Environment

Join us for a fun, relaxed yoga practice with a beautiful sunset as your backdrop — right by the Statue of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. Danilo and Tia guide Hatha/Vinyasa flow classes that blend breathing exercises, restorative postures, and active sequences to strengthen both body and mind. All levels are welcome. Classes are donation-based — pay what you can. Please bring a yoga mat or sarong and a water bottle. Follow us on Instagram @innerpath.yoga Come practice, breathe, and connect with our community. 🙏 Namaste.

**✨✨ Toronto Tech Week 2026 is here!! ✨✨** Here’s the May edition of our in-person event at Super.com on May 27, 2026 Join us for some drinks, snacks, and a Tech Talk. Coming from TTW and looking for an informal meetup to meet new people? Our May meetup is your place! Get introduced to TorontoJS events format with a Tech Talk, and then join other like minded folks over some food and beverages. Make sure to mark your calendars and come out and join us for this event! **🕑 Agenda & Schedule ✨** * **18:00** - Doors open * **18:20** - Intro and announcements * **18:30** - **Shipping AI Chat in Production: The Things JavaScript Demos Don’t Show** by [Sanyam Khurana](https://www.sanyamkhurana.com/) **Abstract:** *Adding AI chat to an app looks simple in demos, but production is where it gets real. I’ll cover streaming, rate limits, cost control, retrieval, and security pitfalls like prompt injection—plus patterns to move from prototype to reliable, production-ready systems.* * **19:00** - Networking over Food and Beverages * **21:00** - Doors Close *** (**Note**: *All times in the schedule are an approximation.*) Please RSVP to confirm your attendance. If you have your friends or teammates joining please ask them to RSVP as well. This event is open to all skill levels. Many thanks to [Super.com](Super.com) for hosting us! We're looking for sponsors for events like these. If you or your company would like to support TorontoJS and get a message out to our community, please get in touch with organizers@torontojs.com The Code of Conduct is enforced at all TorontoJS events and spaces - online or in-person. TorontoJS is a volunteer-led not-for-profit organization. **Please help us** with tidying up. Otherwise, the venue staff and volunteers will have to pick up after you. \-\-\- # **The Venue 🏠** The venue is next door to Shoppers Drug Mart, a nondescript door that you'll have to look for a little more carefully. “*Toronto Tech Week is a citywide celebration of the people building what’s next. From May 25–29, 2026, founders, investors, and builders come together for hundreds of community-led events across Toronto, connecting tens of thousands of people around Canadian tech. Torontotechweek.com*” \-\-\- *TorontoJS is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all. Our Code of Conduct applies both online and in person at all our events and spaces.* See you there! 🎉

🌍**Toronto Babel Presents: LATIN NIGHT + LANGUAGE EXCHANGE @ Madison Ave Pub** Join us for our first official LATIN NIGHT at Madison Ave Pub — a special evening celebrating the music, culture, energy, and social vibes of Latin America 💃🔥 From Mexico, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina and beyond! Plus, we have a special guest DJ on the decks! DJ FLŸ will be spinning your favorite Salsa, Reggaetón, and Latin Classics all night long + Free Salsa Dance Lesson for Beginners 🔥🎶 Bring your dance shoes! We’re also bringing back our regular Toronto Babel Language Exchange, so whether you’re practicing Japanese, French, Korean, English etc., everyone is welcome! It’s a great chance to meet international friends, explore different cultures, and enjoy a fun night out in the city 💬🌍 ✨ **What to Expect:** ✅ Language Exchange 🇫🇷🇯🇵🇲🇽🇩🇪🇰🇷 ✅ Make New Friends 🗣️ ✅ Arts & Crafts Table 🎨 ✅ Fun Board Games 🎲 ✅ DJ Music with DJ FLŸ 💃🕺 ✅ Salsa Dance Lesson with Instructor 🪩🔥 📍 **Madison Avenue Pub – Toronto** 14 Madison Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 2S1 🗓️ **Wednesday, May 27** 🕖 **7:00 PM – 11:00 PM** Pull up solo or bring a friend—either way, you’ll leave with new connections, good laughs, and even better vibes 💬🫶🌟 💵 **$5 Entry Donation** Your contribution helps cover meetup costs, name tags, games, and all the little extras that make the night special ✨ 📲 **E-transfer also available:** [tmg8@wealthsimple.me](mailto:tmg8@wealthsimple.me) 🔗 **Meetup:** [http://www.meetup.com/TorontoBabel](http://www.meetup.com/TorontoBabel) 📘 **Facebook:** [https://www.facebook.com/groups/torontobabel](https://www.facebook.com/groups/torontobabel) 💬 **WhatsApp:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EYMdUw8XaxE5irFSNg5bt7](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EYMdUw8XaxE5irFSNg5bt7) 👉 **Check out the calendar & RSVP:** [http://www.meetup.com/TorontoBabel/#calendar](http://www.meetup.com/TorontoBabel/#calendar) 📝 **Note:** Toronto Babel is a welcoming and safe space for all attendees. Any form of harassment or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. If you experience or witness any issues, please inform one of the organizers immediately so we can address it appropriately. #TorontoBabel #LanguageExchange #MadisonPub #TorontoEvents #todotoronto #toronto #torontolife #PracticeEnglish #LatinNight #Salsa

