Natural Building
Meet other locals who explore a variety of building techniques that use in-situ materials for housing: earth, clay, cob, straw bale, wattle & daub, round wood, bamboo.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out natural building events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the natural building events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find natural building events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Natural Building Events Today
Join in-person Natural Building events happening right now
Sunset Summit: Easy Mountain Hike in Hatta
Join us for an exhilarating mountain hike designed to create lasting memories and forge new friendships!
Register and get more details! No late confirmations
**[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events)**
Experience the thrill of the outdoors, take in breathtaking views, and witness a stunning sunrise from the summit.
**š Hike to Amazing Views and Sunrise Magic**
Set out in the early morning hours and embark on a guided hike through scenic trails that lead to the mountainās peak.
As dawn breaks, watch the first light paint the sky in hues of pink and gold, offering a spectacular sunrise panorama that will leave you in awe.
**š« Meet Fellow Adventurers**
Connect with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts and build meaningful relationships with people who share your passion for adventure.
Register and get more details! No late confirmations
**[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events)**
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or new to the trails, this event is the perfect way to make new friends and enjoy shared experiences.
**š Experience More than Just a Hike:**
Beyond the physical benefits of hiking, this event offers a rejuvenating escape from the daily grind.
Reconnect with nature, clear your mind, and gain a fresh perspective as you trek through trails surrounded by the beauty of the mountains.
Register and get more details! No late confirmations
**[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events)**
Let the peaceful ambiance of the outdoors wash over you, leaving you feeling refreshed and inspired.
**šæ Fun and Camaraderie:**
Bond with fellow participants as you navigate the trail, share stories, and enjoy moments of laughter and support.
Celebrate your accomplishment at the summit with group photos, snacks, and a sense of collective achievement.
Register and get more details! No late confirmations
**[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events)**
**What to expect?**
* Incredible Scenic Views
* Refreshing Outdoor Experience
* Opportunities to Network and Make Friends
* Fun, Fitness, and Fresh Air
**Hike Details:**
* **Level**: Beginner to Beginner+ (8 KM distance)
* **Trail**: Loop Donkey trail, Red,Green and black trails.
*Don't miss out on this chance to be part of an adventure that will leave you inspired and energized.*
**How to Join:**
1. RSVP on Meetup
2. **[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events)**
*Lace up your hiking boots, pack your essentials, and come along for a mountain hike that promises amazing views and a stunning sunrise.*
*Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.*
Happy Hiking š„¾
Free Moonlight Stretch: Transform Your Evening Stress Into Deep Rest.
**Wind down and let go!**
Join us for a rejuvenating **FREE** Moonlight Stretch and Relaxing Yoga session at the peaceful **Eternal Wellness Yoga Studio**. This is your perfect opportunity to **transform** the end of your day from stressed and busy to calm, relaxed, and restored.
Book your session now: [WhatsApp Us](https://wa.me/971543837625)
*Note: MONDAY WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY \- ONLY LADIES \| TUESDAY THURSDAY & SATURDAY \- MEN ALSO WELCOME*
**[1st Session will be FREE]**
The Gathering Space ā Eternal Wellness
The Gathering Hub at Eternal Wellness Yoga Studio is a welcoming community space offering coffee mornings, meetups, business gatherings, yoga sessions, healing sessions, and group activities.
A place to connect, collaborate, relax, and grow in a positive and supportive environment.ā**
Adventure SoirƩe: Social Evening & Afterparty for Thrill-Seekers
Come for Socializing. Stay for the Music š¶
Join us for an unforgettable evening, where adventurers come together to make new friends and party with a live DJ to keep the energy high.
Register and get more details! No late confirmations
**[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-social-meetup)**
**š¬ Social Hour: Meet & Connect**
Kick off the evening with a warm and welcoming social hour for adventurers to connect over shared experiences and passions.
Meet like-minded explorers, share your latest adventure stories, and create bonds that last long beyond the night.
**⨠Elegant Ambiance**
Immerse yourself in the sophisticated atmosphere of our specially chosen venue.
The perfect blend of elegance and comfort provides the ideal backdrop for meaningful conversations and new connections.
Register and get more details! No late confirmations
**[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-social-meetup)**
**š¶ Afterparty & Live DJ Performance**
As the night progresses, ease into party mode with the dynamic beats of live DJ. Let loose, dance the night away, and enjoy the afterparty.
Embrace the adventure spirit with your newfound friends as the night comes alive with music and laughter.
**šš Dress Code: Elegant & Party**
Embrace the occasion with your most stylish and sophisticated outfit. Gentlemen, opt for sharp smart casual wear.
Ladies, dazzle in chic dresses or elegant evening attire. Let your fashion reflect the elegance of the evening.
