Environment

Let's drink beers and shoot the shit about space! Plus, let's see some awesome astronomy content, delivered by our friends at [Astronomy On Tap](https://www.dunlap.utoronto.ca/public-outreach/astronomy-on-tap-to/). Let's meet at the [The Dog & Bear Pub](https://dogandbear.ca/), 1100 Queen St W, just a half block west from the Great Hall. We'll meet there at 6pm, do our traditional "drink beers and shoot the shit about space" (dinner also possible), and then head over to the AoT event starting 7:15 for entry by 7:30. Join us at any point, but DO expect that it'll be much harder to find us at the Great Hall than at any earlier point. We'll basically be pre-drinking at Dog & Bear, hoping to see double stars at Astronomy on Tap LOL. We will also bring one of our gliders for a bit of show & tell. More info on Astronomy On Tap: held every few months at the Great Hall by the Dunlap Institute, it's basically couple of astronomy lectures, usually by researchers, with a cash bar and tons of astronomy nerds. Doors at 7pm, show at 8pm, no cover and no tickets required, but in my experience it fills up so it's best to get there well before 8pm to get better seats.

We are meeting at the Multifaith Centre every Friday evening from 7 pm to 9 pm in the Third Floor Quiet room, for periods of 8-fold moving exercise, sitting meditation, and walking meditation in the tradition of Chan Buddhism. The session ends with a tea-sharing and discussion. All are welcome and this event is free of charge!

IMPORTANT: You must also register at this link [Henry's Church - Crafting Impactful Portraits with Raph Nogal Tickets, Friday, Mar 13 from 1 pm to 3 pm | Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/henrys-church-crafting-impactful-portraits-with-raph-nogal-tickets-1983618316783?aff=oddtdtcreator) Join professional photographer, Raph Nogal, at Henry’s Church St. for an inspiring and creative workshop sponsored by Sony and Profoto. This workshop is free to attend. This session dives into shaping light with intention — from concept to execution — using Sony camera system & lenses, and Profoto lighting tools to create bold, dimensional portraits. Raph will break down his approach to building mood, directing subjects, and crafting images that feel both cinematic and commercially polished. Perfect for photographers looking to elevate their lighting, refine their creative process, and produce work that stands out. **Follow Raph on instagram (@raphnogal) and make sure to subscribe to his YouTube channel (@RaphNogalPhotography)** **About Raph:** Raph Nogal is a Polish-Canadian professional photographer based in Toronto (est. 2009). Known for his bold use of colour, hard light, and sculpted shadow, Raph specializes in commercial, editorial, and lifestyle photography. His work is defined by a creative off-camera lighting approach that blends cinematic mood with commercial precision. Raph is a Profoto Ambassador, Sony Pro, and active educator and speaker, regularly sharing his expertise on lighting, creative direction, and visual storytelling. Before transitioning fully into commercial work, he built a strong foundation as a wedding photographer. A 24-time recipient of the WPPI Honours of Excellence Awards, Raph is also a Fearless Photographers Award winner, Shutterfest Print Competition Award winner, and a PPOC award recipient, with images selected for both National and Regional Loan Collections across Canada.

***Tickets must be purchased in advance!*** 🔗: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/toronto-engineering-energy-infrastructure-networking-event-tickets-1984505642799?aff=ebdsoporgprofile Get ready to connect and network with Houston's top engineering, energy, and infrastructure pros at our networking event!

Welcome ! OM Chanting is a group practice that uses the transformational power of OM to activate the self-healing potential of participants, promote inner peace and purify the environment. OM Chanting is a free practice, however, donations are welcome to help cover the rent of the studio. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- EVENT DETAILS: address: 283 Spadina Avenue; 3rd floor. ( SE corner of Spadina and Dundas). We will start at 6:30 pm. Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes earlier. We will be sitting on chairs; you can also sit on the floor if you prefer. You are encouraged to bring a bottle of water. Looking forward to seeing you ! For more information about Om Chanting, please visit: [https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/](https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/) Much Love, Veda Cell: 416-845-9375

Let’s sit together and have coffee :))