**Explore the scenic Humber River in Toronto with our Kayak, Canoe, and stand-up paddle board 2-hour rentals during the week!** Use the following link to book your spot:[ ](https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/)**[https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/](https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/)**[ ](https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/) The calm meandering Humber River is one of Toronto’s hidden gems! Home to a huge variety of wildlife, including Beaver, Blue Heron, Deer and much more, you’ll feel like you’ve left the city behind! *Events are subject to weather and other factors out of our control. If we must cancel or delay an event we will those booked on the [torontoadventures.ca](http://torontoadventures.ca/) website know as soon as possible.* **Weekday Pricing (per 2-hour rental), Payable online through:** [https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/](https://torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/) Single Kayak (seats 1 person) : $44.95+taxes Tandem Kayak (seats 2 people) : $79.95+taxes Regular Canoe (seats 2 people) : $69.95+taxes Large Canoe (seats 3 people) : $79.95+taxes Stand-up Paddle Board ( 1 person): $44.95+taxes **Included:** * Boat(s), Paddle(s), PFD(s)/ “Life Jacket(s)”, & Coast Guard Safety Kit. * Brief orientation covering paddling safety, Toronto Adventures’ rules, and the Humber River paddling route * Our friendly staff to help you launch your boat(s) and/or boards. * SUP Leash (For Paddle Board Rentals Only) **What to bring?** * Dress for the weather! * Wear closed-toe athletic footwear you don’t mind getting wet & muddy (shoes not required on SUPs). * Sunscreen, sunglasses & hats, are all recommended for sunny days. * A water bottle. * Government Issued Photo ID. **Important Information** Anyone under the age of 18 must have a Parent/Guardian/Adult accompany them all the times on the water. Online Adult Waivers are available through confirmation emails. For minors, waivers will need to be signed in person on location. There must be an Adult to Child ratio of 1:4 in the children are under 12 years of age. From ages 12-18 we require a 1:5 adult to youth ratio. We have lifejackets starting at 30 pounds and are fully adjustable. * Paddlers must be comfortable treading water while wearing a PFD and reaching a shoreline (minimum 20 metres to shore). * Late Fees Returning Boat(s)/Equipment – $20/15 minutes per boat. **[Google Link Directions](https://torontoadventures.ca/directions/#humberriverlocation)** **[Cancellation Policy](https://torontoadventures.ca/faq/#cancellation)** We hope to see you out on the water!

