Sustainability

**🔎** **The event** **We hope for good weather, to hang out in park together! We will meet in Kurpark from 18:00 onwards until whatever time people feel like. The plan is simply to have a nice time together and enjoy the sunshine :-). For those keen to play sports, for sure some frisbee/volleyball/badminton will be played!** **🧺** **What to bring:** * **A good mood and an interest in other people** * **Warm clothes in case it gets colder later during the evening** * ***Optional:*** **drinks and/or food to share, picnic cloth, games, etc.** **📍** **Where:** **We meet in the park, behind the casino, near the fountain -** [https://maps.app.goo.gl/uLRZEmbWRyyFKfj2A](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uLRZEmbWRyyFKfj2A)**.** **⌛** **Time:** **From 18:00 onwards.** **💬** **Event WhatsApp Group:** **See here the link to an event-specific WhatsApp group:** ***https://chat.whatsapp.com/IX2ZCXznqN06LRhZ7WPHsm*** **Hope to see you there!** **Cheers,** **Moniek**

Dieser Ernährungszirkel ist eine offene Gesprächsrunde rund um Ernährung im Alltag. DE Viele Menschen fühlen sich im Alltag unsicher oder gestresst im Umgang mit Essen – genau dafür soll dieser Raum da sein. Es geht nicht um Regeln oder perfekte Ernährung, sondern um ehrlichen Austausch, neue Perspektiven und einen entspannteren Umgang mit dem Thema. Du kannst einfach kommen, zuhören oder dich einbringen – ganz so, wie es für dich passt. \- Kleine Gruppe \(ca\. 3–8 Personen\) \- Austausch statt Vortrag \- Ohne Druck oder Bewertung Anmeldung ist willkommen, spontanes Kommen ist aber auch möglich. EN This nutrition circle is an open discussion group about food and everyday life. Many people feel unsure or stressed about eating – this space is here for exactly that. It’s not about rules or perfect nutrition, but about honest conversations, new perspectives, and a more relaxed relationship with food. You can simply come, listen, or share – whatever feels right for you. \- Small group \(approx\. 3–8 people\) \- Discussion\, not a lecture \- No pressure or judgment Registration is welcome, but spontaneous participation is also possible.

A 2-day in-person course for leaders, founders and seekers who want a calmer mind, stronger inner stability and a deeper connection to unconditional love and purpose. [Book Your Seat Now](https://www.iisolutions.ch/yoga)

English below. Der Klang des Gongs erzeugt eine kraftvolle Welle, die durch den ganzen Körper fliesst, berührt jede Zelle, jeden Gedanken und jedes Gefühl, klärt, harmonisiert und führt zu tiefer Entspannung. Der Gong führt dich genau dorthin, wo deine Seele sein möchte. 💫 Mögliche Wirkungen der Klangtherapie: • Tiefe Entspannung • Befreiung von Anspannung • Abbau von Stress und Ängsten • Verbesserter Schlaf und erhöhte Konzentration • Regeneration des Nerven- und Hormonsystems • Emotionales und energetisches Gleichgewicht • Auflösung unbewusster Muster und Ängste • Verbesserung der Durchblutung und der Beweglichkeit, Entspannung der Muskeln 🎵 Klangtherapie ist eine uralte, spirituelle Methode der Heilung, Verjüngung und Transformation. Heute ist sie eine der natürlichsten Methoden, um mit sich selbst und seiner Lebensenergie in Verbindung zu treten. 💖 Kommen Sie und teilen Sie diese Erfahrung – lassen Sie uns gemeinsam in den Raum des Klangs eintauchen, wo sich der Körper entspannt, der Geist Frieden findet und das Herz sich daran erinnert, was Liebe ist. Anmeldung hier oder online: www.om-center.ch Bezahlung vor Ort auch möglich per Twint, Karte oder bar. \-\-\-\- ENGLISH \-\-\-\- The sound of the gong creates a powerful wave that flows through the entire body, touching every cell, every thought, and every feeling, clearing, harmonizing, and leading to deep relaxation. The gong takes you exactly where your soul wants to be. 💫 Possible effects of sound therapy: • Deep relaxation • Release of tension • Reduction of stress and anxiety • Improved sleep and increased concentration • Regeneration of the nervous and endocrine systems • Emotional and energetic balance • Dissolution of unconscious patterns and fears • Improved circulation and mobility, relaxation of muscles 🎵 Sound therapy is an ancient, spiritual method of healing, rejuvenation, and transformation. Today, it is one of the most natural ways to connect with yourself and your life energy. 💖 Come and share this experience—let's dive into the space of sound together, where the body relaxes, the mind finds peace, and the heart remembers what love is. Register here or online at: www.om-center.ch Payment on site via Twint, credit card, or cash possible.

