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
reviving gardans, Growing community
**Hands in the Soil: Community Growing, Learning & Craic**
This first gathering will be a relaxed mix of **hands-on garden work, shared learning, and good conversation**. It’s about getting together in a real space, doing something practical, and seeing what ideas and connections might grow from there.
On the day, we’ll:
* Get our **hands dirty** with some light garden work and soil prep
* Do some **seed sowing** and talk about what grows well locally
* **Make kombucha together** and chat about fermentation, food, and simple home practices
* Share knowledge, questions, and experiences around growing food
* Enjoy some **fellowship, chats, and a bit of craic** along the way.Alongside the practical side, we’ll also have an open, informal discussion about a bigger idea:
* The possibility of **small community “park farms” or gardens** in underused green spaces around Dublin
* What that might look like, what’s realistic, and whether others feel drawn to exploring it further
There’s no pressure, no expertise required, and no expectation beyond showing up with curiosity and a willingness to pitch in. Whether you’re experienced with gardening or completely new, you’re very welcome.
Bring clothes you don’t mind getting muddy, and if you have them, gloves. Everything else will be very low-key.
This is just a **first step** — a chance to meet, work, talk, and see if there’s a shared appetite to keep growing something together.
🧗♀️ Climb & Connect: Bouldering Adventure at Bloc Climbing Gym! 🧗♂️
Newly started IG: https://www.instagram.com/letsgetsocialdublin/
Every event is **5 euros** to the host, you can pay by using Revolut or Cash.
This helps me maintains the group as this takes a lot of time and effort.
Get ready to reach new heights and forge lasting connections doing Indoor Bouldering Adventure this Sunday **at 14:30!** Whether you're a seasoned climber or brand new to the sport, this event is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, have fun, and meet fellow enthusiasts in a supportive and social setting.
Located at the Bloc Climbing Gym in Ballymount, indoor bouldering social event is suitable for climbers of all levels.
No climbing experience? No problem! Our friendly group will provide guidance, tips, and encouragement every step of the way. Whether you're learning or honing your skills, you'll find plenty of support and encouragement from your fellow climbers.
After our exhilarating climb, we'll gather for some well-deserved refreshments and socializing, where you can swap climbing stories, share tips, and make new friends with fellow adventure-seekers.
So lace up your climbing shoes, chalk up your hands, and get ready for an afternoon of adrenaline-pumping fun and friendship at our Indoor Bouldering Adventure this Sunday! Let's climb, connect, and conquer together. See you there! 🧗♀️🤝🧗♂️
Zazen Meditation + Dharma talk or Kinhin
The meaning of the word zen is meditation, zazen means sitting meditation. In zazen practice we begin to know ourselves, and to go beyond the limits of our personal ego. Within our tradition zazen is referred to as shikantaza, not doing, letting go of thoughts, dropping off body and mind. This sitting meditation is the focus of our practice. Language limits our ability to communicate the true nature of zen; it is something that is better understood
through practice. We are open to everyone interested in learning about zen.
Intro workshop for newcomers is available at 5.30pm each Sunday. The dojo is a sacred place and it is important to be considerate of everyone. We have many people that travel to practise together once a week or once a month. So for that reason it is really essential that we all know the structure of the sitting practise (when to sit, how to do Kinhin, the different bell sounds and their meaning etc), to ensure a silent, safe and meaningful meditation. And it's also great to meet everyone before the sitting practise. And answer any questions you may have.
We have zafus and zabutons (mats and cushions) for all to sit on. Chairs are available too.
Comfortable clothing for sitting, black or neutral tones best.
We greatly appreciate a donation of €5 to cover costs if it's possible for you.
Please arrive 10min before start so 6ish (if you're not doing the intro workshop).
You are very welcome to our dojo!
Sunday Evening Zazen meditation
Join us for Zazen Meditation. please arrive at 6pm.
newcomers please arrive at 5.45 for an introduction to Zazen meditation.
SILENT WALK: The Fully Alive Experience 🌿
**SILENT WALK: The Fully Alive Experience** 🌿✨
Are you ready to step away from the noise? Join us for a unique experience of peace, connection, and great food!
**ATTENTION: How to find us!** ⚠️
We want to make sure you find the group easily! Look out for our team waiting for you outside the Dún Laoghaire DART Station.
We will be there holding a sign that says:
👉 ***"SILENT WALK"*** 👈
Don't be shy! Come to say hi and join the tribe!
What to expect 🕊️
Kick off a peaceful journey with reflection and amazing company. The Silent Walk is designed to help you disconnect from the city's hustle and reconnect with your inner self.
• 📍 Meeting Point: Outside Dún Laoghaire Station.
• 🪧 Look for: The "SILENT WALK" sign.
• 🎧 ESSENTIAL: Please bring your own headphones/earphones for the guided reflection.
• 🌊 The Route: A beautiful walk by the sea with guided moments.
• 🍔 Social Lunch: After the walk, we are heading to Wetherspoon for an optional lunch together! It’s the perfect time to chat and meet everyone.
**Schedule**
10:30- Meeting (DART Station)
10:40 - Walk
11:00 - Silent Walk
11:20 - Small group sharing
12:00 - Optional lunch
**Stay Connected!**
We have a vibrant community on WhatsApp where we share updates, meeting points, and photos from our walks. Join us to stay in the loop:
👉 Join our WhatsApp Group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVskvE1hQar90o0bmT8kMs?mode=gi_t
Natural Building Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
The Analog Social - Boardgames Sunday | Marlin Hotel
**We are Rebranding to [Quality Time](https://www.meetup.com/quality-time-dublin/)!**
RSVP on Meetup does NOT guarantee entry. You must grab a ticket via [Luma](https://luma.com/v74xtgky) (cash options available). Grab your ticket [here](https://luma.com/v74xtgky).
🎟️ 7EUR - Includes reserved indoor garden space, curated social prompts, art supplies, board games, card games, puzzles & more
***
**Dublin deserves more Quality Time—and a lot more play 🎲💜**
Forget the busy outside world. **The Analog Social** is our monthly sanctuary in the Marlin’s private indoor garden—a space curated for those who want to reclaim their weekend with intention, creativity, and real human connection.
## **✨Marlin's indoor garden is fully reserved for us and closed to the public✨**
✨ What to Expect
* **The Zone-Out:** We start by slowing down. This is your time to arrive, get comfortable, grab a coffee, and simply be. Whether you want to read, journal, DIY, do some colouring, or just zone-out entirely - this is the time.
* **The Zone-In:** After finding our calm, we shift the energy. Our hosts will help everyone "zone-in" to the social vibe. Whether it's over a board game or a meaningful conversation, we facilitate a space where "talking to strangers" feels like catching up with old friends.
* **The Atmosphere:** A light-filled, indoor garden reserved exclusively for our community. High vibes, low pressure, and totally present.
🕰️ The Schedule
* **11:00\-11:15 \| Arrive:** Settle in and find your favourite nook.
* **11:15\-11:45 \| Welcome & Zone\-Out:** Welcoming speech & uninterrupted time to yourself.
* **11:45\- \| Zone\-In:** Guided social time, board & card games.
* **13:45 \| Soft Goodbyes:** Wrap up the afternoon (though the garden remains open if you’re not ready to leave!).
💜 Essentials
* **What to bring:** A book, sketchbook, or hobby (if needed. We will provide you with art supplies, puzzles, colouring books, games & more).
* **Support the Venue:** Marlin is hosting us every 3rd Sunday of the month! Please support our hosts by enjoying their bar and snack menu!
***
**Dublin deserves more Quality Time.** Let’s play!
**Love, Maja & Lexie** 🦄🦆🎲 *(The Quality Time Team)*
Heartfulness Group Meditation - Dublin (Arrive 9:45 AM for 10:00 AM Start)
### 🌸 What is Heartfulness Meditation?
Heartfulness Meditation is a simple and natural way to relax the mind, reduce stress, and connect with your inner self by bringing awareness to the heart ❤️. No prior experience is needed—just sit comfortably, close your eyes, and tune in to the calm within.
***
### 🌟 Why join us?
🧘♀️ Let go of stress & tension
🎯 Improve focus & inner balance
🌿 Experience peace and clarity
💛 Connect with like-minded people
☕ Enjoy tea, coffee, and light snacks after the session
📍 **Venue:** Wisdom Centre 🕊
Sophia Housing Street, 25 Cork Street, Dublin 8
**Eircode:** D08 YD91
📅 **When:** Sundays, ⏰ 9:45 AM – 11:30 AM
***
### 🕰️ Schedule:
🔸 **9:45 AM** – Arrive & settle in silence
🔸 **10:00 AM** – Guided relaxation & Heartfulness meditation 🧘♂️
🔸 **10:35 AM** – Reflection & sharing 💬
🔸 **10:50 AM** – Tea, coffee & light breakfast 🍵🥐
🔸 **11:30 AM** – Close
***
### 🌱 New to meditation?
Everyone is welcome—whether you’re completely new or already practice meditation. 😊
Feel free to reach out to **Akarsh** at 📧 **ie.secretary@heartfulness.org** or drop us a message on Meetup if you’d like to let us know you’re coming. We’d love to have you join us! 💛
Felt Keychain Workshop
Make your own unique keychains with felt and beads in this beginner friendly workshop.
**MAKE YOUR OWN FELT KEYCHAINS**
Get creative and craft your own adorable felt keychains for your bags, keys or ready to gift a loved one in this relaxed, hands-on workshop. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned crafter, you'll learn easy techniques for cutting, stitching, stuffing, and embellishing your own felt pieces.
Bring your favorite drink and enjoy a chill night of crafting, conversation, and creativity. All materials are provided so just bring yourself, your friends, and your beverage of choice
***[Get your Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/felt-keychain-workshop-tickets-1986005087679)***
**WHAT EACH TICKET INCLUDES**
* Felt and sewing materials
* Ribbons and beads for your decorations
* Chill vibes and good music!
* Unlimited tea or coffee & biscuits included for everyone attending!
**WHAT DO WE DO DURING THE WORKSHOP? DO WE HAVE TO FOLLOW ALONG?**
Our workshops are super informal, this is not a strict class, we have an instructor to guide you along but this is a very basic beginner event for you to experiment and have fun. We reward creativity and encourage everyone to create something different.
**I'M GOING TO BE LATE, CAN I STILL COME?**
Yes we don't usually start exactly on time. Due to a large volume of people arriving at once it usually starts at least 10 minutes after the time of the event. If you're really late just come in and don't worry!
**CAN WE LEAVE OUR PIECES THERE?**
We don't have capacity to keep the pieces as our studio is open 7 days a week so everybody has to take their works of art home and proudly display them!
**THE EVENT SAYS SOLDOUT, CAN I BRING SOMEBODY ELSE?**
Unfortunately not, if an event is sold out it means there are no seats left.
**LOCATION:**
This Must Be The Place 42 Arran Quay, Smithfield, Dublin 7
**IS IT WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY?**
The venue is not wheelchair friendly unfortunately but do get in touch as we host events in various locations that are accessible for wheelchair users.
**DO YOU DO PRIVATE EVENTS?**
Yes, we host private events, brand events, hen parties, and work parties.
Contact us on bookings@alternativeexperiences.ie
**HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT EVENTS?**
Signup to our weekly newsletter[ here](https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/ "https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/")
**ARE YOU ON INSTAGRAM?**
Yes find our page [here](https://www.instagram.com/thismustbetheplacedublin/ "https://www.instagram.com/thismustbetheplacedublin/")
Beginners Pottery Making: Kids Morning
## Overview
***
Create your own clay piece with the family- with no experience necessary. Tea or coffee included!
Get creative with clay and make your own masterpiece with the famliy. This isn't an art class it's an art party!
In under 90 minutes participants you will create a clay work of art, ready to bring home and show off!
This event is designed for complete beginners with no experience necessary. We do not use any machinery and this is all hand building with air dry clay.
Please note, all children must be accompanied by an adult, all adults and children must purchase a ticket. **This is for children ages 4 and up. Children must be supervised as all times.**
*[GET YOUR TICKETS HERE !](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beginners-pottery-making-kids-morning-tickets-1985439016545?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1*1en1nrc*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTE0NDA0ODMxLjE3Nzc5NzQ3MTQ.*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3Nzc5NzQ3MTMkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzc5NzQ3MTMkajYwJGwwJGgw&keep_tld=true)*
**WHAT TO EXPECT?**
* An artist to guide you along as you build your clay piece from scratch!
* Music and a fun, creative atmosphere.
* There is unlimited tea or coffee & biscuits included for everyone attending.
**THE RULES**
* This is for children ages 4 and up.
* All adults must purchase a ticket when purchasing a child's ticket.
* **Please note that this is air dry clay, each piece will dry naturally.**
**WHAT DO WE DO DURING THE WORKSHOP? DO WE HAVE TO FOLLOW ALONG?**
Our workshops are super informal, this is not a strict class, we have an instructor to guide you along but this is a very basic beginner event for you to experiment and have fun. We reward creativity and encourage everyone to create something different.
**I'M GOING TO BE LATE, CAN I STILL COME?**
Yes we don't usually start exactly on time. Due to a large volume of people arriving at once it usually starts at least 10 minutes after the time of the event. If you're really late just come in and don't worry!
**CAN WE LEAVE OUR PIECES THERE?**
We don't have capacity to keep the pieces as our studio is open 7 days a week so everybody has to take their works of art home and proudly display them!
**THE EVENT SAYS SOLDOUT, CAN I BRING SOMEBODY ELSE?**
Unfortunately not, if an event is sold out it means there are no seats left.
**LOCATION:**
This Must Be The Place 42 Arran Quay, Smithfield, Dublin 7
**IS IT WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY?**
The venue is not wheelchair friendly unfortunately but do get in touch as we host events in various locations that are accessible for wheelchair users.
**DO YOU DO PRIVATE EVENTS?**
Yes, we host private events, brand events, hen parties, and work parties.
Contact us on bookings@alternativeexperiences.ie
**HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT EVENTS?**
Signup to our weekly newsletter[ here](https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/ "https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/")
Knit and Crochet at the CHQ
Join us for coffee, a chat and bring your project at the CHQ (fully accessible venue).
We're usually at the tables in the middle of the building - just look out for the yarn :)
There's a choice of cafes, including the Bakehouse & Starbucks.
There's no charge for the meetup but we ask please that you join our Whatsapp group if you plan on staying with the group. Cost is only €5 a year to pay for Meetup subs etc.
Explore Grand Canal Way in Co. Kildare
Grand Canal Way in County Kildare.
* Meeting Point : Hueston Station
* When : 12:30 AM, 17th of May.
Meeting in Dublin Hueston Train Station for 12:30 AM (Inside beside Pret A Manger), Waiting 10 Minutes.
At 12:40, we will going to take the Commuter train which is Scheduled for 12:50 AM to Portlaoise.
We will be getting off the train at Sallins and Naas 13:22 PM.
This Train Serves Park West and Cherry Orchard, Clondalkin Fonthill, Kishoge, Adamstown, Hazelhatch and Celbridge.
When we reach Sallins and Naas Train Station, there is a coffee shop called Hey Darling Sallins and Coffee Express Trailor at the train station.
It is a 6 minute walk to the start of the trail, this is a easy walk and you might see some boat passing by on the canal.
Trail Duration is 2 to 2 in a half hour walking loop, 7.9 KM.
Every event is 5 Euro's you can pay by using Revolut or Cash.
I hope to see you thre.
Natural Building Events Near You
Connect with your local Natural Building community
🌱 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)
Nature’s Bounty: Tea and Native American Traditions - Octagon Earthworks, Newark
Nature’s 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 nature’s 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 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.



















