Terraform

We meet up to do comfort zone challenges in the streets of Vienna. Our goal is that everyone goes home having had experiences out of their comfort zone. ​​Most important things first: * ​You should speak either German or English to join. * ​​We're coordinating before, during, and after the meetup in our "Social Adventures in Vienna" Telegram group, join it here: [https://t.me/czc_vienna](https://t.me/czc_vienna) * ​​Check out our Instagram to see pictures from previous meetups: [https://www.instagram.com/improv_czc/](https://www.instagram.com/improv_czc/) ​​Experience the fun to get out of your comfort zone, to grow beyond your expectations and to surprise yourself! Join the event to experience how easy it can be to be thrown in new situations! ​​What will we do? * ​​Introduction into the "comfort zone challenge" * ​​Introducing ourselves and our goals for this meetup * ​​Deciding on the groups & challenges * ​​(Optional) group-warm-up * ​​Doing the challenges in group of 3-4 * ​​Reflection: Meeting in a bar to reflect and have a drink ​​Be aware that consuming alcohol is discouraged until reflection. Also, make sure you have enough time to attend the event through to the end, since the reflection is an important part of the process and a good opportunity to let the other participants learn from your experience. ​--- ​Wir treffen uns, um Comfort Zone Challenges in den Straßen von Wien zu machen! Unser Ziel ist es, dass jede/r nach Hause geht mit dem Erlebnis, aus seiner/ihrer Komfortzone gegangen zu sein.

Please read everything 🙏 Hello and welcome to our event 🙂 This meeting is part of regular meetings organized by (Board-games-in-Vienna) every Tuesday and Friday at 06:00 PM Let's set a few points first: ● The language of this meeting is English! ● Please come on time otherwise you have to wait ! ● Call this number if you can't find us: +436767401074 (also WhatsApp) The event: 🎲 If you're a fan of playing modern board games that takes about 60-90 minutes, this meeting is for you 🙂 **We also play shorter games sometimes.** Examples for what kind of games we play : Brass Birmingham, Terraforming Mars, Age of Innovation, Architects of the West Kingdom, Forest Shuffle, Orloj, and many other new games. All the mentioned games are just examples, and we're not necessarily going to play the exact games. The system: 📒 You can join us to play a game with someone, or/and you're also welcome to bring and explain your games to the others. Feel free to ask for any game available in our collection (the link below) we will provide it for you and help with the rules based on availability https://boardgamegeek.com/collection/user/Aymantaha?own=1&subtype=boardgame&ff=1 The location: 📍 Simmeringer Hauptstrass 36/Siege 15/ 1110 Wien **(Zippererstrasse U3)** Find us on google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ptMbnWweFVPd8saZ7 We will be playing in the common room at my building (a room with many tables and good lighting), so feel free to bring any drinks or snacks for yourself. The cost: 💰 **A contribution of €1 per player** will be collected to cover the room cost and maintenance for the event. Please only sign up if you attend to come and play.