**German Conversations Toronto 2026** This monthly event is for those of you who are not native speakers of German and would like to improve your conversational fluency. Everyone is welcome, but we suggest a language level of A2 to take part. You are welcome to bring something along that you might like to discuss, or just come to talk about whatever. We'll try to answer your questions. We used to take notes on questions asked and suggestions made and post them on-line after the event. Those previous notes are available [here](bit.ly/3Fefuba); there are some good ideas about other learning resources -- many free -- that you might want to try. **Cancellation Policy** Due to high numbers of attendees that are last minute cancellations or no-shows, e.g., up to and even sometimes more than 80% of guests registering and then not showing up, if no reason or excuse is provided for a cancellation or no show from 24 hours before the event to 24 hours after the event, I will remove the offending user from the group. **Health Policy** We want to protect your health, the health of your fellow members, and the health of the staff members where we meet. We encourage you to be vaccinated according to public health recommendations to enter the Madison Pub. \-\-\-\- **Thank you to our sponsor – Wir danken unserem Sponsor** Our group could not exist without our sponsor, Steffen Hugo. Professional Real Estate Services for Houses, Condos, Investments, Rentals. More info [here](https://www.steffenhugo.com/). Ohne unseren Sponsor, Steffen Hugo, ginge diese Meetupgruppe nicht. Profesionelle Immobiliendienstleistungen für Häuser, Wohnungen, Investitionsobjekte, Vermietungen. Weitere Infos [hier](https://www.steffenhugo.com/uber-mich/). \-\-\-\- A reminder: we are not a substitute for proper, formal instruction in German. We expect all attendees to attend or to have attended such instruction at a qualified educational institution like the [Goethe Institut Toronto](https://www.goethe.de/toronto), the [University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies](https://learn.utoronto.ca/), or the [German Saturday Schools of Toronto](https://www.dssgta.org/about-dss) (Deutsche Sprachschulen Toronto), or to have had instruction using online tools such as Duolingo. Please contact us if you would like more information on these options. We meet at the [Madison Pub](http://madisonavenuepub.com/), which has half-price wings on Wednesdays, and other reasonably-priced food and drink. **Location, directions and transport options** The pub is located just north of the University of Toronto campus in the Annex neighbourhood, conveniently close to public transit and parking. **Walking and public transit directions** From the intersection of Bloor Street West and Spadina Road, also the location of the [TTC Spadina subway station](https://www.ttc.ca/subway-stations/spadina-station), walk one block east along the north side of Bloor Street West to Madison Avenue, then turn left (north) and walk 100 m / 300 ft past the small parkette to the Madison pub on the left (west) side. **Parking** is available on-street on Madison Avenue, and in several nearby Toronto Parking Authority Green P parking lots. See the [Green P website](https://parking.greenp.com/) for more details. Caution: Madison Avenue is one-way south-bound for automobiles from Lowther Avenue to Bloor Street West. From Green P Carpark 231, take this shortcut to the pub: pass through the gate on the east side of the lot, follow the alleyway east to Madison Avenue, then turn right (south) a few steps to the pub. **Cycling** There is a Toronto Bike Share station at the corner of Bloor Street West and Madison Avenue. See the [Bike Share website](https://bikesharetoronto.com/) for more details. Google Maps link: http://g.co/maps/2ub93 I look forward to seeing everyone! Regards, Robert Quickert Organizer – Greater Toronto German Club

Join us for a relaxing midweek evening walk along the beautiful Port Credit waterfront! We’ll enjoy fresh air, scenic lake views, and great conversation while strolling together by the lake 📍 Meeting Point: Port Credit Memorial Park 🕖 Time: Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00 Pm This is a casual social walk, so feel free to stay afterward if the group decides to grab coffee or snacks/ dessert nearby. Looking forward to a fun and refreshing evening together

Leading up to [Toronto Climate Week](https://www.tocw.ca/), join us on a relaxed waterfront bike ride of Toronto's west end into the edge of Mississauga to explore [Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area](https://trca.ca/conservation/infrastructure-projects/jim-tovey-lakeview-conservation-area/), the new 26 hectare waterfront park in the Greater Toronto Area that opens on May 30th, "after more than a decade of planning, collaboration and community vision". 9:30am meet on the Humber Bay Bridge 9:45am depart on group ride 10:00-10:10am group gathers at western edge of Colonel Sam Smith Park 10:30am arrival at Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area 10:30-11:15am group and individual exploration of Conservation Area 11:30 return group ride 12:00pm arrival back at Humber Bay Bridge 12:00-1:00pm optional social (food, drinks, ice cream) on Marine Parade Drive Cycling distance: approximtely 25km (10.7km in each direction plus a small distance within Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area) Terrain: paved multi-use trail, residential roads, and hard-packed gravel trail Suitable bikes: city, commuter, hybrid, gravel, MTB, and road with thicker tires Helmet: highly recommended! Bring: a bike in working order, plenty of water, sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks, and good vibes! Event info: [https://cvc.ca/conversations/grand-opening-jim-tovey-lakeview-conservation-area/](https://cvc.ca/conversations/grand-opening-jim-tovey-lakeview-conservation-area/) [https://cvc.ca/discover-the-new-jim-tovey-lakeview-conservation-area/](https://cvc.ca/discover-the-new-jim-tovey-lakeview-conservation-area/) Project info: [https://trca.ca/conservation/infrastructure-projects/jim-tovey-lakeview-conservation-area/](https://trca.ca/conservation/infrastructure-projects/jim-tovey-lakeview-conservation-area/) News coverage: [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/jim-tovey-lakeview-conservation-area-mississauga-9.7191853](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/jim-tovey-lakeview-conservation-area-mississauga-9.7191853) [https://www.insauga.com/heres-when-huge-new-conservation-area-opens-to-the-public-in-mississauga/](https://www.insauga.com/heres-when-huge-new-conservation-area-opens-to-the-public-in-mississauga/) Toronto Climate Week: https://www.tocw.ca/ Green Exercise: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_exercise

