Outdoors

Sierre Leone and Freetown, Liberia and Monrovia - **freedom country and freedom town** \- two destinations where slavery and emancipation take on a whole new meaning\, with one being the site of **African resettlement from Europe and the other from America**, these are lands of searing heritage. Sierre Leone’s Freetown, with its vast beaches along the peninsula, lively surfing culture, chimpanzee sanctuary among the rainforests, and nearby islands with decaying slave fortresses, or another with butterfly colonies and pygmy hippos! **Bunce Island**, where trading in gold, ivory, cane wood, and slaves in the tens of thousands was launched from a fortress all the way across the Atlantic to the Americas, where the vast majority of the slaves of the Antebellum south came from. Today it’s a ruin of old stone and rusty cannons but the memories of this place continue to haunt. Just a little bit American and kind of West African, **Liberia is unlike anywhere** you’ve been before, with mountains to climb, world’s most beautiful beaches to surf and swim, vast parks full of untouched wildlife, city scenes out of the American south, and founded as the homeland of freed American slaves, it’s a step off the map into Africa’s last frontier! Monrovia is a scene of stately ruins, like the **Hotel Ducor and it’s famous swimming pool**, or the Masonic Temple’s peeling paint, broad streets of plantation-style mansions and Antebellum architecture, a marked contrast to Freetown’s Portuguese influence. You’ll even find a few speakers of “Pidgin” English, if you listen carefully! **Let’s go!!** **Day 1 :: Arrival + Firestone, The Rubber Tree Forests** Liberia is the only country that has **never been either a colony or a protectorate**; it was founded by Krio, freed slaves who returned to Africa from the US, hence the name "**Liberia: the country of freemen"**. Krio make up 5% of the population and control a large part of the economy and politics; they are considered the creators of the nation and the modern economy. 80% of the population speaks the Krio language, which is a form of "Pidgin" English. Immigration clearance and proceed to on a rough road through a spectacular **rubber plantation forest called Firestone**, the largest contiguous rubber plantation in the world, located in Harbel, Liberia, which first opened in 1926. In the mid-1990s, former Liberian President Charles Taylor's soldiers, many of whom were children, raided the Firestone plantation for fuel and supplies. Firestone pulled its executives out and left the plantation, and many of the company's Liberian workers were later killed. After the civil war, the company revived its operations and is now back on track. After a tour of the plantation and the surroundings, head to our ecolodge for overnight stay. **Day 2 :: Libassa + Monrovia** Leisure morning in tropical idyll setting. For curious, exploration of the site in a **search for Pangolins** \- live a dream of Liberia's wild and unspoilt nature\. Later in a day\, its time to head to Monrovia city\. Check in to hotel, start exploring Monrovia, we’ll pass by many curiosities including the **Temple of Masonic Lodge**, the most significant symbol of the Krio culture and the abandoned **Ducor Palace Hotel** (or what remains of it), a former luxurious hotel with a swimming pool overlooking the ocean. We ll also learn about the Mende people and the Bundu Mask in the forests outside the city. Head back to our hotel in the evening for dinner and rest. **Day 3 :: Crossing to Sierra + Tiwai or Gola NP** Check out from hotel and head to Sierra Leone on slightly better roads towards the border. **Bye bye Liberia!** Further on the boats to Tiwai Island for some **monkey jumping, bird calls, and maybe a crocodile** or two. If we’re really lucky, we’ll spot the elusive Pygmy Hippo! \*On this day we may opt for Gola Rainforest National Park instead. **Day 4 :: Tacugama via Bo** After binch beans and some coffee, we’ll head out to the second capital of Sierre Leone, the bustling Bo before moving on to **Tacugama Chimp Sanctuary**, home to many chimpanzees who have become injured and need help returning to the wild. We’ll drive into the hills for a panorama of the city and charming sunset. **Day 5 :: Bunce and Tasso Island** Bunce Island, made famous for being the last stop on the slave trade before being sent off to the Americas. The island was declared a national monument in 1948. A major European commercial fort was built here during the slave trading era, serving as a meeting place for European traders and African merchants. Over 50,000 slaves—women, children, and aged men—were transited to the Americas. The trading of slaves, gold, ivory, and cane wood was prevalent during the 1800s, and many slaves sent to South Carolina and Georgia were traded on this island. See and feel the island by touching the history yourself. **Day 6 :: Banana island + Freetown City Tour** Morning set out towards Kent for Banana Island, where we spend half day **swimming and getting to know the local community**, explore the Portuguese influence, and learn the ways of the Krios peoples of this former slave island. After lunch, return to the city, start with visiting the National Museum and the Big Market, which operates daily. It is a covered market selling a range of crafts, bric-a-brac, traditional medicines, and mystical items. **Day 7 :: Crossing to Conakry** **Bye-bye Sierra Leone!