Sustainable Development

Join us for a relaxed morning of community connection, light activity, and caring for the Maribyrnong River. **What to Expect:** We will walk along the riverbank and surrounds collecting litter, enjoying fresh air, gentle exercise, and friendly conversation. After the clean-up, we will head to Myrtle Café together for a coffee and chat. This is an optional part of the event, and all are welcome to join. **What to Bring:** * Drinking water * Sunscreen * Closed shoes * Gloves (optional – we also provide gloves if needed) We will supply rubbish bags, and have gloves, extra sunscreen, and hand sanitiser available. **Meeting Point:** We meet at Footscray Wharf, near Waterside Metal Art in Footscray. This location offers shelter and free parking on nearby streets. **Important Information:** Please check the exact meeting point before attending. If you need help finding us on the day, call 0418 184 457 or 0415 635 063. Our clean-ups take place once a month and continue in all weather, unless conditions are extreme. Please check the event page on the morning of the clean-up for any last-minute updates.

Would you like to enhance your creativity, confidence and increase your awareness? We’d love you to join us to Thoughtstorm® the topic World Interfaith Harmony in the warm, friendly environment of the Yarraville Community Centre. How Thoughtstorm came about Thoughtstorm is a technique developed from a seed of speculation: are there more effective (rational, cooperative, compassionate) ways of thinking? Methods whose long-term consequences will not lead to oblivion. This is the genesis of Thoughtstorm. What is it? For anyone with an interest in leadership, deeper conversations or creative problem solving, something much more than a group discussion occurs. What is experienced in Thoughtstorm is a forgotten sensory ability - mind-linking. An evolution in human thinking and learning. The direction moves from a narrow range of possibility into discovering corecepts, when individual minds merge into a much more powerful collective awareness and experience a deeper, more compassionate comprehension of reality. Corecepts trigger intuitive recognition and agreement by the group, a ‘Why, of course!’ reaction. New insights guaranteed! Because this process taps into abilities already present in the human mind and into aggregates of consciousness straining to express themselves, very little practice is required. Would you like to see and understand things in a way that is new for all of us? Would you like to develop your consciousness and your creative intelligence? Would you like to be inspired to create positive change? Then come and join us to Thoughtstorm together. If it’s your first time to Thoughtstorm, please RSVP early to give plenty of time to arrange a brief prep call on Zoom to go over the Thoughtstorm procedures so we can all get started on time together. **Agenda:** 6.30pm - Arrive, meet and greet, read over Thoughtstorm instructions 6.45pm - Begin the Thoughtstorm 7.45pm - Finish When you RSVP we will be in touch with the details. We look forward to seeing you there! Thoughtstorm® is a registered trademark of Star's Edge, Inc. All rights reserved.

