Environment

PLEASE ENSURE YOU BUY YOUR TICKETS AT [www.esgnetwork.co.uk](https://www.esgnetwork.co.uk/) **ESG Network is a Business Network dedicated to professionals working within London’s many Environmental, Social /Sustainable and Governance sectors**. Join us at the Private Room at the **Famous Jaks of Mayfair** for our **May 2026 Networking Breakfast** and join us in sampling their wonderful Food, Drinks and the opportunity to **chat about the ESG sector, learn more about the many related topics and make new friends and seek out fresh business leads**. PLEASE ENSURE YOU BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE AT [www.esgnetwork.co.uk](https://www.esgnetwork.co.uk/)

**LLMday: In-Person Event on LLMs, AI & ML in LONDON** Conference focused on Large Language Models (LLMs), Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning, bringing together engineers, researchers, and product teams to share real-world experience building, deploying, and operating AI systems. 🫆[Speakers & Topics](https://llmday.com/2026-london-q2/) 🎟️ **Important:** Meetup RSVPs are for interest only. Still NEED registration, it is handled exclusively through Luma [here](https://luma.com/llmday-2026-london-q2?lm_source=embed) Enjoy 50% OFF with promo code: MEETUP50

Come anf try your first taster session. Receive tools from an expert and practice in front of others in a friendly and supportive environment, and then receive feedback. Become confident and influence others with communication skills.

Join us for another evening at #WPLDN, where we're tackling two of the more practical conversations happening in WordPress right now. First up, the migration question: how do you move thousands of legacy ACF Flexible Content posts into the block editor without losing your weekend? Then we're shifting gears to security, with a live interview exploring how AI is reshaping both sides of the WordPress security landscape. 📅 **Date:** Thursday, 28 May 2026 ⏰ **Time:** 6:00 PM BST 🎟️ **Cost:** Free (Registration Required) \-\-\- **Session 1: How We Automated Migrating Thousands Of Blog Posts From ACF Flexible Content To The Block Editor** 🤝 **Speaker:** Cameron Jones ([cameronjonesweb.com.au](https://cameronjonesweb.com.au)) Before the block editor arrived, ACF's Flexible Content field was the go-to for giving clients control over custom layouts. The block editor now offers a far more powerful experience, but that leaves a familiar problem: how do you migrate thousands of existing posts without manual rebuilds? Cameron will walk through how his team automated the entire process with just a few lines of code. Cameron Jones is the owner and lead developer of Shortie Designs, a web design agency based in the little beach town of Victor Harbor. With over a decade of experience building websites at various local and international agencies, he acquired Shortie Designs in 2024 to take the leap from developer to business owner. With a particular speciality in plugin development, Cameron is also the founder of Mongoose Marketplace, where his free and premium plugins have been downloaded over 400,000 times. He also works with the free donation platform Ko-fi to maintain their official WordPress plugin and authored the popular “WordPress Plugin Development For Beginners” course, which has been taken by almost 1,000 students. \-\-\- **Session 2: A Conversation with Robert Abela & Tim Nash: WordPress Security, AI & the Human Factor** 🤝 **Speakers:** Robert Abela ([Melapress](https://melapress.com)) and Tim Nash ([WP Security 101](https://wpsecurity101.com)) What are the biggest security challenges facing WordPress today, and how is AI changing the landscape for both attackers and defenders? Robert and Tim join us for a live interview and audience discussion covering modern WordPress security, user account protection, and why user awareness and visibility are becoming critical to keeping sites safe. Robert Abela is the founder and CEO of Melapress, where he and his team build WordPress plugins that help people manage and keep their websites and users secure. Tim is a WordPress Security consultant and professional doomspeaker. He teaches WordPress Security through his [wpsecurity101.com](https://wpsecurity101.com) course and provides consultancy services via Tempered Ltd. \-\-\- **Schedule:** 🔹 **6:00 PM** – Doors Open & Networking 🔹 **6:30 PM** – Welcome & Session 1: Cameron Jones 🔹 **7:30 PM** – Short Break & Networking 🔹 **7:45 PM** – Session 2: Robert Abela & Tim Nash 🔹 **8:30 PM** – Social & Wrap-Up \-\-\- **📢 RSVP Now!** Whether you're knee-deep in legacy content migrations or thinking through your security posture, there's plenty here to chew on. Bring your questions, bring your scepticism, and we'll see you at #WPLDN! \-\-\- **Venue Information** **The Bridge** is a charity supporting women to make positive choices and encouraging improvements to fitness, health, and wellbeing. The venue features a plant-based café (supplied by Girls Who Grind Coffee) and is just a 5-minute walk from London Bridge Station. \-\-\- **Massive thanks to our sponsors who make these free events possible:** [DreamHost](https://www.dreamhost.com/partners/wpldn/), [PodcasterPlus](https://www.podcasterplus.com/?utm_source=wpldn&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=partnership), [Mollie](https://www.mollie.com/gb/integrations/woocommerce), and [Kinsta](https://kinsta.com/) \-\-\- If you're interested in being a featured speaker at an upcoming event, we'd love to hear from you at [https://wpldn.uk/speak](https://wpldn.uk/speak). **🎥 - Media Release Terms** By attending, you understand and accept that portions of the event may have audio/photo/video-recorded and/or live-streamed and may be used by the organisers. You agree that the organisers have the right and permission to use and publish such media for any purpose in any format, including online and offline, now and ever after, without further compensation, permission, or notification. You understand that all official recordings from the event are the exclusive property of the organisers, available under the Creative Commons Attribution­ShareAlike license for general use, and you do not ask for nor expect compensation or notification of the use of official recordings or photographs in which you appear or speak. Please inform an organisational team member at the event's start if you do not wish to appear in photos or videos.

