Environment

\*\* Networking & speaker session with a full dinner included. Secure your seat now! Only 20 spots are available for this private gathering.\*\* Join IFL Toronto on January 12th, 2026, as we bring in the New Year strong. The evening will bring together 30 of Canada's next generation of leaders for an intimate discussion on strategy, key stakeholder management, and building resilient operations in changing environments. **🧠 Topics of Discussion** **Leading organizations through cyclicality and uncertainty, building resilience, and building trust through action.** This intimate dinner offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with peers and thought leaders, exchange bold ideas, and gain insights to lead with greater impact in times of transformation. **📍 Event Details** **Date:** Monday, January 12th, 2025 **Time:** 6:30 PM – Doors open for Networking \| 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM \- Event **Venue:** JOEY Eaton Centre Event Space, 1 Dundas St. W, Toronto, ON **Dress Code:** Business Casual **Audience:** 30 emerging leaders aged 25–39 **Guest Policy:** This is a private event, but we welcome referrals of like-minded young leaders who embody the spirit of IFL. **How to buy your ticket?** RSVP to purchase directly on this page.

⚠️English Guidance below ⚠️ 🇯🇵 日本語 × 英語のカジュアル言語交換イベント🇨🇦 日本人と英語話者が数人ずつのグループを組み、フレンドリーでカジュアルな雰囲気の中で会話を楽しむイベントです。 気軽にお友達を作りたい方、リラックスした環境で語学を練習したい方にぴったり！ 参加費： たったの 5ドル 支払い： 「当日」現金または e-transfer 🌿イベントホストに声をかけてお支払いください。お席にご案内します。 📝 Japanish ルール みんなが安心して楽しく参加できるよう、以下のルールを設けています。 ルールを守れない場合は、グループから退会となります。 1. キャンセルポリシー 参加できない場合は、必ず「不参加（Not going）」に変更してください。2回続けてNo showの場合は、退会となります。 2. 他の参加者への配慮 ・場の雰囲気を壊すような発言（セクハラ・侮辱・差別的な発言・勧誘など）は禁止です。 ・軽いタッチや同意のないハグなど、あらゆるハラスメント行為を禁止します。 3. ホストの指示に従うこと ・指定された席に着席し、勝手な席移動はご遠慮ください。 ・イベントをスムーズに進行できるよう、ご協力をお願いします。 ・デートイベントではありません。そのため、特定の人を「話したい」と指定することはできません。 ⚠️ただし、話したくない相手（NGパーソン）がいる場合は、ホストに気軽にご相談ください。 🤝 楽しく、安心できる空間をみんなで作りましょう！ 🇯🇵 Japanese × English Casual Language Exchange 🇨🇦 Join us for a friendly and casual language exchange where Japanese and English speakers form small groups and enjoy meaningful conversations together! It’s perfect for those who want to make new friends and practice languages in a relaxed, casual environment. Participation Fee: Just $5 Payment: Cash or e-transfer on the day of the event 🌿 Please find one of the event hosts to make your payment. They will help guide you to your seat. 📝 Japanish Rules To make sure everyone can enjoy the event safely and comfortably, please follow the rules below. Anyone who does not follow them may be removed from the group. 1. Cancellation Policy If you can’t attend, please make sure to change your RSVP to “Not going.” Two consecutive no-shows without notice may result in removal from the group. 2. Respect for Others • Any kind of inappropriate behavior such as harassment, discrimination, insults, or solicitation is strictly prohibited. • Please avoid any unwanted physical contact (e.g., touching, hugging without consent, etc.). 3. Follow Host Instructions • Please stay in your assigned seat and avoid moving around without permission. • Help the hosts keep the event running smoothly. • This is not a dating event, so please don’t request to talk to a specific person. ⚠️ However, if there’s someone you’d prefer not to talk to (NG person), feel free to let the host know privately. 🤝 Let’s create a safe, friendly, and enjoyable space together!