Celebrate with a special creative night at Soho Bar, from **7:00 PM to 9:30 PM**. This is a celebration of laughter and good vibes! Zürich Together is collaborating with Sip N Paint Club, we will have a corner for our attendees, all you need is to look for your host Raluca or the Zürich Together flag. **Coming with Zürich Together already provides you with a 20% discount applied upon the completion of the purchase. [Discounted Tickets available here](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/parties/afterwork/sip-n-paint-club-7434533947801885043.html?promocode=ZurichTogether). Please join the [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CT9PD90YhmCK1wACNTKZsR) to coordinate with the group.** Enjoy a relaxed painting session while sipping cocktails and grooving to tunes from our live DJ. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned painter, everyone is welcome to join the fun and create something memorable. **Event Highlights:** 🎨 Self-guided painting experience with fun, creative themes 🥂 Complimentary glass of Prosecco on arrival 🎶 Live DJ setting the mood 🍸 Drinks available for purchase at the bar This is a **self-guided session**, so you’re free to paint at your own pace and style. All materials are provided, just bring yourself. No experience needed, just come ready to relax and have a great time. Spots are limited, so reserve yours now and make this a night to remember. 💕

Experimentiere frei mit Farben, Formen und Materialien! Anmeldung:[Atelier-Workshop: Mischtechnik | Kreativ Werkstatt](https://www.kreativwerkstatt.design/service-page/atelier-workshop-mischtechnik?referral=service_list_widget) In diesem offenen Atelier-Workshop kannst du verschiedene Mischtechniken ausprobieren – ganz egal, ob du bereits Erfahrung hast oder einfach neugierig bist. Wir arbeiten mit Strukturpaste, Acrylfarben, Ölkreiden, Collagen, Tape und Aquarell und kombinieren sie nach Lust und Laune. So entstehen spannende, individuelle Werke auf unterschiedlichen Untergründen wie Leinwand, Fotokarton oder Papier. Alle sind willkommen – mit oder ohne Vorkenntnisse. Komm vorbei und lass dich von deiner Kreativität überraschen!

Hello dear Challengers, if you wish to join the Limmat swim and strengthen your body, join me to that swim. I will give you a short introduction on the "why" you should do it and then you will tell me if you want to do it. I am a trained lifeguard (SLRG), I did also the Hypothermia Module and I am swimming in the cold since 2015. Take with you all the necessary to swim, flip/flop, safe buoy (something like the orange donut here below, if you have it) and a Thermos. https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/a/7/5/600_466843637.jpeg See you there! Massimo ps: Limmat temperature https://www.zh.ch/de/umwelt-tiere/wasser-gewaesser/messdaten/wassertemperaturen.html

**🌿 Welcome to Indian Vegan Brunch in Zürich! 🌿** Join us for a cozy, culture‑rich Sunday brunch crafted by passionate home cooks who love sharing the flavors, stories, and lesser‑known dishes of India. Our brunch is fully vegan, rooted in the belief that plant‑based eating can be joyful, nourishing, and deeply flavorful. We aim to show how Indian home cooking naturally lends itself to veganism through its rich traditions, regional diversity, and reliance on wholesome ingredients. Every dish is prepared freshly with care, using high‑quality ingredients. We cook exclusively with cold‑pressed oils, without refined flour or refined sugar. We also cook seasonally and source ingredients thoughtfully, so the menu may vary slightly depending on availability. And because community matters to us, any profits from this brunch will be donated to charity. 🌞 **Brunch Menu for 24.05.2026** Savory dishes * [GF] Ameri Khaman * [GF] Podi Idly * [GF] Poha * Vaneer (Vegan Paneer) Paratha * Bombay Sandwich * Khakhra Sweet dishes * Pineapple Halva * [GF] Nachni (Millets) Kheer * [GF] Sweet Potato Rabdi * [GF] Laddoo * [GF] Seasonal fruits Drinks (One included) * Lili Chai no Kadho (Indian Green tea) * Chai (Indian tea) * Haidar Dudh (Turmeric milk) * Raw Mango Panna Sides * Raita * Chutney varities 💚 What Makes This Brunch Special 💚 * Our brunch is fully vegan, celebrating plant‑based eating through authentic Indian flavors. * We share dishes that reflect our heritage and everyday Indian home kitchens. * We highlight non‑famous, regional specialties rarely found in restaurants. * We use cold‑pressed oils, natural sweeteners, and quality ingredients that honor traditional methods. * Our cooking is seasonal, mindful, and rooted in sustainability. Keeping in mind the ayurvedic principles of *satvic* food, we avoid onion, garlic and mushrooms in our cooking, * The menu is subject to change based on ingredient availability and seasonal inspiration. * Profits, if any, go to charity. * Tickets: [Indian Vegan Brunch in Zürich! in Zürich | Eating & Drinking](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/eating-drinking/indian-vegan-brunch-in-zuerich-7452449384258637687.html)