**Was ein erfolgreiches Sport-Innovations-Ökosystem braucht – und wie KI den Moment gerade beschleunigt** Runtastic. Eversports. myClubs. Österreich hat bewiesen, dass aus dem Sport heraus Weltklasse-Unternehmen entstehen können. Aber es sind Einzelfälle geblieben – noch kein vernetztes Ökosystem dahinter, das gezielt mehr davon hervorbringt. Was braucht es, damit das nächste große Ding nicht Zufall ist? Welche Verbindungen fehlen zwischen Sportorganisationen, Gründer:innen, Forschung und Kapital? Und was verändert KI gerade – in der Trainingssteuerung, der Sportmedizin, im Fan-Erlebnis – und wer in Österreich nutzt diesen Moment? Diese Fragen wollen wir gemeinsam stellen – beim **Sports Innovation Breakfast** für Sportbegeisterte, Gründer:innen, Investor:innen und Innovationstreiber:innen. **Speaker Line-up:** * [Horst Nussbaumer, OLY](https://www.linkedin.com/in/horst-nussbaumer-oly-b31b87133/), Präsident [Österreichisches Olympisches Comité](https://www.linkedin.com/company/oeoc/) * [Michaela Huber](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-huber-1b5557150/), Vizepräsidentin [SPORTUNION Österreich](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sportunion-oesterreich/) * [Stefan Litzenberger](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-litzenberger-23389027/), Studiengangsleiter Sports Technology, [FH Technikum Wien](https://www.linkedin.com/company/uas-technikum-wien/) * [Klaus Müller](https://www.linkedin.com/in/klausmuller/), Gründer [Wictory](https://www.linkedin.com/company/wictory-ai/) * [Thomas Berger](https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-berger-6131a3189/), Geschäftsführer [LAOLA1](https://www.linkedin.com/company/laola1/) * [Conny Wilczynski](https://www.linkedin.com/in/conny-wilczynski-67757498/), Gründer [Sportbox](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sportbox-gmbh/) Veranstaltet von **weXelerate** in Kooperation mit [Innovation Salzburg](https://www.innovation-salzburg.at/). **Agenda:** 08:30 AM Check-In mit Kaffee 09:00 AM Welcome & Intro Ernst Novak (Innovation Salzburg) 09:10 AM - 09:30 AM Impuls Interview Horst Nussbaumer (ÖOC Präsident) 09:30 AM Panel-Diskussion Michaela Huber (VP Sportunion), Klaus Müller (Gründer Wictory.ai), Thomas Berger (GF LAOLA1), Stefan Litzenberger (FH Technikum) 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Netzwerken

Are you a person who loves High Performance ? Working on the Laptop Earning High Sport , good Shape, Health and Nutrition ? Achieve, Achieve,Achieve this is your moto? You want to stick together with the best people This is a social cirlce for Individuals who want to become billionaires aim as high as possible , and to win and to achieve new goals is there only dream and way ! We will set up a meeting , for this we have to discuss with the group members when its convenient for everyone, i will create a whatsapp group, contact me if you want to be in this group ! Best regards !

This group is for anyone who wants to dive into the world of movement, music, and art in an ecstatic experience. We believe in celebrating self-expression and individuality on the dance floor. Come join us as we let loose, connect with yourself, and explore the power of dance and live music. Let’s come together to create a vibrant and inclusive community through the magic of ecstatic dance. 🕖 Evening Schedule • 18:15 – 18:30 → Arrival & Entry • 18:30 – 18:45 → Dance Introduction with Johanna • 18:45 – 20:45 → Ecstatic Dance with DJ Samsara • 20:45 – 20:55 → Closing, Silence & Soundhealing with Johanna • 20:55 – 22:00 → Connection and sharing Energy exchange: €25 Core rules include: no shoes, no phones, no talking on the dancefloor, no alcohol or drugs Join us for an immersive evening of movement and healing!

A gentle space to slow down and unwind at the end of the week. This session is designed to help you release stress, calm the nervous system, and transition softly into the weekend through guided relaxation and subtle live sound. No experience needed. Just come, lie down, listen, and rest. Open to everyone.