Join us at our home in **Downtown Toronto** on March 15th (Sunday) for another evening of **7-course chef-led dining,** great wine, and a chance to **meet new people**. **The Night’s Highlights:** * **The Food:** Our chef is doing a multi-course menu of modern, global dishes. * **The Wine:** A curated selection of our favorite bottles, opened specifically to elevate the menu * **The Crowd:** One of the best parts of the evening is the people you meet - a small group from across the city, gathered around good food and meaningful conversations. **Want to join us?** Fill out the [form](https://forms.gle/rhGi1WMPvs36k4Dp7) in our bio and we’ll be in touch if a seat opens up. **Please note:** We usually receive far more interest than we can accommodate, but we do our best to welcome everyone at one event or another ❤️. **This is a Paid Event.** **Follow us on Instagram for more updates**: [supperclub_toronto](https://www.instagram.com/supperclub_toronto/) **For inquiries, email us at:** [[supperclubtoronto@gmail.com](mailto:supperclubtoronto@gmail.com)]

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hike-mount-nemo)** ***Mount Nemo, one of the most popular scenic spots in the GTA, offers breathtaking views of the Niagara Escarpment while being conveniently close to the city.*** Despite its proximity, the area feels beautifully removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life. As we hike along the ancient limestone formations that shape the escarpment, we’ll be on the lookout for *Eastern Cedars*, some of the oldest living trees in the world. This is a fun 7 km hike that's accessible but super interesting — you'll feel truly connected with the escarpment as you walk through cracks in the rock and alongside ancient forest that goes all the way to the cliff edge. On this hike you can expect: \- Ancient cedar trees \- Sweeping panoramic views \- Dramatic escarpment ridge formations \- Scramble up rocks & wooden ladders **Depending on snow levels we may be required to use snowshoes or ice spikes. We have a limited quantity available that you can grab at check-out. Ice spikes are free to borrow and snow shoes can be rented for a small fee.** **Highlights** **Scenic hike -** Walk through some of Ontario's oldest forests and enjoy the varied terrain and ecology. **Local mountain -** Only 45 minutes west of Toronto, Mount Nemo is the perfect accessible hike for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and people who want to just dip their toes in what Ontario nature has to offer. **Panoramic escarpment views -** Once at the top of Mount Nemo, enjoy some beautiful views. **Event cost: $40+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/hike-mount-nemo)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

A restorative new moon ceremony with breathwork, sound healing, and Kundalini activation to support deep relaxation and inner balance. No experience is needed. This is a guided experience where you simply lie down, relax, and receive. Many participants leave feeling lighter, deeply relaxed, and emotionally reset. ## **New Moon Ceremony: Kundalini Activation & Sound Bath** The new moon offers a natural pause , a moment to release what feels heavy and return to balance. This guided ceremony provides a calm and supportive space to soften mental tension, regulate the nervous system, and reconnect with yourself. Through breathwork, sound healing, and Kundalini energy activation, you are invited to rest deeply while the body settles and restores. No experience is required. You simply lie down, relax, and receive. ## **What to Expect** • grounding and gentle breathwork • deep relaxation while lying comfortably • sound healing vibrations to calm the mind • guided Kundalini energy activation • quiet integration time ## **Benefits** • nervous system regulation • emotional release & relief • reduced stress & mental overwhelm • clarity and inner calm • restorative rest and renewed energy ## **Who This Experience Supports** This ceremony may be especially supportive if you feel: • overwhelmed or mentally overstimulated • emotionally heavy or holding stress • disconnected from yourself • in need of deep rest and clarity • ready to release and reset You are welcome exactly as you are. ## **Event Details** 📅 Sunday, March 15, 2026 🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 📍 Mosaic Annex, Toronto Energy exchange: $65 ## **What to Bring** • yoga mat • blanket for comfort • pillow or eye mask (optional) • water bottle ## **Preparation** To support your experience: • avoid heavy meals before the session • avoid alcohol the day of the event • wear comfortable clothing ## **About the Facilitator** Wafa is the founder of QALB and holds space for Kundalini Activation experiences designed to support nervous system regulation, emotional healing, and inner awareness within a grounded and safe environment. **Book your spot directly on our website: www.qalb.ca**