Forecast is for a nice day, not too hot, not too cold. Please note that this ride involves a ferry trip. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Meet at Lara Station by 9.30 am - take the 8.30 am Waurn Ponds Train to Lara Station (arriving 9.18 am) where I will meet you. If you catch the 8.50, please continue through the North Geelong and meet us at Paddock Bakery. We follow the Hovell Creek towards Geelong then travel via the industrial heartland to Paddock Bakery at Federal Mills for coffee (14 km mark). This is also a convenient stop if you wish to BYO lunch. After coffee, we pedal along the scenic Geelong beach front to the city, veer off up Yarra Street to South Geelong station where we pick up the Bellarine Rail Trail. Lunch will be in Drysdale (Cafe Zoo is an option) at the 40 km mark. BYO lunch is an option. After lunch, we ride about 15 km along the Portarlington Road (80 km/h road with verge) to Point Richards and then back along the beach to Portarlington for late coffee and ice cream. Return to Docklands is via Port Philip Ferry from Portarlington Pier (5pm departure, 6.10pm arrival Docklands). Route: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53889780](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53889780) **Important Note:** please purchase a ferry ticket for YOU AND YOUR BIKE PRIOR to registering for this ride. The ferry has a limit of 20 bikes and we will be travelling back with other weekenders. Link is here: [Port Philip Ferries tickets](https://www.portphillipferries.com.au/) RIDE REGISTRATION FORM The form should be available within a day or two of the ride announcement. The link to the form will be seen in the event messages when you RSVP. Please complete it when available. ESSENTIAL ITEMS * Cheerful disposition * Bicycle or V/Line compliant E-bike * Functioning headlight & tail light * Spare tube and a puncture kit * MYKI card * CONFIRMED PORT PHILIP FERRIES BOOKING * basic tools * rain gear * medication * food/snacks, etc * WATER It's your responsibility to check the temperature and distance for the day and carry an appropriate amount of water. When riding outside suburbia remember that carrying too much water is better than not enough as the distances between water availability may vary greatly from the planned route due to road closures or other unforeseen circumstances. Check Meetup for any changes the day before the ride, as the ride may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If you cannot make it to the ride please change your RSVP to 'NO' at least one day before the ride day. This ride is for financial MBTC club members, or those who have not yet done three single day rides with us. To join our club check out [https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership](https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership) The MBTC Refund & Cancellation Policy can be found [here](https://www.mbtc.org.au/refund-cancellation-policy/) When I RSVP for this event/activity I acknowledge that the activity of bicycle riding can be dangerous and that I may suffer loss or injury or death and I agree that in consideration of my participation in any event conducted by the MBTC that I will absolve from liability the MBTC, its officers, and any event organiser from all claims, demands, or suits whether for personal injury or property loss suffered whether by negligence or breach of contract or otherwise, save for any right I may have pursuant to the Australian Consumer law. I acknowledge that photos may be taken of me during MBTC rides and social events, and that it is club practice that these photos will be published on Meetup, Facebook, and the club website. I will notify the ride leader and other riders if I wish to not be photographed. MBTC cannot guarantee that my photo will not be published and will promptly honour requests to be removed from MBTC controlled sites.

Hi Radiant Ladies, Join us for a refreshing Saturday walk at Ruffey Lake Park. 👭 Walk at your own pace 🐕 Dogs welcome ☕ Coffee after 🌦️ We walk every Saturday (unless it’s pouring) New ladies welcome. See you! 
Leanne & Lyn 💕

We are walking from Woodend to Macedon via the Macedon Plantation. This route has a gentle elevation change of just around 52 metres. We will stop at Woodend for lunch before starting the walk. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please pay the organiser fee via Trybooking ($20) - [https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1537536](https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1537536) Trybooking tickets are non-refundable. There is no option to transfer the ticket to a new date. Trybooking tickets will be only refunded if the event is cancelled or moved. Payments are managed through Trybooking and not Meetup. You will see an **"Unpaid"** status on your RSVP. The only thing you need is the Trybooking ticket which you will receive by email. **Meeting Point**: Let's meet in the Corner of Spencer Street and Bourke Street (Station Side - Near the steps) at 10:40 AM. We should be back in Melbourne around 6:30 pm. Please don't forget to bring your myki. **Meeting Point Photo**: [https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2](https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2) Walking distance: 10 KM (52m Elevation Change) Travel time on V/Line: 1 hour (each way) Cost: Organizer Fee: $20 Myki: $8 or myki pass Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@explore-melbourne) \| [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/exploremelb) \| [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/xpmelb/) \| [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@exploremelbourne) \| [ExploreMelbourne.AU](https://exploremelbourne.au/) Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia with more than 44,000 members. We know these group rules won’t suit everybody, and that’s okay—there are many other groups where you might feel more at home. To keep things safe, fun, and positive, we have 8 simple rules for people attending our events. Over the past 9 years, we’ve removed 342 people (around 0.8%) for breaking them—so please read carefully! ❌ Not a dating group – We’re here to make friends and share experiences, not find soulmates. 📵 No phone numbers – You’re welcome to swap social media if you both agree, but please don’t share or ask for phone numbers. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups. 🔞 Our events are only open to people aged 18 and older. 📢 No advertising – Please don’t promote other events, groups, or businesses here. 😅 Don’t be clingy – Give people space to mingle and chat with others too. 🚗 No carpooling – For safety reasons and insurance coverage, we don’t allow carpooling or ride-sharing through the group. 💰 No sales pitches – That means no selling, MLMs, pyramid schemes, or “life-changing mentorships.” Keep it scam-free. By joining an event, you agree to follow these rules. Breaking them means removal from all our groups—no exceptions. Thank you! **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 safety and well-being. By joining this event, you agree to the liability waiver mentioned here: [https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/](https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/)