**š Join us for an evening of camaraderie and celebration that embodies the adventure spirit.**
Register and get more details! No late confirmations
**[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-social-meetup)**
Whether youāre sharing stories, making new friends, or dancing the night away, this social evening and afterparty is set to be an unforgettable experience.
Dress your best for a fun evening at the best venues in Dubai and get ready to pose for an #instaphoto š·
**How many people attend?**
We get 100 people on average in all our events and invite our members on Meetup and other platforms.
Members of other groups who RSVP are included as guests to give an idea of expected numbers.
**Registration**
ā
RSVP on Meetup.
ā
[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-social-meetup)
*Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.*
Happy Socializing š
Before Itās Funny - Comedy writing and Testing
A small, safe space for comedy in progress.
Come listen to untested jokes, try out your own material, exchange honest feedback, and support fellow comics in Dubai. This is not about polished sets ā itās about experimentation, learning, and community.
Weāre keeping it intimate with limited spots so everyone gets a fair chance to perform, listen, and engage.
The Casa Collective, Al Quoz ā Interchange 3
Ample parking available
Metro: Get down at Equiti (cab) or Onpassive (Bus 110)
Free entry- Limited seats
Come curious. Come kind. Come support the scene.
Coffee & Connections | Dubai
Note: Registration is valid and confirmed only through **: link shared in [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D1cTWNPuq8ABDWjSYE3aVM).**
āļø **Coffee & Connections \| Dubai**
**Sip, Mingle & Connect! š**
*They say your network is your net worth ā and sometimes, one good conversation can lead to a new friendship, a new opportunity, or simply a better week.*
Join us for a relaxed coffee social in Dubai, where friendly people come together to connect, unwind, and enjoy meaningful conversations in a cozy cafƩ setting.
Expect good vibes, new faces, light board games, and an easy-going atmosphere made for meeting people naturally.
š **Dubai \| Business Bay**
š **7:00 PM**
š **Join the [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D1cTWNPuq8ABDWjSYE3aVM).** to stay updated
on the exact location and weekly meetup details.
Come for the coffee, stay for the connections ā letās sip, mingle, and make new friends! š¬āØ
ā**Noah \| Partners**
š² **+971 50 474 6210** (WhatsApp)
Natural Building Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Childfree Couples meet and make friends
Hi! We're a couple who moved to Dubai, but have found it tricky to make good friends here as most people are on the dating scene or their world revolves around their kids. We would love to make a place for people who are a little older, but don't have children to find each other and be able to connect!
If thats you, come along, we're warm and easy going and would be so excited to meet new friends here.
Yoga and sound healing in the park
Embrace Dubai's Winter in Our Outdoor Yoga Class
Find peace in nature and reconnect with yourself amidst the greenery and blooms of Nad Al Hamar Park 1. This is your time to listen to your body and breathe in the fresh outdoor air.
Class Highlights:
āāļø Gentle yoga flow surrounded by trees and flowers
Special 10-minute singing bowl meditation after practice to align your energy with nature
A nice winter wellness experience
**Details:**
**Location:** Nad Al Hamar Park 1
**Days:** Monday to Thursday
ā° **Time:** 3:30 PM ā 4:30 PM
**Contribution:** Donation-based
**Registration:** **RSVP required**
Come as you are ā all levels are welcome. Letās move, breathe, and heal together in the heart of nature.
**Spots are limited ā please RSVP to join us.** Simply bring your mat and an open heart.
*Feel free to share with someone who needs a moment of calm this winter.*
AI Builders & Business Connect | Dubai Meetup
### **Where Dubaiās AI Innovators, Operators, and Talent Meet to Build the Future**
Are you building in AI? Launching a tech startup? Exploring how AI can transform your business or job?
Or looking to join the next big thing in AI?
Join **AI Builders & Business Connect**, a **founder-first, operator-focused meetup** for Dubaiās tech and AI community. This isnāt your typical networking mixerāitās a room full of **people building**, **people hiring**, and **people looking to grow**.
***
## **šļø Event Details**
**When: 7:30 PM ā 9:30 PM (Sharp) - Every Thursday**
**Where:** Coffee & Sundries, First Floor (Above Carrefour), DIFC, Dubai
**Entry: FREE**ā we just ask that you support the venue by purchasing a coffee or some food.
***
## **š What to Expect**
This is for **doers, decision-makers, and tech talent ready to build:**
### **š¹ AI 60-Second Spotlight**
Founders, job seekers, and partners get **60 seconds to introduce themselves**āno slides, no fluff.
### **š¹ Speed Collaboration Rounds**
Quick, curated connections between **builders, investors, operators, and AI talent**.