\*\*This is a paid event, please register via our Luma Page. You need to have a ticket in order to attend this event: https://luma.com/together-toronto-jan-12-2026 **​Together Toronto brings the city’s tech community together for an evening of connection, inspiration, and learning** ​Together Toronto is where the city’s most passionate tech builders, thinkers, and doers come together to learn from the journeys that rarely get shared. At this signature event, we spotlight real stories from founders who’ve navigated the ups, downs, and in-betweens of building in Toronto’s fast-moving tech scene. These aren’t polished pitches or surface-level panels, they’re honest, behind-the-scenes conversations that reveal what it actually takes to launch, scale, and grow a company. ​You’ll hear from entrepreneurs who’ve taken bold bets, faced unexpected challenges, and found creative ways to move forward. Their stories offer more than inspiration - they deliver lessons, frameworks, and insights that can change how you approach your own work. Whether you're starting your first venture, scaling a team, or simply curious about how Canadian leading companies are built, this event is for you. This event is about more than just listening, it’s about connecting. You’ll be in a room full of founders, investors, operators, and future collaborators who believe in the power of community. It’s a chance to meet the people building what's next, share ideas, and be part of something bigger than yourself. **Featured Speakers** [Benjamin Alarie](https://www.linkedin.com/in/balarie/), Founder and CEO of [Blue J](https://www.bluej.com/) [Shirley Zhong](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirley-zhong-yueming), Co-Founder & COO of [Xatoms](https://www.xatoms.com/) [Kristine Beese](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinebeese/), Founder and CEO of [Untangle Money](http://www.untangle.money/) ​[Jason Ramsay](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-b-ramsay-538910197/), Founder of [Nodalli](https://nodalli.com/)

(Please reserve your own FREE entry ticket--at the link I've included below) ### Event Synopsis: Why care matters more than ever. ### **Agenda:** 4:30 pm - Doors Open 5:00 pm - Panel discussion begins 6:15 pm - Event ends *Join the School of Cities and the Institute for Gender and the Economy (GATE) for **Feminist City 6.0: What Makes a Caring City?** Together, we’ll explore how cities can be redesigned to foster caring, inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.* We've attended previous editions of this ongoing conversation: 2.0 & 4.0. **Care is the foundation of our societies**. From childcare to health care to elder care, everyone depends on care for themselves and their loved ones. The need for equitable access to care services continues to grow as populations age, women’s participation in the labour market increases, and challenges like the climate crisis threaten health and safety. At the same time, shifting work patterns and back-to-office mandates are changing how people navigate care responsibilities, commutes, and community life. High-quality care services not only support the well-being of care recipients but also open economic and social opportunities for caregivers. Caring communities are essential for building just, resilient, and flourishing cities—now and in the future. ***How can cities meet the demand for equitable, accessible care? How can we prepare urban systems to support care in a rapidly changing global economy?*** Answering these questions is critical for businesses, policymakers, civic organizations, developers, planners, and engaged citizens—because we all benefit from cities that are vibrant, inclusive, and built to care. **Ticket link** and more info on panelists HERE: https://www.rotman.utoronto.ca/news-events-and-ideas/public-events/events-listings/2026/january-2026/jan-12-feminist-city-60/ See you there/inside!

Join us for an early morning **5km** hike starting and ending at Yonge-Sheppard Station - **POYNTZ Avenue Access** We’ll follow the **Stuart Greenbelt** and circle back via the **Addington Beltline**. Expect a couple of descent hills to get your blood flowing and wake you up for the day ahead. The pace will be comfortable, perfect for a short morning stretch. This hike is suitable for **strong beginners** and up As always, the hike goes rain or shine. **Distance & Duration:** * **Length of hike:** \~5 km * **Event duration:** \~1hrs * **Difficulty level:** Level 2/Easy (distance L1, terrain L3) **What to Bring:** * **Water/Snacks:** \~1 liters * **Required Gear:** * Hiking boots/Trail Runners * Headlamp **Costs:** * **Member Event fee:** FREE EVENT **Travel Coordination:** * No Travel Coordination for this Event, Meeting at Starting Point **Event Guidelines:** * **Punctuality,** Please arrive on time so we can start promptly. We won't be able to wait for more than 5min past the start time * **Pack out everything you bring** (including nut shells, fruit peels, etc.) to help keep our trails clean. * **RSVP:** Only those marked as “Going” and have confirmed travel details (if requested) are eligible to attend the event. * If your **plans change** and you are no longer able to attend, please update your RSVP as soon as possible. * **No-shows** without prior communication may result in removal from future events. * **Weather Considerations** The hike is a go **rain or shine**, so please be prepared for the conditions. for example, If it’s expected to rain, waterproof gear (like a jacket or shoes) * **Pets:** please check with the organizer for details before bringing your pet. Looking forward to seeing you on the trail