**Join us for our signature Vegan Drinks social—this time at NUTTEA Toronto!** Vegan Drinks is a social event for those interested in making new friends and meeting like-minded people. We meet up on the last Friday of the month. You don't have to be a vegan to come and enjoy the fun. In fact we encourage you to bring your veg and non-veg friends!), but only vegan food and drinks are available for purchase. While we’re also hosting our smaller Second Sundays meetup here earlier in the month, this is a completely different experience. If you’re looking for a lively, high-energy evening with lots of new faces, this is the one to come to. 📍 **Venue** NUTTEA Toronto Menu: [https://nuttea.net](https://nuttea.net) 📅 **Event Details** **Friday, May 29** **6:30 PM – 9:30 PM** No cover — just show up, buy some food if you're hungry, drinks if you're thirsty, and most importantly, have fun and socialize! Name tags will be available so you won't have to remember a million names. ✨ **What Makes This Event Different** • A large, social atmosphere (typically 100+ attendees) • Designed for mingling and meeting lots of new people • Energetic and free-flowing • Drop in anytime, stay as long as you like *(If you prefer a quieter, small-group setting, check out our capped Second Sundays event earlier in the month.)* ☕ **How It Works** Just show up, order what you like, and start socializing. Talk about your interests, your favourite recipes and restaurants, your dream job to save the animals, the environment, your ethics, or anything and everything. 🌿 **The Space** Nuttea is a plant-based tea shop, with fun options for bakery items, bubble tea, coffee, homemade nut mylk and nut cream. Expect their signature nut-milk teas, coffee, and a selection of vegan baked goods in a vibrant Bloor Street setting - stay indoors or chat the evening away on the outdoor patio with your drinks. ❓ **Questions?** Reach out to the event hosts for anything not covered above.

**\~Please [SIGN UP here](https://calendly.com/breathinginnature/yoga-in-nature) for free before the class\~** [Click here for a map of the exact location](https://goo.gl/maps/x1YMV41Bmhcf7chb6). My community classes in High Park are by donation, for all bodies, and no experience is required. What is yoga? We combine breath, movement and awareness, all in the healing nature of High Park. **What to bring?** * Yoga mat (optional - the grass is nice to yoga on) * Water * Weather-appropriate clothing/ blanket for relaxation We yoga rain or shine. There is shelter if we need it. [Exact location](https://maps.app.goo.gl/9424Zn5G1Xf4kTEj7), close the the High Park Forest School by the North Gate (short walk from High Park Subway station, Bloor and High Park intersection). My classes are by donation, or pay what you can. It's also drop-in, so feel free to just show up. Donations can be made at the class in person, via our [Breathing in Nature Gift Economy](https://www.breathinginnature.com/gift-economy/) or e-transfer to nici@breathinginnature.com. On average folks donate between $5-$30 per class. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. 416.885.0583 If you are wondering who I am and what I do, feel free to check out my my [website](https://www.breathinginnature.com/), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/breathinginnature/), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/nicole.bohr) page, [my bio](https://www.breathinginnature.com/about/), or [my LinkedIn](www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleczerwinski/).

Join our **Spanish–English Language Exchange** Meetup and improve your conversation skills in a relaxed, social environment. This **free event** is perfect for anyone looking to practice Spanish or English while meeting new people. We meet in cozy coffee shops, outdoors in parks, and sometimes get together to enjoy social events and local festivals while practicing languages and building community. ### **🗣️ What You’ll Do** * Practice Spanish and English through real conversations * Join small groups and switch languages throughout the event * Learn practical vocabulary and everyday expressions * Build confidence speaking in a supportive environment ### **👥 Who Should Attend** * Spanish learners (all levels) * English learners (all levels) * Native speakers who want to help others * Anyone interested in language exchange and cultural connection ### **☕ Venue** If we meet at a local coffee shop—just grab a drink and enjoy the conversation! ### **💸 Cost** **FREE event** (please support the venue by purchasing a drink) ### **🌟 Why Join?** Language exchanges are one of the most effective ways to learn. You’ll improve faster by speaking with real people, hearing authentic accents, and using the language in everyday situations. Whether you're a beginner or fluent speaker, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to practice and connect. **👉 RSVP now and start speaking with confidence!** As our language exchange community continues to grow, we’ll be moving around Toronto and meeting in different locations across the city. Please make sure to check the event location before each meeting and stay tuned for updates and announcements. Our gatherings may take place indoors or outdoors—at coffee shops, parks, festivals, markets, or any event you think could work well for our group. Since we all come from different countries and cultures, this is a great opportunity to explore and enjoy all kinds of celebrations and experiences—not just Latin activities. **Thank you for helping make this group grow and stay dynamic!** **Héctor**

