Environment

**[GrafanaCON Local](https://grafana.com/events/grafanacon-local/) Toronto - featuring the latest in AI Observability** Join us for a local edition of GrafanaCON — a recap of the keynote highlights combined with fresh voices from the Toronto community, all with an AI twist. We'll dig into actually useful uses of AI in observability, and how to add observability for AI workloads. Free to attend. Pizza and drinks provided. **Talks** 🎤 **Grafana 13: The road to AI-native observability** — Marylia Gutierrez, Principal Software Engineer @ Grafana Labs This talk will walk through Grafana 13 and the most impactful improvements across the platform. Learn how Grafana is continuing to invest in AI to become the first fully AI-native observability platform, and the default choice for agents. 🎤 **Scaling Grafana Assistant: Context, confidence, and AI observability** — Edward Qian, Staff Software Engineer @ Grafana Labs AI agents are only as powerful as the context they receive. In this session, we'll share lessons from building Grafana Assistant and offer practical tips for bringing the right context to get the most out of AI agents. 🎤 **AI tools to optimize your development workflow** — Cristiano Ventura, Senior Software Engineer @ Grafana Labs The way we write software has changed. AI systems read code, plan, execute shell commands, run tests, open PRs, and ship work end-to-end. This talk will showcase useful AI tools and concepts to improve your development workflow. **Agenda** 5:30 PM — Doors open, food + networking 6:00 PM — Talks begin \~8:00 PM — Networking continues 8:30 PM — Wrap *Note that by registering for this event you consent to related event & product communications from Grafana Labs and agree to our [code of conduct](https://grafana.com/events/events-code-of-conduct/).*

Join founders, investors and tech talent at this curated **startup networking event in Toronto.** Meet ambitious builders, exchange ideas and discover new opportunities in a dynamic community environment. **RSVP: [Use this link](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-networking-toronto-founders-investors-talent-mixer-tickets-1987710363204?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **Please note that RSVP is managed via Eventbrite to control attendee lists — don’t ignore it to avoid issues with on-site payment.** **💡 Why This Event Is Different** Most networking events end with exchanged LinkedIn profiles. This one focuses on real conversations and real opportunities. We bring together founders, investors, engineers, operators and talent in a curated environment designed to create meaningful connections. Through interactive networking rounds, open conversations and pitch opportunities, participants can share challenges, exchange insights and build relationships that last beyond the event. **🤝 What to Expect** * **Interactive Networking** Structured networking rounds where participants briefly introduce themselves, share current challenges and explore collaboration opportunities. * **Talent Corner** Recruiters and hiring managers can briefly share open positions, while engineers and operators can introduce their skills and interests. * **Startup Conversations** Open discussions about fundraising, product development, growth and startup challenges. **👥 Who Should Attend** • Startup founders • Investors and angels • Engineers and builders • Operators and product managers • Recruiters and HR professionals • Sales and business development professionals • Job seekers interested in startups • Newcomers to the Toronto tech ecosystem

Come chat in the company of new friends, grab a bite, cool drink or water (optional). We will meet in the Food Court in the Lower Level. It's a free event to socialize and make new friends. **Meeting Location** \- The Wellington Market @ The Well \(lower level\) **Arrive** \- Anytime 5:45\-6:30pm **Leave** \- Anytime \-\-\-\- **Stay Connected** **[Join WhatsApp Group Chat](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeV7PTQJLHF_vOb6ND0PxA0jHX3JYviVJR7BNsByG8PUMzR3w/viewform)** ***

**Looking for a co-founder or startup collaborators in Toronto?** Join founders, engineers, product builders and entrepreneurs for a curated evening designed to help people connect and build startups together. **RSVP:** [Use this link](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-your-co-founder-in-toronto-startup-networking-event-tickets-1988215265380?aff=oddtdtcreator) ***Please note that RSVP is managed via Eventbrite to control attendee lists — don’t ignore it to avoid issues with on-site payment.*** **💡 What Makes This Event Different** * Many people have ideas. * But building a startup alone is difficult. * The best startups are built by strong teams. * This event is designed to help ambitious founders, engineers and builders meet potential co-founders and collaboratorsin a structured networking environment. Instead of random conversations, we create opportunities for participants to share ideas, discuss projects and discover people they might build something meaningful with. **🤝 What You’ll Experience** * ***Interactive Co-Founder Networking*** Before the session begins, participants vote on the topic or challenge they want to explore together. The most popular topic becomes the focus of the networking session. Participants are then divided into small groups to work around that shared challenge. This format helps people quickly connect, understand each other’s thinking, and discover potential collaboration opportunities. It’s networking with a purpose — not just introductions. * ***Startup Pitches*** Selected founders present their startups to the audience and investors. Each pitcher shares their idea, product, or progress and receives visibility, feedback, and potential connections with investors and collaborators. This is an opportunity to showcase what you’re building and spark meaningful conversations after the session. * ***Chill Networking*** After the structured part, participants can continue conversations in a relaxed environment. **👥 Who Should Attend** • Entrepreneurs with startup ideas • Engineers and technical builders • Product managers and designers • Growth and marketing specialists • People looking for a co-founder • Early-stage founders building their first startup • Anyone interested in joining a startup team **🌍 About the Community** This event is part of the **Ascent Valley ecosystem** — a global community where founders, builders and investors meet to share ideas, collaborate and build meaningful projects. *Our mission is to create environments where ambitious people connect, collaborate and grow together.*