Join Stephen Fiyalko, President of the Melbourne Theosophical Society for meditation, self attunement, study and discussion on the Laws of the Universe. We welcome all to join at 5:30pm for a 30 min Meditation and will begin the discussion group at 6:00pm. For those who prefer to just attend the discussion group you're welcome to arrive at 6pm. An understanding of and action within the Laws through our choices give practical tools for facing, managing and surmounting with confidence the many challenges we face in our daily lives, in society and the world itself. Ignorance of the Laws can leave us adrift to be buffeted and feel overwhelmed by stormy seas. Each week will look at one of the twelve Laws which are principles, not rules, seeking a deeper understanding of that Law, our and their inter-relationship with the other Laws. Discussion will involve sharing stories from our lives which contribute to a growing understanding and confidence in our lives. Each session is free, but donations are welcome.

✨ **Do you want to...** * 🫶🏽 Connect with like-minded people in your local community? * 🏋🏽‍♂️ Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others? * 🌈 Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn)? * 🧘🏼‍♂️ Experience a simple yet powerful meditation practice to find calm and clarity? Or maybe you just want to... ☮️💟☯️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet some amazing new people?** *** ### **Join us on Sundays!** Let’s come together, share positive energy, and build a warm, supportive local community. **Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** *** ### **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection *** ### **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. *** ### **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$10 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue costs, provide 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** *** ### **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).** *** ### **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.

Hello Minimalists! We are back to our regularly scheduled monthly meetups! If you have stuff to declutter, bring it around and see if anyone could give it a new home. Anything left over we can donate it at the op-shop after we are done at the cafe. Looking forward to chatting about what's been going well in our minimalist journeys and share tips and tricks! P.S. We always appreciate a gold coin donation to help with the cost of the meetup fees (until we figure out a low cost-alternative to Meetup).

**🌿 Fall in Love with the Planet – Eco-Impact Tribe Walk & Talk** This Valentine’s season, we’re celebrating love in a different way — love for the planet 🌎💚 Join Eco-Impact Tribe for a relaxed **Walk & Talk** through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. A chance to slow down, connect with nature, and share simple ideas on how we can care a little more for the world around us. This is a casual, friendly event for anyone who wants to meet like-minded people, enjoy good conversation, and spend time outdoors. As a small gift, each participant will receive a **seed to take home and plant** — a tiny symbol of growing something positive for the planet 🌱 **Meeting Point:** We’ll meet at the Kiosk of **The Observatory** **Café at 11:00 AM** inside the Royal Botanic Gardens, so you’re welcome to grab a coffee before we begin. If possible, bring your own takeaway cup. 📩 If you’re running late, please DM me! **Plan for the day:** • Meet and greet at the Observatory Cafe at 11:00AM (https://maps.app.goo.gl/gskx6xgNiJF1f72g6) • Gentle group walk through the gardens • We stop at **Central Lawn** to connect and relax (https://maps.app.goo.gl/EPbmiZzVk1wRoD989) **What to bring:** • Comfortable walking shoes • Water • Hat and sunscreen if it’s sunny • Have something to sit down • A reusable coffee cup (preferable) • Your good vibes Whether you’re new to sustainability or already passionate about it, this is a welcoming space to connect and reflect together. Come along and let’s fall a little more in love with the planet 💚