**NATURE GETAWAY IN OLD PLOVDIV AND THE VALLEY OF ROSES** **28th May to 1st June 2026** Repeat trip due to popular demand! Explore the history-rich sites of the 6th oldest city in the world, Plovdiv, (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/galleries/The-worlds-20-oldest-cities/1old-plovdiv/) visit Bulgaria’s enticing valley of roses with its acclaimed Rose Festival and discover the secrets of the age-old tradition of rose oil production. **OLD PLOVDIV – A JOURNEY TO ANTIQUITY** Plovdiv is one of the most ancient cities in the world with signs of habitation dating as far back as the 6th millennium BC. The Old Town of Plovdiv is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s small, quiet and picturesque and a real gem for culture and history lovers! **Fascinating highlights:** **The world’s most aromatic rose oil today comes from Bulgaria.** **‣ The highest percentage of rose attar in the world is obtained from the Valley of Roses, Bulgaria** **‣ The Bulgarian “attar” of roses is an important component in the perfume business throughout the world.** **‣ Rosa Damascena is the name of the oil-yielding rose, which made Bulgaria famous for the production of the best rose oil in the world. Damascus, Rosa Damascena Mill was brought to Bulgarian lands during the 17th century.** **‣ Plovdiv is the World’s 6th most ancient city and European cultural capital for 2019.** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtH_TAXUf80 The festival itself takes place every year on the first Saturday of June. It originates in the Rose Valley and runs across the near by towns of Karlovo, Kalofer, and Kazanlak. The area is breathtaking when the famous Bulgarian rose blossoms in May/June exuding its enticing fragrance. 3,5 tons of rose petals go into the making of one kilogram of rose oil, which costs as much as gold. **Join this extraordinary experience in Bulgaria, take part in the authentic rose-picking ritual and gain insights into the rose-distillation process. In addition to the authentic rose gathering ritual, the festival offers a small beauty-pageant of a kind, where the most beautiful girl amongst the rose-pickers is crowned Queen Rose.** But that’s not all! There are even more celebratory events taking place during the festival weekend, such as choir a cappella, folklore concerts, art shows, exhibitions, wine-tastings and much more! **Dates 28th May to 1st June 2026** **Itinerary:** Day 1 Arrival in Sofia Meeting and greeting with your local host. Transfer to Plovdiv, hotel check-in Dinner with the group Day 2 Breakfast. Walking tour in the Old town of Plovdiv. Lunch near Plovdiv Roman stadium. Dinner with the group Day 3 Breakfast. Departure to Rose festival - a day full of impressions. Transfer to Plovdiv in the evening Day 4 Breakfast. Lunch and wine tasting experience Free time for shopping, sightseeing in Plovdiv. Day 5 Breakfast Departure to Sofia and full day in the city centre Last impressions and a private transfer to Sofia airport for an late afternoon flight. **What is included:** **4 nights in a 4-star central hotel in Plovdiv** **4 breakfasts** **2 Guided walking tours** **One day trip to Rose Valley Festival** **Rose picking ritual** **Entrance fee to Old Plovdiv Revival house** **Degustation of rose products: rose jam, rose liquor** **Wine tasting experience and appetisers** **Transfers from/to the airports in Bulgaria** **Social event with the group, before flying to Bulgaria** **Tour leader** **Compliance with Travel Package Regulations and financial protection 2018** What is not included: Flights: London- Sofia Personal expenses; Travel insurance. **The price for this trip: £580 in a twin/double room share.** **Single supplement: £ 80** To secure your place £150 (non-refundable deposit) info@travelinvision.com or 0740 3358828 for further details.