### **š¹ Real Conversations, Real Opportunities**
Whether youāre hiring, raising, building, or job huntingāthis is where partnerships start.
### **š¹ Dubai & UAE Playbook**
Hear practical tips from locals on how to **launch, hire, and scale tech ventures in the region.**
***
### š Agenda
* **7:30 ā 8:00 PM** Introductions
* **8:00 ā 8:45 PM** Market research using different AI tools
* **8:45 ā 9:15 PM** Prototyping session on one selected idea
* **9:15 PM onward** Networking
## **š” Who Should Attend?**
* **AI Founders & Startup Builders**
* **Tech Entrepreneurs & SaaS Leaders**
* **Investors scouting AI deals**
* **Engineers, Developers & Product Leaders working in AI**
* **Job Seekers & Operators looking to join AI and tech startups**
* **Enterprise Innovators exploring AI use cases**
***
## **ā ļø Important**
* **Your RSVP is a commitment**ālet us know 24 hours in advance if plans change
* **Doors close at 7:30 PM sharp**āno late entries
***
## **š Hosted by Pradeep Valat**
Startup advisor, investor, and AI business strategist helping founders unlock growth.
LinkedIn: [linkedin.com/in/ivallat](https://linkedin.com/in/ivallat)
WhatsApp: +971 529503315
***
## **š„ Why This Event?**
Dubaiās AI and tech scene is boomingābut itās still about **who you know and who you build with.**
This is where **startups meet talent, investors meet ideas, and builders find partners.**
**Spots are limited. If youāre serious about AI, this is your room.**
**By participating in AI Builders & Business Connect \| events\, you consent to the use of photos and videos captured during the event for promotional purposes\.**
SBC Design & Build | B2B Networking I Real estate & Design
This is a Paid event and will be deleted from here. Please register on the link below.
[https://concon.eventbrite.com](https://concon.eventbrite.com/)[/?aff=Meetup](https://launchpadme.eventbrite.com/?aff=Meetup)
QUESTIONS ?
Please Reach out to;
Ridhi - [https://wa.me/971552525078](https://wa.me/971525012234) ( WhatsApp Only)
The Oman Connection: An Eid Adventure Experience š¤āØ
This Eid ⦠donāt just take time off! Go on a journey with new friends.
āLet's escape into a world where mountains touch the clouds, waterfalls flow through valleys, and the Arabian Sea meets dramatic cliffs.
\-\-\-\-
Register and get more details! No late confirmations
**[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events)**
\-\-\-\-
āAn unforgettable experience for adventure lovers, explorers, and people craving something real this holiday season.
* šļø Exploring the misty mountains of Jabal Samhan
š“ Walking through coconut plantations and local souqs
š Watching powerful ocean blowholes at Mughsail Beach
š¦ Discovering waterfalls and turquoise lakes at Wadi Darbat
š° Visiting ancient castles and hidden coastal towns
š Bonding during scenic road-trip moments across Oman
āFrom overnight desert drives under starry skies to tropical landscapes that feel nothing like the Gulf ⦠this is the kind of trip that surprises you every single day.
\-\-\-\-
Register and get more details! No late confirmations
**[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events)**
\-\-\-\-
āSalalah is unlike anywhere else in the region! āOne moment youāre driving through endless desert highways ⦠the next youāre surrounded by lush green mountains, coconut plantations, ocean viewpoints, and cool mountain air.
āš **ATTRACTIONS INCLUDED**
* ā**Wadi Darbat**: Explore the most famous valley in Dhofar, featuring seasonal waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and lush greenery.
* ā**Jabal Samhan**: Stand at the highest mountain range in the region for a dramatic "above the clouds" canyon experience.
* ā**Taqa Castle**: Step back in time at this beautifully preserved 19th-century fort and heritage site.
* ā**Anti-Gravity Point**: Experience a fascinating optical illusion where vehicles appear to roll uphill on their own.
* ā**Ittin Mountain**: Enjoy panoramic mountain views and visit the sacred Nabi Ayub (Prophet Job's) Tomb.
* ā**Ayn Jarziz**: Relax at natural limestone springs nestled within the misty landscape of the Khareef season.
* ā**Mughsail Beach**: Witness the powerful natural geysers at the Blowholes and explore the historic Marneef Cave.
* ā**Mirbat Town**: Discover the ancient port city known for its historic architecture and scenic coastal views.
* ā**Al Haffa Souq**: Immerse yourself in the scent of authentic frankincense and shop for traditional Omani handicrafts.
* ā**Nabi Imran Tomb**: Visit one of the world's longest tombs, a site of significant spiritual and historical importance.
āThis trip blends nature, culture, scenic road journeys, adventure, relaxation, and social vibes all together.