| January 12, 2026 | | ---------------- | | Send me an email to let me know you are joining us at: | pcalleri@thegaap\.net \| **The CPA Toronto Accounting Group Presents a Casual Get Together** for a few of us to get together, network, learn, have a few laughs, share ideas, make new friends. become more successful etc. I will put a very casual agenda together, but the goal is having a good time. I tried to find a venue that is easy to get to. It is near the 401 and DVP. We will meet at: Swiss Chalet **[Address](https://www.google.ca/search?sca_esv=197713b87bf2beb1&sca_upv=1&sxsrf=ADLYWIKmSo8ztb94J6BUHqec-EeQUWwHRw:1725296229930&q=the+queens+head+pub+scarborough+address&ludocid=4250126838100046784&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiS46qn3aSIAxUS5ckDHbw5GJQQ6BN6BAgrEAI):** 2555 Victoria Park Ave, Scarborough Our reservation is made under Paul. I look forward to seeing you. PS Seats are limited, let me know you are attending; quickly. Send me an email to let me know you are joining us. pcalleri@thegaap.net Sincerely yours, Paul Calleri, Founder of TheGAAP.net, TheGAAP.netCareers, and the CPA Toronto Accounting Group

(This EVENT is now FULL--currently NO tickets left) ***Toronto Public Library presents acclaimed novelist Esi Edugyan and celebrated historian Tiya Miles in a conversation that challenges the boundaries between fiction and history.*** ***In conversation with CBC Ideas host Nahlah Ayed.*** **FREE Eventbrite ticket** link is below--you need this entry ticket! \*\*National Book Award winner, **Tiya Miles**, brings the tools of fiction, vivid characterization, emotional resonance, and narrative suspense, to her groundbreaking histories of enslaved women and Indigenous communities. \*\***Esi Edugyan**, a two-time Giller Prize winner and Booker Prize finalist, grounds her historical novels in exhaustive archival research, excavating the lives of Black figures navigating 19th-century Europe and America with a historian's rigor and a novelist's grace. **Together, they'll explore the practical and ethical questions at the heart of their work:** How do you responsibly imagine the inner lives of people who left few records? When does historical accuracy serve the story, and when does it constrain it? What can historians learn from novelists about making readers care, and what can novelists learn from historians about accountability to the past? **Edugyan and Miles will discuss how we recover, reckon with, and retell the stories that shaped us, with host Nahlah Ayed.** FREE ticket link here: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEVT580729&R=EVT580729

Join us to explore underground Toronto through the PATH network discovering art, museums, and other hidden secrets of the PATH. Join us for lunch near Union Station after the walk if you wish. *

This is a Photography hike in that we will take pictures at Guild Park and on the shore towards South Marine Drive Park You can view the history of the Guild Inn here: http://guildinnestate.com/guild-inn-history/ Distance: 8-10k hike Hiking Pace: slow to medium, take lots of pictures Elevation: +600' No Dogs Allowed (rules of Guild Inn) The Guild Inn Estate 201 Guildwood Pkwy · Scarborough, ON There are plenty of parking spots at Guild Park and Gardens. We'll meet in the first parking lot south of Guildwood Pkwy. In case you are lost, please call my cell: 647-949-6912 **Important Reminder:** By participating in this hike, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the Liability Waiver and Acknowledgement of Risk. If you have not done so, we kindly request that you refrain from participating in this event. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to an enjoyable and safe adventure! • Dress for the weather! Prepare for the weather and wear suitable gear for the trail. • Ice cleats are mandatory! • Arrive on time! Please be punctual, as the group will leave on time. • Know your limits! Choose the hike that match your fitness level. After the event we may stop for a hot coffee or tea.