** Early in the morning crossing to Guinea Conakry, check in to hotel, city tour. **Day 8 :: Isles de Los** We will end up our trip with idyllic escape to Iles de Los, tropical paradise of 3 islands, for some swimming, relaxing or just playing beach football with the kids. **Day 9 :: Departure back to Dubai** Its time to head to airport for return flight home, Bye Bye West Africa! **Grade:** Easy - available for everyone. **Activities:** Trekking, boating, swimming, sightseeing. **Accommodation & meals:** hotels and eco lodges - double sharing, meals excluded. **Cost: 8,900 AED** excl. flights. Cost valid until MAR 05. **Flights, approx. 5000 AED:** Day 1 DXB-ROB Ethiopian Day 9 CKY-DXB Emirates **Specifically excluded:** flights, visas, restaurant meals, single room supplement. **Visas:** **Sierra Leone:** E-visa 85 USD **Liberia:** Pre-arranged visa 110 USD **Guinea Conakry:** E-visa 85 USD See yah in West Africa x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

Picture a setting sun tinging the **sky with hues of red, purple, and orange, the mighty baobab striking a squat pose against the sky,** its plump trunk leading up to a few delicate flinger-like branches, making for one mystical sight. One Arabian legend says the devil plucked up the baobab, thrust its branches into the Earth, and left its roots in the air. A tree so distinctive they named it twice! Easily recognized by their swollen base at the trunk which gives the tree a bottle-like appearance. They can be **as short as 5 meters to as tall as 12 meters with the bottle-trunk up to 5 meters in diameter**. With blooms in the spring of large white flowers which only open at night, these ancient trees have many tales to tell, given **their estimated age up to 2,000 years!** **Few places on Earth offer such an intense kaleidoscope of nature** as Madagascar, from fertile hills cascading with terraced rice paddies, forests of every kind from wet & rainy to dry and spiny, and a laterite-rich soil which gives the country it’s nickname of “Red Island”. With thousands of kilometres of coastline, the sea is never very far, turquoise and idyllic, dangerous and mysterious, big adventure on the world’s fourth largest island. There is no other place on Earth where you’ll find more **lemurs because they’re only found in Madagascar!** Endemic to the island and evolved from monkeys and apes, they once were as large as the male gorilla! **There are now over 100 species of lemurs**, in all shapes and sizes, from the pygmy mouse lemur to the long-tailed Indri. And while the signature animal of Madagascar is the Lemur, there are many weird and wonderful creatures, from the eerie-looking **fossa-fossa (a cat-dog crossover)**, **colourful and camouflaged chameleons**, oddly shaped insects, vivid frogs, graceful rays and turtles, several species of sharks, and humpback whales during the winter months. **Madagascar, from East to West, from Lemur to Boabab, on the road, the river, and the sea!** [https://vimeo.com/292618272](https://vimeo.com/292618272) [https://vimeo.com/194405246](https://vimeo.com/194405246) [https://vimeo.com/224965822](https://vimeo.com/224965822) **Let’s bao!!** **Day 1 // Tana - Antsirabe** After arrival we head to Antsirabe wile enjoying the views of highlands, rice terraces, vegetable plantations, and traditional Malagasy houses of the high plateau. **Day 2 // On the Road to Miandrivazo** Visit Antsirabe city by rickshaw. Continue drive to Miandrivazo. We’ll make a few stops at local villages and viewpoints along the way, a roadside lunch of local specialties. **Day 3 // Miandrivazo – River trip** Today we start our all-aboard adventure on the boat, enjoying peaceful day at river banks. We’ll meet some local tribes along the riverbank, catch sight of some endemic birds and chameleons, and along the river till we reach a gorge with Lemurs in their natural habitat. We’ll hop off the boat and into nearby waterfall for refresh and camp along the river for the night. At night a local party: traditional dance of West Mada. **Day 4 // Kirindy Forest at Night** We’ll head down the river and check-out from our boat, take a quick car-ferry ride before reaching Kirindy. Short rest in the hotel. Towards later afternoon we'll get ready for a night walk in search of Lemurs and other nocturnal creatures! **Day 5 // Boabab at Sunset in Morondava** This morning we head back to the Kirindy forest for trek through the forest in the daylight, to search for the dancing lemurs, Sifaka and red fronted brown. We'll certainly see lots of reptiles and birds nearby the giant sacred baobab. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and head to most awaited sunset in famous **valley of baobabs, set against magical red and purple sky.** **Day 6 // Relax at the beach** We’ll settle into a peaceful beachfront spot just outside the city lights, with hammocks, shaded loungers, and the gentle sound of waves on the Mozambique Channel. Swim or wade in the shallows until west-coast orange sunset covers the golden sands. **Day 7 // Tana** Today we catch a local flight to Tana where we’ll check-out capitol's Royal Tombs and Pink Palace. Few last selfies with lemurs and their wet-noses. Enjoy a little souvenir shopping at the local market, wander many streets of wooden houses. **Day 8 // Departure** Transfer to airport for return flight home. Bye, bye Mada x **Level of difficulty:** Easy and relaxing **Activities:** trekking, sightseeing, cruising, camping. **Accommo & meals:** breakfasts included, accommodation in **comfy lodges** and hotels, double sharing. 1 nights camping. Single room is subject of extra cost and availability. **Cost: AED 6,600 excl. flight** **Cost valid until MAR 05.** **Specifically excluded**: Lunches and dinners in local restaurants. **Visas**: **Any passport can obtain a visa on arrival** valid for 90 days. See yah in Mada x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [info@trekkup.com](http://info@trekkup.com/)

Outdoor hiit workout

**Note : Registration is confirmed only through [MeetNtrain](https://meetntrain.com/community/Volleyballpartners)** [WhatsApp Group ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IPwYiB48lTz8Ud3pVdrGAc) Get ready for an exciting evening of **beach volleyball** on soft sand! 🌴🏐 Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned pro, this fun and friendly game welcomes all skill levels. Come play, vibe, and enjoy the energy! **📍 Location:** Kite Beach - Dubai **🕘 Time:** 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (2 hours of play) ⏳ *Spots limited to 18 players – secure your spot early!* ⏱ *Note: Timing may change – join the [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IPwYiB48lTz8Ud3pVdrGAc) for updates.* **💵 Fee:** 40 AED per player **✅ What’s Included:** * Cold water 💧 * International music with high-quality sound 🎶 * Guided games & refereeing by your host, Noah 🎤 📲 *Join our WhatsApp group for full details & to confirm your spot!* **📬 Contact:** Reach out via WhatsApp or email to confirm your participation. **[Book Now](https://meetntrain.com/community/Volleyballpartners)** **Noah : 0504746210**

# Join The Royals: Social Indoor Cricket @ Insportz Club (Al Quoz) 👑 **Are you looking for a consistent, competitive, and social indoor cricket game in Dubai? Welcome to The Royals.** We aren't just a weekly game; we are building Dubai’s most elite social cricket community. Whether you are a seasoned pro or someone looking to get back into the nets, our sessions at the iconic **Insportz Club** are the perfect place to play. ### 🏆 WHY PLAY WITH THE ROYALS? We believe in rewarding performance and commitment. Every game we track your runs, wickets, and overall impact to crown a **Most Valuable Player (MVP)**. * **The Monthly Grand Prize:** If you secure **10 MVPs in a single month**, you win an **AED 500 Noon Voucher!** 🛍️ ### 📍 THE VENUE: INSPORTZ CLUB, AL QUOZ We host our games at the legendary **Insportz Club**. It is the heart of indoor sports in Dubai, offering: * Professional-grade courts and nets. * Fully air-conditioned environment (perfect for Dubai weather). * Excellent facilities including changing rooms and a cafe for post-game banter. ### 📅 OUR SCHEDULE We play three nights a week to keep the momentum going: * **Mondays:** The Week Kick-off * **Wednesdays:** The Mid-week Grind * **Fridays:** Prime Social Night ### 📊 DATA & THE FUTURE Every game you play with us is recorded in our **Royals Registry**. We track your runs and wickets because, in 6 months, we are launching the **Royals Dubai Cricket App**. By joining us now, you’ll have a verified player profile and history ready for the big launch! ### 📝 HOW TO JOIN 1. **RSVP** on this Meetup event. 2. **Confirm your spot** via our WhatsApp group (Link provided upon RSVP). 3. **Show up & Play:** Bring your gear or use the high-quality equipment provided by Insportz. **Cost per session:** $$AED 35$$ **Format:** 8-a-side / 16 overs per side (Social Rules) **Don't just play the game—Join the Court. Become a Royal today!** 👑🏏

Don't have a group, completely fine. badminton sessions for all levels.. Aed 45 for two hours, aed 28 for one hour come and play with us. teams will beade on levels to have exciting matched contact no +971 50 6658 933 join below WhatsApp group for regular updates. [https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5XeBmwIJ33GNRli4CF7Bc](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5XeBmwIJ33GNRli4CF7Bc)