āEverything is organized for you ā transportation, accommodation, guided experiences, and local exploration ā so you can simply enjoy the trip šš“
**How to Join:**
1. RSVP on Meetup
2. [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events)
*Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.*
Happy Adventure!
Private Singing Bowl & Crystal Bowl Healing
Discover the Harmonizing Power of Sound:
In the gentle embrace of sacred sound, find deep restoration and harmony. Our bespoke Singing Bowl and Crystal Bowl Healing sessions offer a private sanctuary for profound transformation, tailored specifically to your unique needs.
**Available Healing Focus Areas:**
- **Couples Healing:** Reconnect and restore harmony through shared vibrational resonance
- **Parent-Child Healing:** Strengthen bonds and create peaceful emotional connections
- **Personal Healing:** A dedicated journey inward for self-discovery and inner peace
- **Emotional Healing:** Release stress, anxiety, grief, or emotional blockages
- **Pathological Support Healing:** Complementary sonic support for physical well-being
- **Energy Enhancement Healing:** Cleanse, balance, and amplify your energetic field
**Session Details:**
- **Format:** Private & Customized (for individuals, couples, or small family groups)
- **Schedule:** Available every Friday, 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- **Booking:** Advance appointment required
**Step into a space of pure resonance.** Allow the sound to wash over you, recalibrate your energy, and guide you back to your center.
Contact to book your private sound healing journey.
Join our WhatsApp community for future updates on our adventures calendar
[https://chat.whatsapp.com/KG7fdhl2YkcEju2ZjzYu5d](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KG7fdhl2YkcEju2ZjzYu5d)
Natural Building Events Near You
Connect with your local Natural Building community
š± Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale
Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale
Saturday, May 23th, 2026
9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Eastern Time)
Overbrook Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4131 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43214
Public Welcome, Family-Friendly Free Event
A wide variety of native flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees will be available from Wild Ones Columbus and local vendors Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Scioto Gardens.
Wild Ones will publish a list of plants that will be available at this year's sale closer to the event date.
Be sure to stop by! Show up anytime!
Psychic Development Series II - Pueo Group
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
Free- Backyard Conservation Workshop - get $50 voucher for your yard! - Gahanna
Community Backyards Workshop
Join us at the Ohio Herb Center in Gahanna to learn about sustainable home gardening. We can make small changes in our yards to make a BIG impact for a better environment and healthier waterways while saving money. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek and hosted by Ohio Herb Center.
By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year.
Registration in advance is encouraged but NOT required. Click here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/65f65aw
(Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive)
* Location: Ohio Herb Center, 110 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230
* Date and time: Sat, May 23, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
* Organizer: The Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org
**FAQs**
**Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.**
**Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop.
**"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own.
**"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop.
**Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate)
2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale.
*when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase.
Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days
Nature Printing with Gelli Plate - $30
Nature Printing with Gelli Plate
Thursday
May 21, 2026
Join local artist Diana Andrews to explore the process of gelli plates. This hands-on, creative experience is suitable for all skill levels, focusing on creating unique monoprints without a traditional printing press. All materials will be provided, but participants are asked to bring additional leaves.
Class Fee - $30
6PM - 8PM
Location: James Bradley Center, Infirmary Mound Park
Register and pay here: [https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/269/May-2026](https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/269/May-2026)
Natureās Bounty: Tea and Native American Traditions - Octagon Earthworks, Newark
Natureās Bounty: Teas & Traditions
Hosted by Ohio History Connection:
* May. 30
* Time: Noon-4 p.m
* General - $15
* Ohio History Connection Member - Free
* Location: Newark Earthworks - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Octagon Earthworks 125 N. 33rd St., Newark, OH 43055
Did you know that Red Willow has the same natural compounds as aspirin? What about Staghorn Sumac and Purple Coneflower, containing large amounts of Vitamin C? Join us as we learn all about the uses of plants.
This program will hike the grounds of the Octagon to learn about natureās bounty. In addition, it will explore the vast knowledge of American Indian peoples regarding how plants help humans. Guests will be able to sample several teas made from plants that will be discussed.
Disclaimer: This is for interpretative purposes only, and we are not promoting natural healing or any use of self-care or medical advice.
Click here to register [https://hopewellearthworks.org/events/natures-bounty-teas-traditions/](https://hopewellearthworks.org/events/natures-bounty-teas-traditions/)
Contact 740.344.0498 or newarkearthworks@ohiohistory.org
https://hopewellearthworks.org/site/octagon-earthworks/
Building Agents with Microsoft Agent Framework
We will show how to build custom agents with Microsoft Agent Framework. Attendees will learn how to build and custom host agents when Microsoft Foundry is not a viable option.
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**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 parkās 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 parkās 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.




