**1\. The good: class struggle and alienation from labor** "In ancient times, the haves were the slave-owners and the have-nots the slaves. The interests of these two groups were entirely opposed. Any increase in the prosperity of the owner is at the expense of the slave and vice versa. It is a zero-sum relationship. So conflict is an unavoidable consequence. ... In Marx's analysis, this arrangement amounted to an 'alienation' of the slave from the fruits of his labor. Marx advocated the 'labour theory of value' in which the value of something is based on the labor used to produce it." (Frame, 283) a) Do we measure economic value? (Scarcity, survival, aesthetics, labor or some sort of combo?) b) Would you agree that alienation is a powerful phenomenological description? (Why, why not?) [Video: 'The Great British Class System, Explained' ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWx2MhyFYyY) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWx2MhyFYyY c) Why is class less discussed in our modern world than gender, race and religion? **2\. The bad: dialetical materialism** "Marx was a determinist like Hegel, and he believed that the laws of being progressed in the form of a Hegelian dialetic. [movement between contrasting viewpoints] But he beleived that the ultimate causes of events were material, not mental. So he was a dialetical materialist. Further, in his view, those ultimate causes were economic." (Frame, 282) a) 'Materialism is a deficient philosophical paradigm', why or why not? b) How do we prevent our theories being overapplied? (Eg Marx thinking everything is economic.) [Optional Video 'Optimistic Nihilism' by Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBRqu0YOH14&t=1s) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBRqu0YOH14&t=1s **The ugly: revolutionary eschatology** "...Therefore the poor are driven to revolt. Again Marx anticipates that this will bring a radical change in the social order, a revolution. Marx believed that in this particular revolution the proletariat will be the winner. So society will be governed for a time by a 'dictatorship of the proletariat'." (Frame, 284) a) Some revolutions are celebrated (eg the American Revolution), so why do so many turn out badly (eg the French Revolution)? b) Is change possible without 'breaking a few eggs' and after one revolution what prevents a cylce of revolution and counter-revolution? **Bonus: cultural Marxism** "a really bigoted quack [conspiracy theory](https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=conspiracy%20theory) wherein [conservatives](https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=conservatives) assert that there is a conspiracy where black people, lgbt people, leftists, immigrants, and anti-colonial advocates are seen as working together to instill Marxism under the pretense of [multiculturalism](https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=multiculturalism)." (Urban Dictionary, 2013) Optional preperation movie: 'Land of the Blind' (2006) - Recommended with caution, some adult content. *A History of Western Philosophy and Theology* by John M. Frame

On the third Sunday of every month we take a walk in nature. Exercise is so important to all of us and nature has its own unique way of healing. It helps us live in the present, enjoy our surroundings, regain balance and perspective and be pleased with ourselves for going out and doing something. And it costs nothing except time and effort. Our hikes are all over Greater Melbourne and afar. Generally our walks will be 2 to 2.5 hours of moderate grade. Those who want to go more quickly can but generally we try to stay as a group and enjoy the sounds and beauty of nature together. Please read the waiver liability before you RSVP https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mHAz_ShmpWR1wr69gefWEqVzS-zw4bIvI2uGXw4RJ08/edit?usp=sharing WHAT TO BRING Water bottle appropriate clothing (be prepared for hot or cold weather) comfy shoes snacks hat sunscreen camera money for coffee afterwards We look forward to catching up.