This is an event for ages 16 and up. Children are not allowed to participate. We cannot guarantee age-appropriate scenes and exercises. We meet at Donauinsel Coordinates: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FVhWPCS2ttP4EQ4Q8 We advise you to join the WA-Group because we maybe move to a different meadow. And the exact coordinates where we are will be posted there. **Stop overthinking and start playing!** 🌿 This session is a soft, safe space to practice being present and letting go of perfectionism. Please note: The main part of this session will be held in **German**. **Raus aus dem Kopf, rein in den Moment!** 🎭 Hast du das Gefühl, oft festzustecken oder alles perfekt machen zu wollen? Improvisationstheater ist das perfekte Training gegen Procrastination und Perfektionismus. Hier lernst du, dem ersten Impuls zu vertrauen und mit dem zu arbeiten, was gerade da ist. **Outdoor Vitality:** Training by the water is pure mindfulness. Nature helps calm your nervous system and instantly stops overthinking. Fresh air, open space, and improv—the perfect combo to clear your mind and boost your well-being. **Bonus für Körper & Geist:** Das Training am Wasser ist Achtsamkeit pur. Die Natur hilft dir, das Nervensystem zu beruhigen und das Gedankenkarussell sofort zu stoppen. Frische Luft, weite Sicht und Impro – die beste Kombi, um mentalen Ballast einfach abzuwerfen. **Was dich erwartet:** In einer wertschätzenden Atmosphäre nutzen wir einfache Spiele und Bewegung, um: * 🌱 **"Ja, genau!" zu sagen:** Impulse annehmen statt sie zu zerdenken. * ✨ **Fehler zu feiern:** Perfektionismus ablegen und spielerisch "scheitern". * 🧠 **Präsenz zu stärken:** Ganz im Hier und Jetzt reagieren. **Der Ablauf:** Wir starten mit 1,5 Stunden lockerer Gruppenspiele. Danach folgen sehr kurze, lustige Impro-Szenen. **Wichtig:** Du machst nur das, worauf du Lust hast. Es ist ein Safe Space – keine Vorkenntnisse nötig! 👤 **Host:** Simon Brauner (über 70geleitete Trainings) Das Event ist kostenlos. Wir freuen uns über Spenden. The event is free. We welcome donations. **Komm vorbei, lass den Planungsmodus hinter dir und entdecke die Freude am Moment. Wir freuen uns auf dich! 💚** WA-Gruppe: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JgmE1fAt7284tf0eIFlBtI](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JgmE1fAt7284tf0eIFlBtI) This is a German-speaking improv session focused on mindfulness and overcoming mental blocks. No acting experience needed - just bring your presence and curiosity!

Beer at Copa Beach, from 10:00 in the morning, for Unternehmer in Wien , if you want to join just bring a beer and come to join :)

Across the world, different cultures have the same word for the same sacred thing. In the Arab world, it's ***sufra*** — the spread that holds the room. Across Spain and Latin America, ***sobremesa*** — the hours no one wants to leave the table. In Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean, ***keyif*** — unhurried pleasure (the Greeks call it *kefi*, same ancient root). Across Italy and the Lusophone world — Portugal, Brazil, Mozambique — ***convivio*** — living together through the meal. In Southern Africa, ***ubuntu*** — "I am because we are." In Okinawa, ***moai*** — the lifelong circle that eats, walks, and grows old together. Across Malaysia and Indonesia, ***makan-makan*** — the easy, communal feast. In the Sikh tradition across South Asia, ***langar*** — where every person eats as equal, seated on the same floor. Eight cultures. Eight words. One truth: **the long table, the slow meal, the people who start as strangers and end as family.** The Blue Zones research — Dan Buettner's work on the five places where humans live longest and healthiest (Okinawa, Sardinia, Ikaria, Nicoya, Loma Linda) — keeps pointing back to this. Not the recipe. The table. The presence. The time. So let's do it. **What:** One long table. Food we cook together. Hours of real conversation — emotions, relationships, philosophy, and yes, politics — not as sides, but as the questions we all carry. Here, what usually divides a room becomes the ground we meet on. **What we leave behind:** Phones. All digital devices. None of the cultures we're honouring tonight needed them at the table — and the Blue Zones research is unambiguous: real longevity, real connection, real nervous-system repair happens only where we are not being scrolled into a loop. **What we bring:** Ourselves. Our culture. Whatever we're carrying. Whatever we want to share. **Open to everyone:** Whether your grandmother cooked in Beirut, Madrid, Istanbul, Naples, Johannesburg, Okinawa, Jakarta, or Amritsar — or nowhere at all — you belong at this table. The whole point is that nobody's culture runs the room. Every tradition sits beside every other. **Before the event:** A poll goes out, so we choose the menu together. **Now:** I'm looking for the right location — outdoors if possible, somewhere near Vienna. A garden, a terrace, a piece of land with trees and sky. If you have a spot or know one, message me. This is ours to build. Come as you are. Stay as long as it takes. *A small ritual before the ritual: a short call beforehand, 10 to 15 minutes. Not to screen you — to meet you. Every culture at this table starts a meal with a greeting. Ours starts here.* — Tom

Donauinsel Improv Training mit Picknick Lerne spielerisch Improtheater-Techniken und unterschiedliche Formate kennen! Dabei trainierst du deine Kreativität und Spontaneität und arbeitest an deinem Selbstbewusstsein. You will need B1-level German skills to participate. English translation below. Man benötigt Deutschkenntnisse auf B1-Niveau, um teilzunehmen. Hier findest du uns: https://www.google.com/maps?q=48.2233687,16.4163003 Koordinaten vom Treffpunkt --> Ihr könnt gerne Essen und Snacks für das Picknick mitbringen. Am besten etwas was man gut mit der Gruppe teilen kann. **Was dich erwartet** • Lustige Gruppenspiele • Kreative Theater-Übungen • Kurze Improv Szenen, nur 5 bis 8 Minuten • Gemeinsam Geschichten erfinden • Viel Lachen, Sonne und Spaß **Impro: Was bringt’s dir persönlich?** • Spontanität • Selbstvertrauen • Kreativität • Fehler annehmen lernen • Schauspiel trainieren • Teamwork **Safe Space** Ein sicherer Raum ohne Leistungsdruck, in dem gegenseitige Wertschätzung an erster Stelle steht. Ihr seid zu keiner Zeit verpflichtet mitzumachen und könnt jederzeit aus Szenen aussteigen oder auch für einzelne Übungen aussetzen. **Leitung** Ich leite seit drei Jahren Impro-Trainings, organisiere Wettbewerbe und Shows und gehe auch selbst regelmäßig zu Fortbildungen. Ich habe über 80 Trainings geleitet. **Beitrag** Es gibt zur Zeit keinen fixen Trainingsbeitrag, aber wir freuen uns immer über freiwillige Spenden für die Leitung und die Organisation. **Achtung:** Das Event ist nur für Teilnehmer\*innen ab 16 Jahre, da wir nicht immer für absolut jugendfreie Geschichten oder Szenen garantieren können. **WA-Gruppe:** https://chat.whatsapp.com/KjK8PzmA8ZGF2gujtOH9D2 Wir empfehlen den Beitritt zur WA-Gruppe da wir nicht immer auf der selben Wiese sind. Hier wird der genaue Live-Standort geteilt. Bitte beachtet aus Datenschutzgründen, dass beim Beitritt der WA-Gruppe alle Mitglieder eure Telefonnummer sehen können. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Donau Insel Improv Training & Picnic** Learn improv theater techniques and different formats in a playful way! You will train your creativity and spontaneity while working on your self-confidence. **Find us here:** [https://www.google.com/maps?q=48.2233687,16.4163003](https://www.google.com/maps?q=48.2233687,16.4163003) (Meeting point coordinates) **--> Please bring your own food and snacks for the picnic! We can then share and eat together.** **What to expect:** * Funny group games * Creative theater exercises * Short improv scenes (only 5 to 8 minutes) * Creating stories together * Lots of laughter, sun, and fun **Improv: What’s in it for you?** * Spontaneity * Self-confidence * Creativity * Learning to embrace mistakes * Acting practice * Teamwork * **Safe Space** A secure environment without pressure to perform, where mutual appreciation is the top priority. You are never under any obligation to participate and can step out of scenes or skip individual exercises at any time. **Instructor** I have been leading improv training for three years, organizing competitions and shows, and regularly attend further training workshops myself. I have led over 80 training sessions. **Contribution** There is currently no fixed fee for the training, but we always appreciate voluntary donations for the instruction and organization. **Please note:** This event is for participants aged 16 and over, as we cannot always guarantee that stories or scenes will be entirely "family-friendly." **WhatsApp Group:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KjK8PzmA8ZGF2gujtOH9D2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KjK8PzmA8ZGF2gujtOH9D2) We recommend joining the WhatsApp group since we are not always on the same meadow. The exact live location will be shared there. *Please note for privacy reasons that by joining the WhatsApp group, all members will be able to see your phone number.*