**History** [Slate Run Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/slate-run/), located south of Canal Winchester in Pickaway County, has roots tracing back to the early planning efforts of the Columbus and Franklin County Metropolitan Park District. In 1963, Metro Parks officials identified the land along Slate Run as having strong potential for a large metropolitan park due to its expansive acreage, diverse habitats, and natural features like the stream that gave the area its name. The largest stream in the vicinity, Slate Run, flows south to northwest through a ridge, providing a logical basis for the park's designation. Between 1964 and 1968, Metro Parks acquired approximately 1,662 acres through multiple parcels, including a key 212-acre farmstead that had been continuously operated since 1805. This acquisition phase positioned Slate Run as a future major addition to the system, following the openings of other parks like Sharon Woods in 1968 and Highbanks in 1973. The park officially opened to the public in 1981, marking it as the sixth Metro Park in the district and, at the time, the largest with its substantial land holdings. From the outset, Metro Parks envisioned incorporating a living historical farm to educate visitors about 19th-century Ohio agriculture. The focal 212-acre parcel, purchased from the White family heirs in 1964, included historic structures that made it ideal for this purpose. The park's development preserved natural areas such as grasslands, wetlands, meadows, and forests while integrating interpretive elements. Upon opening, Slate Run quickly became a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Central to the park's identity is the Slate Run Living Historical Farm, which interprets life on a typical Ohio farm in the 1880s. The gothic revival farmhouse on the site was constructed in 1856 by owner Isaac Fridley and later restored by Metro Parks for historical accuracy. Visitors can explore interiors like the living room, parlor, and kitchen, where interpreters demonstrate period activities. The multi-bay barn, built in 1881 by Samuel Oman (the fourth owner), was meticulously restored with help from Amish carpenters. Heirloom animals such as Percheron horses, pigs, geese, and turkeys inhabit the farm, enhancing the immersive experience. The historical farmstead reflects a long lineage of ownership and agricultural use dating back to the early 19th century. Continuous farming on the land since 1805 made the site authentic for recreating late-19th-century practices, including grain harvesting and animal husbandry. Metro Parks focused on authenticity by restoring original buildings and introducing period-appropriate methods, such as horse-powered threshing machines from the late 1880s. The farm operates with volunteers and staff in period attire to portray daily rural life. This educational component has drawn school groups and families for decades. Today, Slate Run Metro Park spans about 1,705 acres and attracts roughly 250,000 visitors annually for its blend of natural preservation and historical interpretation. The park maintains diverse habitats supporting wildlife like nesting sandhill cranes and reintroduced northern bobwhite quail. Trails and open spaces offer opportunities for hiking and observation amid the preserved landscapes. The Living Historical Farm remains a crown jewel, continuing to teach about Ohio's agricultural heritage. Ongoing programs and restorations ensure the site's relevance for future generations. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Slate Run](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SLR-parkmap@2x.gif). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Five Oaks, Sugar Maple, Covered Bridge, Shagbark, and Lake Trails. This will be around 4.5 to 5 miles. While Slate Run is moderately strenuous in a few places, it's generally a good place to hike and doesn't seem to wear people out. Some spots on the hike are unshaded, though, so be prepared for the possibility of some sun. I find Slate Run to be very underappreciated for the quality of its hiking. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet at the [Shady Grove Picnic Area](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B045'30.1%22N+82%C2%B050'13.2%22W/@39.758347,-82.83701,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d39.758347!4d-82.83701?