### **Celebrate the Magic of Spring with the Canada's Birder Club!** As winter fades and the landscape awakens, spring offers the perfect opportunity to **reconnect with nature** and witness one of the **season’s most spectacular migrations**, the **Return of the Swans**. The familiar songs of **American Robins**, the unmistakable calls of **Red-winged Blackbirds**, and the soaring **Red-tailed Hawks** signal the changing season. But beyond these familiar sights lies a **hidden gem of migration**, the **majestic journey of thousands of Tundra Swans and Sandhill Cranes** through southwestern Ontario. Join us on an **unforgettable adventure** to the **Aylmer Wildlife Management Area**, where volunteers spread corn to attract these elegant white swans during their long migration to the **northern tundra** of Canada. This is one of the **best locations** to observe large flocks of **Tundra Swans up close**, set against a backdrop of early spring landscapes. ### **A Rare Opportunity to Witness Sandhill Crane Courtship** One of the highlights of this trip is the **breathtaking display of Sandhill Cranes**, watch as these ancient birds engage in their **intricate courtship dances**, filling the air with their **deep, resonant calls** that seem to echo from another time. Our expedition will also take us to the **renowned Long Point area**, a world-famous birding hotspot. Past outings have given us spectacular views of: 🦢 **Thousands of Tundra Swans and Sandhill Cranes**, resting in marshes and fields 🦅 **Bald Eagles and possibly a Golden Eagle**, soaring in search of prey 🦆 **Over a dozen species of colorful ducks**, drawn to the rich wetlands of Long Point ### **A Spectacle of Wings and Water** With luck, we’ll witness the sky come alive with **hundreds—if not thousands—of Sandhill Cranes and Tundra Swans**. Whether they’re flying overhead, resting on open water, or feeding in nearby fields, this is a **wildlife event like no other**. ### **What to Expect** 🔹 **Prime viewing locations** carefully selected for the best sightings 🔹 **Expert guidance** to help you spot and appreciate key species 🔹 **Frequent stops** for photography, observation, and a break for lunch (bring your own) or we stop at Tim Hortons. Please note that due to the **migratory nature of these birds**, each trip is unique, and conditions can vary. However, rest assured that the **photos shared were taken during previous outings**, and our **local knowledge** ensures an exceptional experience. Don't miss this **limited-time opportunity** to witness one of **Ontario’s greatest wildlife spectacles**. Spaces are **limited**, so sign up today and join us for a **spring adventure like no other!** **Itinerary:** * Depart Finch Subway Station at 8:30 a.m. sharp. * Return to Toronto by 5:30 p.m. **Price:** $109.00 plus tax for a total of 123.00 Dollars for my guiding services only. **Important Details:** * Payment through Paypal or direct e-transfer to [torontonaturelovers@hotmail.com](torontonaturelovers@hotmail.com) **Note:** Let us know right away if you'd like to join us on this spring adventure! Come get wild with us and embrace the wonders of spring!

**Please read ALL details before joining:** **Info:** 2 hours of 5v5 indoor futsal at the East Bayfront Recreation Centre in Downtown Toronto. **Cost:** $4.75 **Note:** This venue/event is run by the **City of Toronto.** Upon arriving, please check in with the front desk! I do not take any payments. **Make sure you arrive early, their check-in process is really slow sometimes.** **Setup:** * 2 Teams (or 3 if we have 15 players) * 7 min games * Subs rotate between games / two games on, one game off (if there are 3 teams)

On March 14th, 2026, [AgentCon](https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23agentcon&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED) lands in Toronto, bringing together developers, engineers, and innovators shaping the future of AI agents. Expect deep‑dive talks, hands‑on learning, practical demos and plenty of networking with the AI community. This isn’t just another AI event, it’s where builders meet to talk real code. ✅ Ready to build the future? Register Now: [https://lnkd.in/dX5AVXRw](https://lnkd.in/dX5AVXRw)

