the day. 18+ only. 2. **Random play dance begins** – Music plays, a song gets called, fans who know it jump in. 3. **BTS set included** – We'll make sure the BTS catalogue gets plenty of play. 4. **Meet the fans** – Connect with Hialeah locals who love K-pop as much as you. 💡 **Tip:** Wear comfortable shoes — you'll be on your feet the whole time. --- ✨ Random dance, BTS vibes, great people. What more do you need? 👑 ✨

Big Ohio Book Con "A convention for book lovers all over Ohio (and beyond)! Author panels, signings, bookish vendors, meet & greets, and more!" Featuring more than 100 authors, more than 50 bookish vendors, and plenty of exciting activities throughout the event! Travel with fellow book lovers or meet us at the event. Park for free at the Medina Convention Center, 735 Lafayette Rd., Medina, Ohio 44256, then hop aboard one of the free shuttles whenever you’re ready for your next bookish adventure! The convention spans three neighboring locations, giving you even more to explore and enjoy.

Dodgeball is back again! If you’ve been wanting to come out, this is an easy one to join. We’ll be playing for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you do not need to bring any equipment, and no experience is needed. We use a specific set of rules and equipment to make the games run better and keep them fun for everybody, not just people who already know how to play. If it rains, the event will be canceled.

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

The number of ticks and tick diseases in Ohio have quickly multiplied over the last 10 years. Dean Kreager discusses tick species, tick pathogens, tick-borne diseases, tick bite prevention, and proper tick removal. Kreager is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with OSU Extension in Licking County * Lakewood Public Library (in Hebron)- May 26 at 7pm [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621) * Johnstown public library at 7:00 pm June 8 [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622) Free to attend, no RSVP needed

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

5:45-7:45 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!

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia