Nature

**HIKE OVERVIEW:** **The Castlemaine to Maldon Rail Trail is a 16.7km, moderate hike which runs parallel to the Victorian Goldfields Railway. It passes through bushland, farmland and some gold-era historical sites.** **We will start and meet at Castlemaine Train Station and walk towards Maldon. Our route will take us via Muckleford Train Station.** **We will return back to Castlemaine aboard the steam train operated by the Victorian Goldfields Railway. This historic railway served rural Victoria from 1880 through to the 1970’s and has been restored to its former glory.** **Excursion class one way tickets are $37 ($32 concession) and once you have confirmed your attendance, I will advise here in comments when to book your one-way ticket from Maldon. Please wait for the go-ahead to book your tickets as the event may be suspended if we don’t attract enough interest.** ***when advised*** **you can book your tickets at the following link:** [Book train ticket](https://secure.vgr.com.au/BookingCat/Availability/) **USEFUL LINKS:** **For more details on the route including the gradient involved please see the links below.** [https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/australia/victoria/railway-track-maldon-to-castlemaine?sh=uoghfo](https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/australia/victoria/railway-track-maldon-to-castlemaine?sh=uoghfo) [https://www.vgr.com.au/](https://www.vgr.com.au/) **Lunch** **Lunch: In Maldon we will stop for lunch at the Maldon Hotel, 58 Main St.** [Maldon Hotel](https://www.google.com.au/search?client=safari&hs=mGY&sca_esv=b3ca9c57de57aa89&channel=41&biw=393&bih=641&sxsrf=ANbL-n5zcNoRt1nlnk20vEuCOQZJ3tv4UQ%3A1778719407548&kgmid=%2Fg%2F1tdfyvxv&q=Maldon%20Hotel&shem=rimspwouoe&shndl=30&source=sh%2Fx%2Floc%2Fact%2Fm4%2F3) **BEING PREPARED:** 1. **Arrange your transport** 1. **Check the weather forecast** 1. **Suitable footwear / clothing** 1. **Plenty of water / food / snacks** **RSVP’s / START TIME:** **Plans change, but please keep your RSVP up to date to allow others the chance to attend. Aim to arrive 15 minutes before the start time and message if you are running late. Remember that phone reception won't always be available so contact me as soon as possible if required.** **NOTIFICATIONS:** **All notifications will come via the Meetup app. Ensure you have enabled alerts & check the app in the lead up to an event. Notifications may include; comments, instructions & cancellations.** **QUESTIONS:** **Please feel free to post any questions.**

* 🌏 **MELBOURNE → YARRA Ranges** 🌲🏙️ * 📅 **SUN 17 MAY, DAY TRIP ☀️** * 🍃 Where forest whispers meet gentle adventure \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🌿 **Yarra Ranges Escape — A Refined Nature Experience** Step beyond the city into the quiet elegance of the Yarra Ranges — where forest air is crisp, the pace is unhurried, and every moment feels considered. Hidden among the forest stands the old chimney — a subtle reminder of Victoria’s early timber days — alongside a peaceful water wheel turning slowly beside the stream. This is a place to slow down. We **hike** gently through lush forest trails, listening to birds and flowing water, with time to pause, take in the surroundings, and maybe spot a **koala** resting high in the trees. We then gather for a **European satay meal,** thoughtfully prepared and fully included, enjoyed outdoors in a calm natural setting — simple, refined, and shared. A **guided meditation** invites stillness and clarity, before we ease into a serene **kayaking** experience on a quiet lake, surrounded by soft reflections and open space. ✨ Small group. Premium comfort. Seamless experience. A day designed to feel effortless, balanced, and quietly memorable. 🌿This is more than just a trip. *\* It’s a day of simple pleasures — nature, movement, and good food, all taken slowly. 🌿* \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🌟 **What’s Included** ✅ Guided 9 km **forest hike** (easy) 🥾 ✅ **Kayaking** on a calm lake (all equipment included) 🛶 ✅ Guided **meditation** in nature 🍃 ✅ **European satay meal (included in the program)** 🍽️ ✅ Unlimited **snacks, soft drinks, coffee** & tea ☕ ✅ Premium round-trip transport **MERCEDES** minivan 🚐 ✅ Small-group atmosphere & meaningful connections 👥 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🌿 **Your Itinerary: A Day in the Yarra Ranges** 🕢 **7:30 AM** — Pickup at St Paul’s Cathedral, Flinders Street 🚐 **8:00 AM** — Short stop for **break** & refresh ☕ **9:15 AM** — Arrival + **morning coffee,** tea & snacks (included) 🌿 **9:30 AM** — Forest **Hike** begins (9 km, easy, \~160m elevation) 🍽️ **12:30 PM — European satay meal (included) + Snacks/drinks (inc.)** 🧘 **1:30 PM** — **Meditation** & grounding in nature 🛶 **2:30 PM** — **Kayaking** session (easy & **beginner**-friendly) ☕ **3:30 PM** — Relax by the lake / tea break 🚐 **4:30 PM** — Depart back to Melbourne 🌆 **6:00 PM** — Return to **city,** calm and refreshed 📍 Drop-off: Hamer Hall, Melbourne \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💰 How to Book?** Secure your spot with a **$99 transfer**: 🔹 **PayID:** 0414 661 458 🔹 **Bank Transfer:** **NAME:** KARAPETIAN G **BSB:** 013233 **ACCOUNT:** 226325836 **Ref:** YR 🌟 **Limited spots available—RSVP now!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ❗️**Please Note:** **Payments are only credited or refunded if the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer.** In all other circumstances, payments are **non-refundable and non-transferable**. ❗️Thank you for understanding and supporting the planning involved in creating these experiences! 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 What to Bring?** ✔️ **Comfortable hiking shoes (or able to supply, let me know size)** **✔️ Wind/water-resistant jacket**🧥 ✔️ **Long pants & long sleeves** 🌿 ✔️ **Hat/beanie** 🧢 ✔️ **A positive mindset & big smile!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📢 **Questions?** Feel free to **DM me anytime!** 📩 ✨ **Let’s make this an adventure to remember** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Visit our sources: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share](https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share) Instagram: [nogeography.hike.kayak](http://nogeography.hike.kayak/) [https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/](https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **\*A day in nature is a day well spent** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **LIABILITY WAIVER** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By joining this event you agree to these terms. ## **COVID-19 Safety Measures** * The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. * Please do not attend if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or sore throat. * If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending. * Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our community safe!

Namaste, healer. It's time to light up the seventh chakra. It's where higher connection, spiritual awareness, and clear consciousness all come together. And when it's humming, life just flows better. Hence, our Reiki Crown Chakra Healing Night, where we'll do powerful meditations and group healing to strengthen it. The crown chakra is especially important for healers, because it's the chakra that connects us to healing energy itself .So without it being strong and open, the energy simply can't flow properly Among other things, the crown chakra is essential for: * Spiritual awareness (so you can sense the bigger picture and feel guided in your life) * A sense of connection to something greater (so you feel supported rather than alone in the world) * Inner knowing (so you can access wisdom beyond the thinking mind) * Mental clarity (so you can think cleanly without getting tangled up in your own head) * Living in alignment with your higher purpose (so your daily life reflects what actually matters to you) So come and join us for a powerful practice night and leave feeling energetically open and clearly connected. I'm back from holiday, so will be leading this personally. Hope you can make it, Jeremy PS If you've been craving a deeper dive into Reiki, our June retreat on our 50-acre property is the perfect chance. Discover esoteric symbols, Reiki vortexes, forest meditations, a cacao ceremony, and powerful group healing. It's an immersive weekend where you’ll learn advanced skills you won't get from any regular class. For full details, visit: https://www.om-reiki.com.au/reiki-retreats.html.

**WALK DESCRIPTION:** In the Autumn season, the Arboretum is blooming with amazing autumn colours. Now is an excellent time to enjoy these beautiful colours by hiking the Olinda Bushland Reserve starting from RJ Hamer Arboretum picnic grounds. Both the Easy/Medium walk and the Medium walk will start at the same location. Then we head towards Silvan Reservoir Park for lunch. Both the walks will stop here for lunch. After the lunch we then head towards Olinda Falls. While the Easy/Medium walk lead by Judith covers about 15km covering about 540m elevation gain, the Medium walk lead by Indu will cover about 17km with 730m elevation gain. For all visitors, it is strongly recommended that you do the Easy/Medium walk. Toilet facilities are available at the start of the walk. They are also available at the Silvan Reservoir Park during lunch break. And also at the end of the walk near Olinda Falls Picnic grounds. A reminder to bring a change of footwear for the trip back, because dirty boots leave marks on the bus that our club pays to have cleaned. Please note that at this time of year there is still a possibility of encountering snakes, so appropriate leg covering is recommended. Please carry at least 2 litres of water. . **DISTANCE(S):** 15km and 17km . **TOTAL ASCENT(S):** 540m Rise and 730m Rise . **GRADINGS:** Easy/Medium and Medium **Easy/Medium (E/M):** More consistent walking, mostly on tracks or in open country, but with some significant hills, probably some stretches of light scrub. Possibility of some rock hopping. Distances up to 19km but may be much shorter depending on the difficulty of the terrain. Reasonable lunch and rest stops. **Medium (M):** Consistent walking on tracks or in open bushland, usually with patches of thicker scrub, several moderate climbs, and/or rock hopping. Distances up to about 22kms with reasonable rest stops. A good level of fitness and walking experience is required. **.** **PLEASE NOTE:** Your RSVP on MeetUp lets us know who may be interested but does not add you to the booking list. To register and pay for the walk you must visit our clubrooms (details below). . **HOW TO BOOK AND PAY:** (a) Visit the Melbourne Bushwalkers' clubrooms on either of the two Wednesday evenings before the walk, speak to the leader and, if it is agreed to walk, make a payment to secure your place on the bus. (b) To cancel a Sunday Walk booking before 4pm on the Thursday before the walk, send a note to sunday@mbw.org.au. A credit will be issued for a future walk. (c) To cancel a Sunday Walk booking after 4pm on the Thursday before the walk contact the walk leader direct. You should be given the walk leader contact details at the time of booking. (d) The costs for the walk are 30 bus fare plus 10 visitor fee if you are not a paid-up Member of Melbourne Bushwalkers. . **OUR CLUBROOMS:** Our clubrooms are located at The Mission to Seafarers Victoria, 717 Flinders Street, Docklands. We are open Wednesday nights 6:30pm - 8.00pm. . **CONTACT US:** To contact us regarding this walk send an email to sunday@mbw.org.au. We do not regularly check the MeetUp site for messages and the above address will get a faster response. **.** **CAN I MEET AT THE START OF THE WALK?** No! Since Sunday Bus walks are generally walks starting and finishing at two widely separated locations we do not accept walkers meeting at the start of the walk. There is no way for them to get back to their transport. We can arrange for a pick-up and drop-off at a designated location along the route closer to Melbourne, however, the full bus fee is still payable since a seat has to be kept free on the bus. . **IMPORTANT TO KNOW:** Registration (membership) on Meetup is not the same as paid-up Membership of MBW. To become a paid-up Member with online booking and other benefits see: [https://mbw.org.au/MBW_membership.php](https://mbw.org.au/MBW_membership.php) . **WHAT TO BRING:** A day pack containing: \ \*Lunch, a morning and afternoon snack. \* Full water bottle - we recommend 2 litres, more in warmer weather. \ \*An unlined waterproof jacket or cape, waterproof over-trousers (if your jacket is short). \* Whistle, pencil and paper. \ \*Personal and first aid items, including sun screen, lip screen, toilet paper, identification, Club green Health Card, some money etc. Note: The leader always carries a first aid kit. \* A change of footwear for the trip back. . **DO YOU HAVE COMPREHENSIVE AMBULANCE COVER?** The Club strongly recommends that all participants have comprehensive personal ambulance cover. . **MORE DETAILS:** The visit to the clubrooms on a Wednesday before a walk is to cover three things: (a) Provide background on the club and ensure all walkers are familiar with the safety and courtesy guidelines we adopt; (b) Meet with the leader of the walk who will be in the clubrooms to discuss any special features of the walk and ensure that adequate gear and fitness requirements are met. (c) Sign an Acknowledgement of Risk form and pay the visitor fee (10) and bus fee (30) to reserve a seat on the bus. No booking is accepted until the payment is received. . **DAY WALKS BY BUS** with Melbourne Bushwalkers: [https://mbw.org.au/mbw_activities/walks/MBW_bus_walks.php](https://mbw.org.au/mbw_activities/walks/MBW_bus_walks.php)

**SoulTime Nillumbik** is back! And we’re very excited to introduce...***SoulTime Kids!*** After a short hiatus over the past few months, we’re really looking forward to gathering again and reconnecting as a community. SoulTime offers a welcoming space for **reflection, meaningful conversation and connection** in a peaceful setting overlooking nature. Sessions include gentle music, short readings from diverse cultures and perspectives, and open discussion around uplifting themes relevant to everyday life. This month, we'll be exploring **Happiness - what contributes to happiness within us, and around us.** To help make SoulTime more accessible for families, we’re now also offering ***SoulTime Kids*** — a parallel session for primary-aged children while adults attend the main gathering. Children will enjoy creative, reflective and values-based activities facilitated by a qualified primary school teacher (with Working With Children Check). SoulTime remains open to everyone, regardless of background, beliefs or life stage. Light refreshments will be served following the group discussion. We hope you can join us! 🌿

**Who We are..... 🤝** Our journey to bring people together began in January of 2022. The group was started with a simple intention to gather and meet some likeminded people - connecting through the powerful act of meditation and sharing our genuine selves while sitting in a circle that represents equality, harmony and wholeness( *we believe everyone in the circle is a teacher and a student at the same time)*. And over the last 4 years of consistently coming together, we have fostered a beautiful, loving, dependable community where members from all walks of life have experienced a sacred space to sit in silence together and meditate, share their authentic selves, give presence to others and forge meaningful and long lasting connections. The Meditations are guided by Sana(co-founder and host), who is a Trained and certified meditation teacher by the Meditation Association of Australia, and has been guiding meditations for 3+ years in corporate and community settings. ✨ **Do you wish to....** * Experience a simple yet powerful meditation and breathing practice to find calm, relaxation and clarity * Connect with like-minded people in your local community and foster meaningful connections * Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others * Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn) Or maybe you just want to... ☮️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet new people? Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **5 min guided meditation** to land into the space and connect within * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection **Where?** 📍 **250 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065** Enter through the church gates. You’ll see a small garden on the left and stairs on the right leading up to the **Dance of Life Yoga Studio (first door on your right upstairs).** **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$15 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue, meetup membership and other costs, provide valuable resources, and keep this meditation community alive and growing. * **Warm jumper/jacket** (just in case!) * **Water** * **Any books/resources/inspiration you’d love to share** **Important Notes:** * Spaces are **limited**, so if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to “Not going” or send us a quick message. * **No-show policy:** To keep it fair for everyone, repeat no-shows without notice may not be able to RSVP in the future. * Attendees under 18 must have a guardian present. **Everyone is welcome!** All ages (with guardians for under 18), backgrounds, genders, and experiences – no meditation experience needed. The event runs for about **2.5 hours**, but you’re free to come and go as you need.

Modern life moves fast. Work, screens, notifications, constant thinking. It’s easy to feel stressed, tired, or disconnected. This Sunday, slow down with Kirtan - a powerful live music meditation experience. Come for: ✨ Singing, dancing, and uplifting energy ✨ A calm mind and open heart ✨ A real sense of belonging No singing skills needed! Just calmness & connection. 🗓️Sunday \| 6\-8pm 🍴Incl Dinner 📍South Melbourne

Hey girls 💛 Join us on a Sunday for a relaxed afternoon at the Hotel Esplanade. Think ocean views, good chats, and a few drinks to wind down the weekend ✨ 🕒 Time: Sunday, 17th May at 2pm 📍 Location: The Espy, St Kilda Come along for a casual catch-up, meet some new faces, and ease into the week ahead 💫 See you there! xx

Due to popularity, we are doing another walk, talk, lunch and coffee, this time as requested, in the city. Fitroy Gardens. Ticket here: [Walk, talk and lunch - Fitzroy Gardens](https://www.trybooking.com/DMDSE) Meeting at Kere Kere Green cafe, on the grassed area. It's a nice open space to meet, mingle, talk before making our way around the gardens, over to The Tan and back. Meeting at 10:30am, starting walk around the gardens at 11am, walk shall take about 70 mins, to then make our way back to Kere Kere Green Cafe. Grab your coffee as we meet and then lunch once we make it back. The cafe has seating inside/outside or we can stand on the outside grassed area. There is prospect of rain but come prepared with umbrella and rain coat. If it is too wet, we can just stay at cafe for a coffee. Dogs welcomed! Please do NOT be late, smell of alcohol/be hungover (Sober Sunday) or have bad BO. Being a Sunday, there should be parking around, plenty of public transport options as well. Your ticket goes towards the associated costs of running the group and it is ONLY $5! ## Date