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). You can use the map pin I've provided here; it's accurate. There's a latrine at Shady Grove, but there is no running water (no water fountains). We will pass a water fountain when we get to the Buzzard's Roost Picnic Area, although I can't guarantee this fountain won't be off for the winter. I'd recommend bringing some water just in case, at least for after the hike. I'd also recommend [hiking shoes](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D972KN3W) for this park. **After the Hike** Once we're finished at Slate Run, we'll head over to [Loose Rail Brewing](https://looserailbrewing.com/) for [drinks](https://looserailbrewing.com/canal-winchester-canal-winchester-loose-rail-brewing-drink-menu) and [food](https://looserailbrewing.com/canal-winchester-canal-winchester-loose-rail-brewing-food-menu). The brewery's actual address is [37 W Waterloo St, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/37+W+Waterloo+St,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/@39.8432511,-82.8071032,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88387be3ac496d83:0x23e8ee9d9391dd6b!8m2!3d39.8432511!4d-82.8071032!16s%2Fg%2F11cp8n8x1j?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's about 10-12 minutes from Slate Run. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

**Summary** Celebrate America's 250th year and the [Columbus Clippers'](https://www.milb.com/columbus) 50th season by watching [Franklin County's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Clippers) best team play the [best game in the world](https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/babe_ruth_140116) at [one of the ten best](https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/minors/2025/03/26/huntington-park-voted-top-10-minor-league-ballparks-usa-today-10best-awards/82656048007/) baseball stadiums in the United States in their 2026 home Saturday opener! The first pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. The gates always open an hour before the scheduled first pitch. I'm usually at the ballpark a half an hour before the scheduled first pitch. Clippers' games usually last around two and a half hours. Being a few minutes early will help us secure good seats. **Parking** I personally always like to park in the [McConnell Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/McConnell+Garage/@39.9685114,-83.0103938,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388f24145462d1:0x6238c0f0c851ab70!8m2!3d39.9692957!4d-83.0081175!16s%2Fg%2F1jkw6y27y?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). If nothing else is going on in the area, this should be $7. However, I've also seen it be as high as $22. I can't say for certain what it will be for this game, but once I know, I will post in the comments. Alternately, there are other lots in the area you can try which will probably be a few dollars cheaper. [Here is a map](https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/q_auto/milb/ernng44ya2xkr4wbheql) of all the garages and lots surrounding the stadium. Keep in mind that many of these are outdoor lots and your car will be out in the elements. If you decide to look for a different lot, I would mildly recommend either the Buggyworks Lot or the Broadbelt Lot, but I have never parked in either of these myself. Although it won't apply for this game, keep in mind that street parking is also free citywide in Columbus on [Sundays and holidays](https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/public-service/right-of-way-permit/on-street-parking-out-of-service-policy-and-procedure-final-8.15.2022-signed.pdf). **Where We'll Be** Here is a [map of the ballpark](https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/milb/qkqohbqjgtx5uwo6zkgn.pdf). We'll be sitting on Level 3 of the [Left Field Building](https://www.milb.com/columbus/ballpark/huntington-park) (aka the "AEP Power Pavilion"), which features a 110 foot bar with six open patios overlooking the field. This area is covered and will be out of any sun or rain that may transpire. If you enter the park through the Center Field Entrance (which is at the intersection of Nationwide Blvd. and Neil Ave.), there will be a door to your immediate right after you enter that leads to a staircase up into the Tower. This door is not well-marked, and if you've never been to Huntington Park before, you may wonder if you're actually allowed to go in and up the stairs. Yes, you are. We'll be on the Tower's "Level 3". I have uploaded to the Photos section of this event page, below, a picture of the sign you want look for after you ascend the stairs, so you'll know you're on the correct floor. **Tickets** Do not buy your tickets ahead of time. They will literally be twice as expensive if you buy them on Ticketmaster. Instead, go to the ticket window near the Center Field Entrance. Buy a *Standing Room Only* ticket (don't