☀️ Summer Yoga & Brunch at Zurich Lake ☀️ **Free Event \| All levels welcome \| Perfect for first\-timers** 🗓 Date: **Sunday, 24 May** 🕗 Time: **10:30 – 13:00** 📍 Location: Wollishofen Join us for the opening of our Summer Yoga at the Lake series — and let's start this season together as a community 🌿 🧘 What we'll do: We start at 10:30 with a 60-minute Hatha Yoga class by the lake. This session is built around the foundations of yoga, welcoming everyone from first-timers to regular practitioners. *** 🥐 After yoga we stay together for a relaxed, picnic-style brunch. Bring your favourite breakfast things and enjoy the lake✨. What to bring: 🧘 Yoga mat 👟 Comfortable clothes (layers recommended for the morning) 💧 Water bottle 🥐 Your own brunch to share the vibe To stay up to date join the WhatsApp group 🌿 [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JjcN8KKelJ7L5kNT40j6vT](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JjcN8KKelJ7L5kNT40j6vT) Spots are limited — RSVP to save your place. See you lakeside! 🌊

Sundays, 2pm-3pm. Trial class: CHF 20 Drop-in: CHF 35 Book here: www.balancewithale.com/zurich/handstand "I'll never be able to handstand". You kick at the wall but see no progress. Your wrists hurt. You don't know how to improve... It doesn't have to be this way. Progress doesn't come from trying harder — it comes from practicing smarter. Handstands are a skill, and when you train them as such, they begin to click in a way that feels almost magical. This class builds the foundations (strength, alignment and technique) that make handstands feel achievable and fun. Through clear progressions and personalized drills, you'll discover how capable your body truly is, and how handstands start to feel within reach when you train with intention and support. Because drills are tailored to you, the class welcomes all levels — from "I've never kicked up before" to confident freestanding balancers who want to develop greater control.

**[⚠️ >>Ticket needed (click here)<<](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/dating/other-events/brunch-museum-visit-singles-only-30-45-y-7459989190387727280.html) or** **[www.social-circle.ch](https://social-circle.ch/)** 🥐 **Brunch & Museum of the Future** **Singles only \| Ages 30–45** Looking to meet new people in Zurich in a relaxed and meaningful way — without loud bars or forced small talk? Join us for a curated brunch at **Ribelli**, followed by a shared cultural experience at the **Museum für Gestaltung Zürich**. ✨ **Why join?** * Meet like-minded singles (30–45) in a natural, pressure-free setting * Connect through a shared experience, not just small talk * Enjoy the perfect mix of social interaction, culture, and creativity * Ideal for those who appreciate curiosity, deep conversations, and good vibes 🍽 **Brunch at Ribelli** At **Ribelli**, Italian hospitality meets urban flair. Inspired by the Mediterranean—from Sicily to Tuscany—the menu is fresh, colourful, and made to be shared. Ribelli is a lively place to sit together and enjoy Mediterranean joy of life – spontaneous, sociable, and relaxed. 🎨 **Museum Experience** After brunch, explore the **Museum für Gestaltung Zürich**, home to Switzerland’s largest international design collection. The **Swiss Design Collection** presents around 2,500 objects spanning graphic design, typography, poster design, textiles, product design, and applied arts. Dive into the archive, see the objects up close, and discover the unique stories behind each creation. The integrated studio allows you to experiment, create your own designs, or simply enjoy the creative atmosphere. 💬 **Join our group for this event:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FoJN0DzRQgF232huSHiGOi](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FoJN0DzRQgF232huSHiGOi) ℹ️ **Practical info** * Included: museum entrance * ❗Food is not included * Limited spots to keep the group intimate and balanced * Come solo — leave inspired, connected, and maybe with someone new to explore the future with ​**Important:** Tickets are **non-refundable**. Pictures might be taken during the event, if you do not want it please let the organizer know. ​Want more events like this? Join our WhatsApp community: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/DaGFCvKs6iu62pftk5cotM](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DaGFCvKs6iu62pftk5cotM)