Welcome to **Rainbow Toastmasters Toronto**! Join us for a fun and welcoming public speaking event at **St. Andrew's United Church, Toronto**. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting, our diverse group of members will provide a supportive environment for you to improve your communication skills. Come share your stories, practice your speeches, and meet new friends in a safe and inclusive space. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow personally and professionally. See you there! At each meeting, we have speakers present a 5- to 7-minute prepared speech, followed by an opportunity for members and guests to participate in presenting an impromptu 2-minute speech, delivering a joke or quote, or getting involved in other ways. The meeting agenda is structured by a Rainbow Toastmaster, who provides a meeting theme, along with some roles (such as a joke or a quote) that follow from the chosen theme. We start promptly at 7:00 pm, so arriving between 6:30 and 6:45 would be appreciated. Guests are welcome to participate when comfortable.

***This is a paid event ($5 general admission, free for students & job seekers) with limited tickets - you must [RSVP on Luma](https://luma.com/zd29ibx6) to secure your spot.*** ​Recent research from Anthropic and Redwood Research has shown that "reward hacking" is more than just a nuisance: it can be a seed for broader misalignment. ​Evgenii Opryshko explores how models that learn to exploit vulnerabilities in coding environments can generalize to concerning capabilities, such as unprompted alignment faking and cooperating with malicious actors. ​**Event Schedule** 6:00 to 6:30 - Food and introductions 6:30 to 7:30 - Presentation and Q&A 7:30 to 9:00 - Open Discussions ​​​​If you can't make it in person, feel free to join the live stream starting at 6:30 pm, via [this link](https://www.youtube.com/@Trajectory-Labs/live).

#### **This event page is for English speakers only.** **こちらのイベントページは英語話者の方向けです。** **日本人の方は、別のイベントページからお申し込みください！** *** We host a Japanese & English language exchange meeting every Sunday at 9:30 AM. Participants practice in pairs or small groups, with 50 minutes of Japanese practice and 50 minutes of English practice. The study materials used in our sessions are created by professional language teachers. ### **Before Signing Up, Please Read the Following** * **Please make sure to check the comments section of the event page, as all event details and materials will be shared there around Saturday.** * This meeting is intended for people who are genuinely interested in language learning. Participants joining for other purposes may be asked to leave. * We prioritize creating a safe and comfortable environment for all attendees. * Disruptive behavior, solicitation, or sales activities are not allowed. Anyone who does not follow the instructions of the organizer or staff may be removed from the group. * **Participation fee : Refunds and carryovers are not available.** ### **Participation Fee & Donation** Your participation fee will be used by Emiko Tanaka, a Yosakoi Ambassador, to promote Yosakoi Naruko Dance from Kochi, Japan, to the world. For more details, please visit our website: 🔗 [Yosakoi Ambassador Project](https://yosakoiambassador.com/) We look forward to seeing you at the event! 😊

Join us at our vegan-friendly social climbing session! We welcome all vegans, vegetarians, or anyone who is curious about the lifestyle and/or interested in eating more plant-based. No climbing experience is necessary. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time climber, all are welcome. We will be bouldering, top roping, and using autobelays - feel free to join whichever activity you're interested in! For those who are climbing for the first time, not to worry as it is quick to pick up and we are happy to provide some pointers on technique. You can boulder or use the autobelays after getting a quick orientation from the staff at the gym. For top roping, we're happy to belay any of our attendees. **Fees**: * $28 admission fee, plus rentals Climbing shoes are strongly recommended (disclaimer: rental shoes are not vegan as they contain suede/leather). Harnesses are only necessary for top roping and autobelay, however this gym is primarily a rope climbing gym. * Shoe rental: $7.00 * Harness rental: $7.00 Remember to sign the [waiver](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5f121ea156df1/web/) before you hit the rocks! You can sign the waiver online or in person once you arrive. Make sure to arrive at the Bloor location, there are multiple Basecamp locations! Happy climbing! 🧗‍♂️🌱 Note: Clean indoor shoes are allowed to be worn, however we highly recommend using climbing shoes otherwise your experience will be negatively impacted.