worry, you won't be standing), which will cost you a flat $8 with no other taxes or fees. These tickets never sell out, and this is the cheapest way to get into the park. **Carry-Ins** Per the team's [website](https://www.milb.com/columbus/ballpark/a-z-guide): "Soft-sided coolers are permitted in the general seating area [which is where we'll be], but not hard-sided coolers; also no alcohol, glass bottles, or cans will be permitted. SMALL bags or backpacks of food items and beverages in plastic bottles are ok. Reusable water bottles are permitted, but must be empty upon arrival. Diaper bags are allowed." I always bring a disposable plastic bottle of water and refill it as I need at the park. Bottled water at the game is something like 4 or 5 dollars. So if you want a bottle of water, I recommend bringing your own bottle instead of buying it at the park. **Food & Drink** The area we'll be in has burgers, hot dogs, salads, soft pretzels, ice cream, and other sorts of things you would expect at a baseball game. I've posted pics of the menu in the Photos section, below. The burger and fries are $14 plus tax, and they're not bad. (This is what I usually get.) The beer is *really* overpriced. It's like $9, or $20 for a pitcher. If there's some people to help me drink it, though, I'll buy a pitcher of Michelob Ultra. While we'll be on the penultimate floor of the Tower, the top floor (which has a great view, but is fully exposed to the elements) has a [Dirty Frank's](https://dirtyfranks.com/) hot dog stand. I've never gotten anything from there, though I've been told it's good. The Donatos pizza stand is also a very short walk away from where we'll be. I love Donatos, but the pizza is so expensive at the ballpark. It's like $9 for a personal-sized pepperoni. It is good, though. **Peroration** Let's (watch them) play ball!

Hosted by Wild Ones Columbus How to Install a Bog Garden, with David Marsolo Saturday, March 14th, 2026 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Eastern Time) Innis House (Inniswoods Metro Park) , 940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking A bog can serve the same functions as a traditional rain garden but has the advantages of being low maintenance, climate resilient and attractive for a much longer part of the year. David Marsolo is a long time Wild Ones member. He has been maintaining artificial bogs at his suburban Westerville home for about 20 years. He will describe how to install a bog and fill it with many interesting native plants including pollinator and host plants https://columbus.wildones.org/calendar-of-events-and-programs/?wo_event_id=11160

Free at Bexley Library Adventures in Ecological Horticulture with Rebecca McMackin Wednesday, March 18 1:00pm - 2:30pm Gone are the days when a garden could be ornamental alone. We now recognize the impact that our land care practices have on the ecosystems around us, and can see the importance of encouraging biodiversity. Thankfully, we do not need to sacrifice beauty when we invite butterflies and songbirds into our gardens. Rebecca McMackin has cultivated gorgeous landscapes in the toughest environments possible: urban parks, school playgrounds, and the sidewalks of New York City. She will take lessons from her work at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Brooklyn Museum, and decades of research to share how those of us who are fortunate enough to care for land, can do it beautifully and ecologically. Rebecca McMackin is an ecologically obsessed horticulturist and garden designer. She writes, lectures, and teaches on ecological landscape management and pollination ecology, as well as designs the rare public garden. She is currently Lead Horticulturist for the American Horticultural Society, an Associate with the Harvard Divinity School’s Thinking with Plants and Fungi Initiative, and Consulting Arboretum Curator for Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, NY. Rebecca spent a decade as Director of Horticulture of Brooklyn Bridge Park, where she managed 85 acres of diverse parkland organically. Their research into cultivating urban biodiversity and ethical management strategies has influenced thousands of people and entire urban parks systems to adopt similar approaches. She has been published by and featured in the New York Times, Gardens Illustrated, on NPR and PBS. Her garden for the Brooklyn Museum recently won the PPA’s Award of Excellence and her TED Talk has been viewed over a million times. She holds M.Sc. from Columbia University and University of Victoria in landscape design and biology and recently completed the Loeb Fellowship at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. This program is presented in partnership with Rooted in Bexley and generously funded by the Bexley Community Foundation and Bexley Community Author Series Fund.