Join us on a relaxed waterfront ride of Toronto's west end into the edge of Mississauga to explore [Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area](https://trca.ca/conservation/infrastructure-projects/jim-tovey-lakeview-conservation-area/), the new 26 hectare waterfront park in the Greater Toronto Area that opens on May 30th, "after more than a decade of planning, collaboration and community vision". 9:30am meet on the Humber Bay Bridge 9:45am depart on group ride 10:00-10:10am group gathers at western edge of Colonel Sam Smith Park 10:30am arrival at Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area 10:30-11:15am group and individual exploration of Conservation Area 11:30 return group ride 12:00pm arrival back at Humber Bay Bridge 12:00-1:00pm optional social (food, drinks, ice cream) on Marine Parade Drive Cycling distance: approximtely 25km (10.7km in each direction plus a small distance within Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area) Terrain: paved multi-use trail, residential roads, and hard-packed gravel trail Suitable bikes: city, commuter, hybrid, gravel, MTB, and road with thicker tires Helmet: highly recommended! Bring: a bike in working order, plenty of water, sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks, and good vibes! Event info: https://cvc.ca/conversations/grand-opening-jim-tovey-lakeview-conservation-area/ https://cvc.ca/discover-the-new-jim-tovey-lakeview-conservation-area/ Project info: https://trca.ca/conservation/infrastructure-projects/jim-tovey-lakeview-conservation-area/ News coverage: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/jim-tovey-lakeview-conservation-area-mississauga-9.7191853 https://www.insauga.com/heres-when-huge-new-conservation-area-opens-to-the-public-in-mississauga/

We are planning to have monthly potlucks (or picnics in the spring/ summer at local parks) or other activities including potluck/ picnic + hikes/ walks in the warmer weather. This potluck will start with an arrival time of 12:15 p.m. We will start eating at 1 PM SHARP followed by a walk (see below). There is an outdoor picnic area at the centre with picnic tables, so if it is a nice day we can eat outside. PLEASE bring your own utensils, plates, bowls, and cup as the centre does not always have an adequate supply of these. You are responsible for your own clean-up and if you borrow the items at the centre please clean them. All are welcome veg-curious, vegetarian, and vegan as long as what you bring to the potluck is vegan! 3 p.m.: After eating we will go for a walk to Doris McCarthy Trail/ Gates Gully. Here is some information about this walk: [https://www.blogto.com/.../doris-mccarthy-trail-gates.../](https://www.blogto.com/.../doris-mccarthy-trail-gates.../?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExR0ZMUmVUUHhPMkZNdTNQUXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6IjVP2Y2F-Kajh1Onnb1MM2V7bk5O3RrPJcSg_M6vsuHkK5_jocjCxkQo4VA_aem_5DqbkP8qqq7dLLiJdtsDeA) We will go at a slow, easy pace and take breaks as needed. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Note: If the weather does not cooperate we will stay inside and play games. It is too steep to walk the trail when it's raining. We hope that you will join us!

Hosted by Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District **Stream Team Sampling Events** Are you interested in the health of local rivers and streams? You can join the Licking County Soil and Water in a Stream Team assessment. These events are a night filled will fun in the water. We look at habitat, biology, and chemical parameters in waterways that indicate how healthy our water is! We would love to see you at one of these events! Family friendly. Free to attend. June Wildwood Park, Granville Where: 785 W Broadway, Granville, OH 43023 Date: 6/11/2026 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 P.M. July Velvet Ice Cream, Ye Olde Mill Where:11324 Mount Vernon Rd, Utica, OH 43080 Date: 7/9/2026 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.

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

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

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles so please wear your shoe of choice. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.