\# ❄️🥾Mount Pleasant Cemetery Winter Walk ### **Toronto’s Most Peaceful Winter Walk** Join me for a gentle 90-minute winter stroll through one of Toronto’s most beautiful hidden gems — **Mount Pleasant Cemetery.** This isn’t just a cemetery — it’s like walking through a living museum and botanical garden, full of winding paths, tall evergreens, and peaceful charm. It’s also one of the best places in the city to meet friendly people, share good conversation, and soak in the quiet magic of winter. 💫 **Did you know?** When Mount Pleasant first opened in 1876, it was a *Victorian-day destination*! Torontonians would dress up, hop on a streetcar, and spend the day here picnicking and strolling before heading back downtown. \*\*\* \#\#\# 🕚 Meetup Details **Meetup Time:** 11:00am (I’ll wait 5 minutes) **Meetup Spot:** Inside the main gates of Mount Pleasant Cemetery at the **Yonge Street entrance** (the one with the big stone archway). Look for me — I’ll be wearing my *famous Moose Hat!* 🦌 **End Spot:** Right back where we started. \*\*\* \#\#\# 🍗 Lunch After After the walk, join us for a cozy lunch at **Swiss Chalet!** Great food, friendly prices, and warm vibes — the perfect way to wrap up a winter morning. \*\*\* \#\#\# 💲 Meetup Fee **$5 cash in person** or **E-transfer** to: 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) (This small fee helps support the group and future events!) \*\*\* \#\#\# 🧣 What to Bring * Warm boots and layers * Hat and gloves * A drink to keep you cozy ☕ * A small snack if you like ☃️ **Weather:** This walk happens in *any kind of weather* (we’ll only cancel if it’s -20°C or colder). Remember — *there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing!* 😉 \*\*\* \#\#\# 💬 Final Notes * You can **just show up** — no need to commit early! * Please keep an eye out for updates in case of cancellation. * 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) \*\*\* ✨ This is one of the best, calmest, and friendliest ways to spend a winter morning in Toronto — good company, good conversation, and a peaceful setting that feels miles away from the city. **Organizer:** Mathew 📩 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](http://torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com/)

Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. If trail conditions are poor, we will use the Multipurpose Path.

2026 may be the last year many developers write code by hand. We need coding agents to solve complex problems in production codebases, but vibe coding alone won’t get us there. Vibe coding is all gas, no brakes. It burns up the context window until the agent slips on its own slop. You can go fast at first, but the more you stuff into the context window, the more tangled its outputs get. While the industry is rapidly increasing code generation speed, we still have to understand, review, merge, and maintain what gets shipped. This talk will outline how coding agents (Claude Code + Gas Town) work and a framework for orchestrating them to solve complicated problems in complex codebases. It’s about steering the model: doing the research to align intent, planning the approach up front, implementing in parallel steps, and breaking early. Human judgment still matters, but it should be spent on high-leverage decisions: what to build, what to forbid, and “what is quality?”, not cleaning up slop. Attendees will leave with a checklist to identify workflow and environment gaps that hold agents back, so you and your team can ship higher-quality software starting tomorrow.

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

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

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

Happy New Year, all! I hope it is a great one for all of us. Let's welcome 2026 together! Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday January 20** **from 7-10 pm at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new friends! Hope you can join us! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!

## Learn Infrastructure-as-Code (the FUN Way) — Through Minecraft 🎮☁️ **Joint Meetup: Azure CBUS × Columbus HashiCorp User Group × DevOps Columbus** What if learning Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code didn’t feel like a whitepaper… but more like a game? Join us for a joint Azure CBUS, Columbus HashiCorp User Group, and DevOps Columbus meetup where **Mark Tinderholt** \(Principal Architect\, Microsoft Azure \| HashiCorp Ambassador \| “The Azure Terraformer”\) shows how **Minecraft** can be used as a surprisingly powerful way to understand real-world Infrastructure-as-Code concepts. In this session, Mark will demonstrate how Terraform and Azure can be used to provision, configure, and manage Minecraft servers—while teaching the same patterns you’d use for production cloud infrastructure. ### What we’ll cover * Infrastructure-as-Code fundamentals using **Terraform** * Provisioning real infrastructure on **Azure** * Applying **IaC best practices** (immutability, repeatability, versioning) * How playful environments like Minecraft make complex concepts *click* * Why learning through experimentation beats click-ops every time ### Who should attend * Developers, platform engineers, and cloud engineers * Terraform users (new or experienced) * Anyone curious about Infrastructure-as-Code but tired of boring examples * Minecraft fans who want to see it used in a totally unexpected way No prior Minecraft experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn infrastructure the fun way. Come for the blocks, stay for the Terraform. 🧱➡️📐 Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/