Discover Kiro, AWS’s innovative development environment that adapts to your workflow. Whether you prefer specification-driven development or a more intuitive, vibe-based approach, Kiro empowers you to build applications your way. In this session, speakers will explore Kiro’s core functionality and its evolution through re:Invent 2025, along with demonstrations of prompts used to create APIs, hooks, and steering documents. In the latter part of the session, watch as we build a complete example from scratch, showcasing Kiro’s agentic AI workflow in action for spec-driven development and vibe coding. What You'll Learn - Core Kiro concepts and development philosophy Feature evolution: pre and post re:Invent 2025 Practical examples: API creation, hooks, and steering docs Live coding demonstration with real-time problem solving Who Should Attend - Developers, solutions architects, and technical leaders interested in modern AWS development tools and AI-assisted coding workflows. **Speakers Bio:** Matthew Jorat: Matthew Jorat is a Customer Solutions Manager at AWS with nearly three decades of expertise in AI, cloud transformation, migration, modernization, IT, technology, and business. His career spans infrastructure engineer, solutions architect, security auditor, customer success director, support and services director, and operations officer. He was an early adopter of AWS services as a customer, and his current role at AWS uniquely blends his technical and business skills as he partners with executive teams to translate strategic priorities into measurable business outcomes through cloud adoption, AI implementation, and operational excellence. Matt leads end-to-end AI initiatives for enterprise customers, identifying high-impact use cases and maintaining relentless focus on measurable ROI. He holds eight AWS certifications and serves as Adjunct Professor at Franklin University teaching cloud computing and AWS architecture. His expertise encompasses GenAI, agentic AI systems, migration, modernization, and optimization strategies that drive transformation at scale. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/) Girish Bhatia: Girish Bhatia is a seasoned technology delivery leader with deep expertise in cross-domain program management. He holds multiple AWS certifications, including AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Certified Developer – Associate, and AWS Generative AI Practitioner, and is also an AWS Community Builder. Girish brings over two decades of experience in the information technology industry. Throughout his career, Girish has led major technology-driven business transformation from modernizing on-premises applications to driving large-scale cloud migrations. His work includes API-based integration platforms, data-center and mainframe modernization, and enterprise cloud adoption initiatives. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Girish works at a tech-forward fintech company. He is passionate about AWS serverless architectures, Generative AI and emerging cloud technologies. An avid learner and builder, he continues to explore and apply the latest innovations in AWS to help organizations accelerate their digital transformation. https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/[https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/) **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

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

We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country. Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply. ### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?** Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment. ## **Why Join?** * **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance. * **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space. * **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection. ## **The Ideal Group Leader** The ideal group leader * Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community. * Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us. * Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind. * An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection. * An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms. * Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus. ## **Our Impact**  Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported: * A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being. * An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging. * Said they would return again. We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself. ### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based** Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission! Every contribution helps us: * **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization. * **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year. By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic. ## **Come Join Us!** We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection. 🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside 🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application 🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831

Join us for the Spring edition of [Nature Loving Fest](https://www.facebook.com/events/895148649812928), a small, thoughtfully curated outdoor gathering celebrating vegan eats, handmade goods, and the beauty of the season. Formerly known as our Vegan Pop-Up, this new chapter reflects what the event has always been — a space rooted in nature, community, and intentional living. Expect around 20 local vendors offering seasonal vegan eats, small-batch bakes, handcrafted goods, and earth-conscious products. Come support local makers, share good food, and celebrate the beginning of a new season with us. Admission is Free.

Are you passionate about supporting other men on their mental health journey? We’re building a movement of virtual and in-person men’s groups across Ohio — and we’re looking for group leaders who want to make a real difference with us. As a group leader, you’ll create a safe space where men can connect, reflect, and grow together. Training and support are provided — you just need heart, presence, and a willingness to lead. **Apply now to lead a group in your area:** 👉 https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application Speak Your Mind is a mental health non profit dedicated to bringing our community together to end the isolation that leads to mental struggle and suicide. Learn more about them here: https://linktr.ee/taketimespeakyourmind

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

We thought of one of the interesting things that can be enjoyed at this time of the year. We will be meeting at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for a "Fish Fry" in Marian Hall on Friday, March 27th at 5:00 PM. It might be fun for you to experience what has become a tradition on the Fridays before Easter. They will have fried fish or baked fish, French fries and Cole slaw, as well as beverages, all for $16.00 for adults. They will have other beverages and desserts available for sale, as well. We have never tried this, and sometimes there are quite a few people at these events so we hope that we will be able to find each other easily. I'll try to have signs outside Marian Hall that Identify our group. We hope to have you join us!