We'll meet at the spot where Fed Square meets the Princes Bridge over the Yarra (near the pedestrian crossing closest to the river from Flinders St, on the Fed Square side). We'll walk for about 6km along the Yarra River, through the Botanic Gardens and back along the river to Federation Square for a coffee after the walk. This month, we're reading and talking about 'Hollow Air' by Verity Borthwick The blurb: **"Isolation can be hard on a person. It can be hard on the mind, especially when the bush closes in on you in the darkness of night.** In the tin fields of Far North Queensland, Sarah, a fly-in-fly-out geologist, is working alone at a remote mine site. She spends her time in a sort of limbo, never quite fitting into her life at site or back home in Sydney with her fiancé. Strange things keep happening at the mine site, and Sarah can try to explain them away as the ramblings of a lonely mind, but there are dead bodies from a mining accident a century ago at the old Dulcie Ada mine, still buried beneath more than a hundred metres of rock. **A deeply moving novel that explores the friction that comes with the desire to understand the secrets of the Earth coupled with the knowledge that this can exact a toll.**" Goodreads rating: 3.94 How does a walking bookclub work? Like a normal bookclub, we talk about the book, what else we're reading, have read, or want to read (as well as a few tangents into life outside literature!) but we do it while walking around Melbourne and then over a coffee. We often split into smaller groups as we walk, but we also regroup through the walk. Should I read the book beforehand? The conversation will be more interesting if you do, but you can still come along if you haven't finished it yet! Do I need to bring anything? **Comfy** walking shoes, drinking water, some money for coffee or a bite to eat after if you wish. No need to bring the book unless you want to. No shows No shows (RSVPing yes and not attending) mean the group waits unnecessarily for those who are not coming, thinking you are running a little late. It’s absolutely fine to change your rsvp for any reason up until the walk begins, and you don’t need to leave a comment, send a message or give a reason, but if you don't click that 'change rsvp' button, you may be removed from the group. Membership Fee Did you know that while it is free to attend most events, Meetup charges organisers about $600 a year to organise a group? Members of the Walking Book Club are asked to pay a membership fee of $10 per year (not per event) to help cover this cost. When you join the group, you'll be automatically given a three month trial so you can see what the group is like, without needing to make any payment. If you would like to continue attending events after this, please follow Meetup's instructions to pay the $6.50US/approx $10AUD fee once per year (or contact group organisers if you would prefer to make payment using paypal, payID, cash or bank transfer).

**Brighton to Point Ormond – Elwood Beach** ***As it is Mothers Day next Sunday, our next walk will be the following Sunday, 17th May.*** This popular walk along the Elwood foreshore is the perfect outing for an autumn Sunday morning. Join the thousands of Melburnians who regularly walk, jog and ride this wide, well-formed path along the shores of the Bay. Our coffee stop this morning will be at Northpoint Cafe, after we’ve walked from Brighton Beach to Point Ormond and return. **Start:** Bay St, Brighton. Assemble at the beach end of Bay St. **Parking:** Park along Bay Street or in St Ninians Road, off Bay St, just back from the beach. Parking is FREE. **The Walk**: The walk is along the Bayside Trail as far as Point Ormond Lookout and then return the same way. **Total distance**: 6.0 km. **Time:** Allow 2 hours for the walk, including coffee at the end. **Difficulty:** Easy **Toilets:** At several places along the way. **Coffee:** The café at Northpoint Cafe, or other venue (selected on the day) **Cost:** Free

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)

Art in the Park: DIY Garden Mosaic Stepping Stone Saturday, May 30, 2026 In this fun hands-on workshop, let your creativity flow as you design and craft your own mosaic stepping stone, perfect for adding a personal touch to your outdoor space! You will use concrete, colorful tiles, and your imagination to create a unique piece of garden art. No experience needed! We will provide the concrete, molds, tiles, and some inspiration patterns. If you have any ceramic pieces, glass, or stones of your own that you would like to add to your mosaic, feel free to bring them, but we will also have plenty on hand. Your mosaic stepping stone will need to set and dry, so we will create them on this day and you will pick yours up within the next week. * Ages 16+. * Registration required by May 26. * Yard ReWild discount applies. Class Fee: $20 1PM - 3PM Location: Shelter 6, Infirmary Mound Park Register here [https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/269/May-2026](https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/269/May-2026)

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!

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/

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

**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.

SAVE THE DATE! POLLINATOR PATHWAY + LICKING LAND TRUST Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 30, 2026 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon Granville Farmers Market Raccoon Valley Park 1225 River Road | Granville Plant package pre-order available as of 6-May at this link [https://lickinglandtrust.org/store/plant-sale](https://lickinglandtrust.org/store/plant-sale) Sun, Shade and Native Tea garden packages available