On Ascention Day weekend it was a nice hike along the Limmat with a stopover that has pushed the word «Steam» into the event title. Well, here is the sequel...: A hike along river Reuss to Brugg. To note: This is a REAL hike of 20 km and 5¼ hours with, as an option, at the end a visit to the open days of the historic train collection at Bahnpark Brugg with steam engines in operation. ############################## MEETING & OUTBOUND TRAVEL: * 07:50h: Meet at Zürich HB under the «Blue Angel» * 07:55h: Leave for platform 17 * 08:03h: IR16 Zürich HB (platform 17, dir. Bern) to Baden * 08:27h: Postauto 322 (dir. Bremgarten) to «Stetten AG, Künterstrasse» * 08:50h: Postauto 336 (dir. Wohlen) to «Niederwil AG, Gnadenthal» * 08:53h: Arrival at Gnadenthal & start of the hike HIKE DATA: * Duration: 5¼ hrs * Distance: 20 km * Ascent/Descent: 410m/420m * SAC classification: T1 * Map: [https://schweizmobil.ch/en/tour/841371526](https://schweizmobil.ch/en/tour/841371526) LUNCH: * Picnic HIGHLIGHTS: * Scenic hike along the Reuss River * «Bahnpark Brugg» historic train collection ([https://www.bahnpark-brugg.ch/de/home](https://www.bahnpark-brugg.ch/de/home)) * In 2023 and 2025 the route to Brugg was completely different, but the destination the same: \- Photos from 2025: [https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/35385831/](https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/35385831/) \- Photos from 2023: [https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/33580195/](https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/33580195/) * Wikipedia: [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stiftung_Bahnpark_Region_Brugg](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stiftung_Bahnpark_Region_Brugg) FINISH / Option 1 / BRUGG AG STATION: * 15:00h-ish at Brugg AG train station * Connections back to Zürich from Brugg AG station: Five trains per hour FINISH / Option 2 / BAHNPARK BRUGG: * 15:15h-ish: Arrival at «Bahnpark Brugg» and finish of the hike * Optional: Visit to the train collection * Admission fee: Free of charge * Open until 17:00h * See HIGHLIGHTS for links to «Bahnpark Brugg» * Connections back to Zürich from Brugg AG station: Five trains per hour COST / TICKET PRICE w/Halbtax: Total ticket cost from/to Zürich HB: CHF 18.70 w/HT * Outbound: CHF 8.50 w/HT * Admission fee: None * Return: CHF 10.20 w/HT COST / TICKET PRICE w/GA: * Fully covered ############################## DISCLAIMER: By joining the walk you accept the terms listed here. This is NOT a guided tour. Instead, this is a get-together of individuals who themselves are responsible for their judgement, choices and actions. It is your own responsibility to prepare appropriately before the event: You need to understand what activity is foreseen, assess the difficulty, risks and dangers and the expected weather conditions. Furthermore, you need to assess the requirements regarding experience, capabilities and fitness condition, and judge if you personally have the necessary experience, capabilities and fitness level. You yourself also need to assure adequate preparation, equipment (boots, clothes, gear...) and insurance cover and do everything as if you were going by yourself. During the event it is also your own responsibility to apply your own judgement and to take considerate responsible decisions yourself, fully within your own responsibility and judgement. The event is entirely at your own risk. The organiser also does not warrant on the accuracy or completeness of the description above. The organiser just offers you to join one another and to go together, but holds no responsibility for anything, including injuries or death that might result directly or indirectly from this event.

Outstation: https://marathonvalais.ch/en/

Community Backyards Workshop Join us at the Ohio Herb Center in Gahanna to learn about sustainable home gardening. We can make small changes in our yards to make a BIG impact for a better environment and healthier waterways while saving money. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek and hosted by Ohio Herb Center. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but NOT required. Click here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/65f65aw (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) * Location: Ohio Herb Center, 110 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230 * Date and time: Sat, May 23, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM * Organizer: The Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

Community Backyards Workshop .Community Backyards Workshop - Westerville Join us for the Westerville Community Backyards workshop! This is a FREE class on how you can protect our waterways and environment with small changes in your gardening habits. We will discuss rain barrels, rain gardens, composting, and native plants. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but not required. * Location: Westerville Community Center, 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082 * Date and time: Sat, May 30, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM * Organizer: Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/h2w5ms8 **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

The number of ticks and tick diseases in Ohio have quickly multiplied over the last 10 years. Dean Kreager discusses tick species, tick pathogens, tick-borne diseases, tick bite prevention, and proper tick removal. Kreager is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with OSU Extension in Licking County * Lakewood Public Library (in Hebron)- May 26 at 7pm [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621) * Johnstown public library at 7:00 pm June 8 [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622) Free to attend, no RSVP needed

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!

**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion **Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?** A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad. My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one. Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it? I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction. Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends. No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.

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

**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.