Startup networking event in Toronto for founders, builders and investors. Meet the right people, share ideas and turn conversations into real opportunities. **RSVP:** [Use this link](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-networking-toronto-founders-investors-talent-mixer-tickets-1987710363204?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true) ***Please note that RSVP is managed via Eventbrite to control attendee lists — don’t ignore it to avoid issues with on-site payment.*** **👥 Who This Event Is For** • Founders building startups or validating ideas • Aspiring founders looking to start or join a startup • Builders, engineers and operators open to collaboration • Investors and angels looking to discover early-stage opportunities • People new to the startup ecosystem and looking to connect **🎯 What You Can Get From This Event** • Meet founders, builders and people actively working on startups • Share your ideas and get direct feedback from the community • Discover collaborators, team members or potential co-founders • Connect with investors and people involved in the startup ecosystem • Access real conversations that can lead to opportunities Ascent Valley is a global startup ecosystem connecting founders, builders and investors through events, community and platform. We focus on building structured environments where people don’t just network, but collaborate, share ideas and create real outcomes. Our approach: **[Idea → Process → Result](https://ascentvalley.com/)**

Toronto AI agent hackathon: build, deploy, transact on-chain. Mac Mini prizes, internships, mentorship, free food. Apply to get in: 👉 [https://luma.com/2bntw4vd](https://luma.com/2bntw4vd "https://luma.com/2bntw4vd") **The Vision** ​We’re bringing the **OpenClaw** and **GOAT Network** stack to Toronto students for a one-day vibe coding sprint with the support of the **CanCode** grant program from the **Government of Canada**. Your mission: Build an AI agent that doesn’t just talk but owns its identity, manages its own wallet and transact with other agents. Leverage Bitcoin’s 99.9% uptime and BitVM2’s mathematical security (viat GOAT) to build agents that handle high-value transactions with zero human oversight. ​ **🏆 The Stakes** ​We aren't giving out stickers and socks. We are giving away **Mac Minis** to the top-performing teams to power your future AI development. We also are looking for the bright minds to join our team and our partner projects as an interns to continue developing what they started at the hackathon. We also will be mentoring and helping those who would like to develop their hackathon projects further as their own startups. ​ **🚀 The Challenge** ​Deploy a "vibe-coded" autonomous agent using: * ​**OpenClaw:** The brain and framework. * ​**ERC-8004:** On-chain identity (Give your agent a soul). * ​**x402:** Agent-native payments (Let your agent get paid). * ​**GOAT Network:** The infrastructure for the agent economy. ​ **📅 Event Details** * ​**When:** 10 am \- 9 pm \|\| March 28 2026 * ​**Where:** George Brown College (exact address will be posted). * ​**Who:** University students * ​**Perks:** Fuel provided (Pizza, snacks, and drinks) + On-site technical mentorship. ### ​ ### **🏆Prizes** * ​Mac Mini + internship opportunities + entrepreneurship opportunities ​​ 🍕 **Food & drinks are on us** — snacks and drinks will be served throughout the event. ​​ **11:00 AM** — 🚀 Doors close. Hacking begins! ​​**11:00 – 11:15 AM** — Welcome & Kickoff ​​ ## ​**​🔧 Workshop Track** ​​11:15 – 11:45 AM \| Why we are building this ​​​11:50 AM – 12:10 PM \| ClawUp \+ Messengers \(Telegram\, Slack\) ​1​​2:10 – 13:20 PM \| Build on GOAT Testnet 3 — Deploy an 8004 & x402 ​​Go from zero to a live, AI-powered transaction on GOAT Testnet fully vibe-coded. ​​**Getting started:** 1. ​​Register on 8004 — link and instructions in the onboarding checklist 2. ​​Confirm your registration on the [GOAT Dashboard](https://goat-dashboard.vercel.app/?utm_source=luma "https://goat-dashboard.vercel.app/?utm_source=luma") 3. ​​Use the Telegram Bot Onboarder to set up your x402 merchant payment 4. ​​Watch live demos and join the idea brainstorming session ## ​**​🛟 Support** ​​You're never stuck. Here's who to reach out to: * ​​**GOAT support team** is available in person and across both Telegram channels throughout the event ## ​**​🔨 13:20 – 6:30 PM \| Build Time** ​​Heads down. Ship something real. Prizes announced mid-session — stay tuned. ## ​**​🏁 6:30 PM \| Submissions Close** ## ​**​🎤 6:40 PM \| Demo Time** ​​Each team gets **3 minutes** to present. Everyone who wants to demo gets a slot — just keep it sharp! ​​After demos, judges have **15 minutes** to deliberate, then prizes are announced live. 🏆 ​​Physical prizes handed out on-site.**​** ## **🎉 Socials** ​​We'll wrap up with open hang time — meet the builders, the GOAT team, and the community. Stick around! ### **Let's get started!** Apply to get in: 👉 [https://luma.com/2bntw4vd](https://luma.com/2bntw4vd "https://luma.com/2bntw4vd")

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 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.

**\~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 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/

**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.

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.

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