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) You can drop your layers, bags & whatever else at Café Brenner before the run. 📍 Meeting point: 09:55 at Café Brenner (https://share.google/YQ03QVDuYaga5AFRm) – drop your stuff, say hi. 👟 10:00 warm-up starts outside of the building (Superbude) ➡️ Then we head off on the \~5K Prater loop. ☕ Post-run: coffee back at Café Brenner. ❗️🔒 The storage room at Café Brenner will be locked during the run – but please note: Neither Founders Running Club nor Café Brenner does assume any liability. **Stay updated**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

Hi Running fellows, Whether you’re a walker, new to running, a semi-pro, a marathonist or a sprint star - if you want to start your weekend in an active way and enjoy the outdoors in lovely surroundings with a fun, international and multilingual group of people, you are welcome to join us! Every Saturday at 9:30 am, we meet, we run, in the magnificent Schönbrunn park, and then we go for breakfast. Want to discuss politics or the best recipes for banana pancakes? Not a problem. Not feeling social? Tune out with your earbuds - we can talk over breakfast. We are casual. You can be too. What to expect: Start by meeting Adrian, Ali, Liz, Paul and Sonia on-time at 9:30am outside the Schönbrunn U-Bahn stop (exit Grünbergstraße). (Coordinates: 48.1858130, 16.3200640) From there, we walk to the side park entrance where the “running” part begins. The important thing is that you run at your own pace. Typically, small groups of people will run at the same pace as you, so you never have to walk/run alone :) We finish one hour later, at about 10:40am, reconvening just inside the Hietzinger Tor exit. (Coordinates: 48.1858825, 16.3032647). From there, we’re off to breakfast! Breakfast Details: Anker bakery opposite the U4 Hietzing station and depending on the weather, grab something for a picnic in Schönbrunn park, or hang out in the bakery. If you missed us earlier, you can always go there around 10:45. We are a fun group of runners who don’t take things too seriously. We meet, chat, RUN, stretch, chat, EAT and we hang out over a beer every now and then. It's that easy. Please join us for breakfast after the run! The more the merrier. Typically we are 10-30 people, as not everyone who comes signs up on meetup. Important disclaimer: Please only run as much as you feel you can, considering the temperature, weather conditions, your own fitness etc... run and walk at your own pace as the organizers do not assume any liability for any injuries or health issues. Sonia, Adrian, Ali, Paul and Liz

**Hey everybody!** Do you want to code together, share your projects, or just hang out in a creative atmosphere? Then join us at the **Coding Club @ Jo&Joe Hostel**! We usually start with a short introduction round so everyone can get to know each other. After that, you can: * share your achievements or pet projects (informal, just at the table) * get feedback or inspiration from others * or simply work on your own project alongside the group Bring your laptop (or any device you like to code on) if you want to actively work. Or just come by to connect and get inspired. Please try to be on time so we can kick things off together. Looking forward to seeing you there! 🚀

Join the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** Like it or not, AI agents are now capable of turning a quickly written paragraph of requirements into a pull request that is ready to be integrated into real-world production applications and it's now our responsibility to make sure AI doesn't go rogue and take down prod - or corrupt our data by misunderstanding the requirements or our existing schemas. In this session we'll explore strategies to protect our codebases through unit and integration testing, documentation, and code review along with additional ways of providing context and guard rails to our AI agents as they carry out the work we've assigned them to do. By the time we're done, you'll have a firm grasp of the problem and understand some helpful options for protecting your codebase from vibe coding mishaps getting YOLOed into prod. **YouTube Link** TBD

**Let’s kick off our very first CBUS Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Karl Road Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

Join us for lunch and meet our very successful group. We are each others sales team...always looking for referrals for our members. If you are looking for new clients, let us help you out! Bring your business cards and brochures to share with us. We have a speaker each week so that we can learn about their business. Because we have only one member per business, we have many of the spots filled. However, we are specifically looking for an estate attorney, a handyman/electrician, and an event planner. We have referrals for you! All visitors are welcome. Any questions contact [pmarchio@farmersagent.com](mailto:pmarchio@farmersagent.com)

**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.