✨ **EVENT OVERVIEW** This special Valentine’s Day gathering is a collaboration between Find **Your Tribe Melbourne** and **Soulful Conversations** coming together to celebrate love in its many forms — romantic, platonic, self-love, and love for humanity — through soulful conversations and meaningful connections. Rooted in openness, curiosity, and respect for diverse perspectives, this event invites you to engage in conversations that go beyond surface-level chat. In the spirit of **Valentine’s Day**, we’ll explore spiritual and philosophical perspectives on love, connection, and purpose, while creating space to meet like-minded people who value depth, authenticity, and community. Whether you’re spiritually curious, philosophically inclined, or simply seeking more meaningful connection, you are warmly welcome. **TICKET** Tickets are $10, which covers your coffee (or equivalent drink of choice) on the day, and any remaining funds will be donated to Oxfam. 🌿 **EVENT STRUCTURE** **12:30 pm – Arrival & Welcome:** Arrive, grab a drink or lunch, and settle in. This is a relaxed arrival period to meet others and ease into the space. **12:45 pm – Soulful Conversations:** A guided discussion exploring spiritual and philosophical quotes on love, encouraging reflection, shared insights, and respectful dialogue across different perspectives. **2:00 pm – Find Your Tribe Connection Activity:** A facilitated connection activity hosted by Find Your Tribe Melbourne, designed to help you engage more deeply with others through thoughtful prompts and intentional conversation. 📍 **MEETING POINT** Please ask café staff for the reservation under “Soulful Conversations” or meet us at the back of the café where we will have large tables. 🌱 **NEW HERE?** **Soulful Conversations** Soulful Conversations creates a welcoming space to explore meaningful topics through reflective dialogue inspired by the Baha'i teachings and drawing on spiritual and philosophical ideas in an inclusive and open-hearted way. **Find Your Tribe Melbourne** Find Your Tribe is a community where ambitious professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and change-makers come together to build authentic connections and support personal and professional growth, with a mission to foster meaningful relationships and conscious leadership. **LIABILITY DISCLAIMER** By attending this event, you acknowledge that you are participating voluntarily and are responsible for your own health, safety, and well-being during the activities. *Find Your Tribe* and its hosts are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur. Please take care, be mindful of your surroundings, and participate within your own comfort level. **PHOTO AND VIDEO DISCLAIMER** Please note that photos and videos may be taken throughout the event and may be used on our social media channels or other platforms. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, kindly inform one of the hosts at the beginning of the event.

The 2026 Melbourne ISKCON Ratha Yatra (Festival of the Chariots) is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, in St Kilda, typically coinciding with the St Kilda Festival. The procession begins at 1:00 pm at Cleve Gardens (corner of Fitzroy St & Beaconsfield Pde), featuring free music, dance, and vegetarian food at Catani Gardens from 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm. **Key Details for 2026:** * **Date:** Sunday, February 15, 2026 * **Chariot Parade Start:** 1:00 PM, beginning at Cleve Gardens, St Kilda. * **Location:** The procession travels through the St Kilda Festival precinct, with celebrations concentrated at Catani Gardens, 6 Jacka Boulevard. * **Features:** The event is free and includes a procession with decorated chariots, Hare Krishna food stalls (Veg/Vegan), mantra dance music, drama,, and kids' activities.

Join us for a volunteer day helping the animals at Rosie's Farm Sanctuary in Potomac, MD. Before attending this event, you must sign a liability waiver. Please use this link [https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/b5nky2tonaovjqgjn6ap5p/web/](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/b5nky2tonaovjqgjn6ap5p/web/) The chores you will be doing are physical. You will be working on big projects that require many volunteers like removing old bedding, sanitizing stals and replacing with new bedding, along with the daily clean up chores. Wear boots and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Feel free to bring a filled water bottle. On sunny days a brimmed hat and sunglasses may be helpful. Sunscreen is also suggested. Please do not bring any food or yummy-smelling items on your body or in your bag as our animals love to eat and are on special diets. Out of respect for the animals, we do not allow any food with animal products to be consumed at Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary. Please ensure that all edible items are plant-based (no dairy, no cheese, no cow’s milk ice cream, no meat, no fish, no eggs). Thank you for your cooperation and respect for this. It is very important to us. There is a gift shop where you can browse and warm up during the event. Please post your pictures and tag Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary and VSDC! Stick around at the end for a group photo behind the barn. If there is interest, we may go out to eat in one of our local vegan restaurants afterward. We are limited to 30 volunteers, so please change your RSVP if you cannot attend. Rosie's Farm Sanctuary is always in need of volunteers. If you want to volunteer with them outside of VSDC's volunteer days, make sure to visit [Rosies Farm Sanctuary ](https://rosiesfarmsanctuary.org/volunteer/) to sign up. By coming to this event, we expect you to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

*Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy registration requested at* [The Disappearance and Persistence of Bees (Virtual) - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/persistent-native-bees/) The demise and disappearance of bees is well documented, yet bees still persist. Wildlife biologist Sam Droege shares a more nuanced look at the current state of native bees based on his research. This presentation is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.

​Join our new group’s second meeting. Meet fellow tech enthusiasts west of the beltway. ​Because our group is new, we have a poll for the direction we want to take this new group. ​[https://submatrix.net/article/Meetups/e9ym4fr8Ca](https://submatrix.net/article/Meetups/e9ym4fr8Ca) ​For this event, we will be running a working meetup. ​Our meetings are a great place to work on and show off what you do. We are always welcoming. ​Our format is great for people who have started on but not finished one or several side projects. ​We will start off with basic introductions and what we are working on and what our goals are. We’ll break the rest of the meeting into two working sessions. In between, we’ll do a quick check-in to see how folks are going. ​Then we will conclude with showcasing and networking. Don't have an account here? We have more than one platform available for RSVP: Meetup: [https://www.meetup.com/loudoun-dev-group/events/313329870/](https://www.meetup.com/loudoun-dev-group/events/313329870/) Luma: **[https://luma.com/dhd9iufz](https://luma.com/dhd9iufz)**

Join us for an all plant-based meal at the always popular Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant in Vienna, VA. We've made a reservation for 20 attendees, so don't delay in RSVPing as this will fill up. You can preview Sunflower's menu [here. ](https://www.crystalsunflower.com/menu) Parking is available in the restaurant's lot and the Vienna Metro station is 1.6 miles away. Rides may be available from attendees with cars so please communicate needs/availability in the comments below. Please note that there is no outdoor dining at this venue and that this is an indoor event. **Update Your RSVP** Out of respect for others interested in attending this limited-space event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes. **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy registration required at [Birding Algonkian - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-algonkian-feb/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at Loudoun’s top birding hotspot, ***[Algonkian Regional Park](https://loudounwildlife.org/2016/11/algonkian-park/)*** in eastern Loudoun, for the monthly bird walk. Combining extensive frontage along the Potomac River, rich bottomland forests, wetlands, and extensive grassy areas, this can be a very productive place to bird. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet at the boat ramp next to the parking lot. ([Boat ramp location.](https://goo.gl/maps/Pz1S69mqSuX1z3FW8)) ***Registration required.*** ***Questions:*** *Contact [bhenson@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:bhenson@loudounwildlife.org).*

Join local video game developers, artists, musicians and writers to talk about the art and science of game development. Bring a device and demo your game, talk shop, find like minded folks to join forces with, have a snack or a beverage among new friends. We are an informal meetup where we share what we've been working on and socialize. Come for all or just a bit of the time!

Join our partners Watermark Woods Native Plants, Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL), and Birch Tree Bookstore for the Read! Plant! Grow! Book Club, which focuses on native plants, sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and LCPL. At this meeting we’ll discuss the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Both memoir and journalistic investigation, this book explores how the Kingsolver family took on a new challenge: to spend a year on a locally -produced diet, paying close attention to the provenance of all they consume. Concerned about the environmental, social, and physical costs of American food culture, they hoped to recover what Kingsolver considers our nation’’s lost appreciation for farms and the natural processes of food production. You can either buy the book from Birch Tree Bookstore or contact Allison Forbes at [Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov](mailto:Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov) to borrow a copy of the book at the library. There are two ways to participate: attend the event online via the library website or [sign up to participate in person at Birch Tree Bookstore](https://www.birchtreebookstore.com/event-details/read-plant-grow-2026-02-24-18-30). ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.