**Please register on [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ljc-meet-up-at-redis-tickets-1989301512374) join this event.** **About this event** The LJC is delighted to be partnering with our sponsor **Redis** for an exciting meetup! This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn, network and enjoy great food together. Huge thanks to our friends at **Redis** for sponsoring this event and supporting our Community. **Agenda:** **5:30pm:** Doors open **6pm:** LJC and Redis intros **6:10pm:** Samuel Agbede: Designing Production-Ready Multi-Agent Systems with Spring AI **7pm:** Break & food **7:30pm:** Leif Åstrand: UI with Redis and Vaadin using 100% Java **8:15pm:** Networking **9pm:** Event finish **Speaker One:** Samuel Agbede, **Title:** Designing Production-Ready Multi-Agent Systems with Spring AI **Synopsis:** Exploring how Redis can go beyond traditional caching to support semantic caching, intelligent routing, and short-lived application memory in AI-driven Java systems. **Speaker Bio:** Software Engineer and Developer Advocate at Redis focused on AI agents and memory systems. Samuel explores how context, retrieval and state shape intelligent behaviour in real-world applications. **Speaker Two:** Leif Åstrand **Title:** UI with Redis and Vaadin using 100% Java **Synopsis:** Full-stack development can be intimidating, especially when going beyond the typical CRUD. A reactive application with real-time updates requires knowing things like WebSockets on top of the regular frontend stuff. But what if you could build a full-featured full-stack web app using only straightforward Java? No JavaScript, no HTML, no CSS. Just Java. Join this live coding session to discover how to develop a reactive web app using Spring Boot, Redis and Vaadin. Starting from scratch, we'll cover everything: real-time updates, external services, and a good-looking UI. All in Java. **Speaker Bio:** Leif has been working with full-stack web application development in various ways for the past 20 years. Building applications, building frameworks for building applications, and in the last few years mainly working to understand what it takes to build applications. Works at Vaadin in areas related to product management, research, architecture and product development. This event is organised by [RecWorks](https://recworks.co.uk/ "https://recworks.co.uk/") on behalf of the London Java Community. The London Java Community is sponsored by Hazelcast, Neo4j, Redis, and Discover You can see our latest jobs [here](https://recworks.co.uk/java-developer-jobs-london/ "https://recworks.co.uk/java-developer-jobs-london/") You can see our privacy policy [here](https://recworks.co.uk/privacy-policy/ "https://recworks.co.uk/privacy-policy/") Continue the conversation at our Slack Group: [https://londonjavacommunity.slack.com](https://londonjavacommunity.slack.com/ "https://londonjavacommunity.slack.com") Sign up here if you're not a member: [https://bcrw.typeform.com/to/IIyQxd](https://bcrw.typeform.com/to/IIyQxd "https://bcrw.typeform.com/to/IIyQxd")

Join OutdoorLads popular weekly Thursday Bouldering evening at The Arch in Bermondsey. OutdoorLads London boulderers welcome all members of the LGBTQ+ community You'll be meeting with a supportive group of 5 to 10 plus boulderers who are always happy to introduce complete beginners or solve difficult bouldering problems with enthusiasts. We usually follow up with a pub visit. This event is for members of all levels of experience and all are welcome to come along to any of the sessions. Bouldering is a form of climbing where instead of long high routes, the 'problems', as they are referred to, tend to be shorter and focus on technique, balance, body positioning and sometimes power. Because of this different emphasis, bouldering doesn't have the hassle of climbing with ropes, harnesses and belaying, which makes the activities excellent for newcomers to the sport. If you're a seasoned climber you won't need convincing about the benefits of bouldering, but for those who've never climbed more than a staircase, the benefits are wide ranging: from the physical - improved strength, tone, balance, power and coordination; mental - problem solving, focus, concentration and body awareness; to the emotional - relaxation, a sense of achievement and a feeling that mind and body are working together perfectly ('feeling psyched'). On top of all this, bouldering tends to be a very social sport where you can hang out with mates and each have a go as you feel regardless of what level you climb at.

The weather is getting absolutely gorgeous in London ☀️ It has been a long winter, and now it is time to go out and enjoy nature. Join us on this unique UXers Nature Walk and learn about the area we are focused on this year to drive social impact through our [Responsible Design for Change Fellowship](https://www.ux4change.org/responsible-design-for-change-fellowship/). Get a chance to meet our founder, Sandra Gonzalez, and some of the fellows who are currently enrolled in the third cohort of the Fellowship. This is a very lovely opportunity to connect with nature and our community. You are welcome to bring your pet and/or your children, especially if you are juggling half-term at the moment. We will end the walk at the Princess of Wales to share a drink and network a bit. We look forward to spending a lovely afternoon with you.

Join the Eco Around Community for a litter-pick walk in Downham, facilitated by Biljana. Downham Woodland Walk is a local nature reserve and a narrow strip of mostly ancient woodland. It's part of the Green Chain Walk and stretches for about a mile. Rich in flora and fauna, it’s home to old oak and ash trees and a variety of birds. The area is frequently enjoyed by Downham residents and their pets. While maintained by Lewisham Council, contributing to the nature reserve's additional clear-up would be much appreciated. **When:** Saturday, 30 May, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm **Where:** The litter pick will start at the Moorside Rd entrance to Downham Woodland Walk, and we’ll make our way through to the Oakridge Rd exit near Barnardo’s. Use the What3Words navigation below to see the exact meeting points. Start: what3words: [///flown.rounds.agents](https://w3w.co/flown.rounds.agents) Finish: what3words: [///famous.drag.tuned](https://w3w.co/famous.drag.tuned) We are planning to have some optional drinks/food afterwards, most likely at the Beckenham Place Park. **How to dress and what to bring:** Appropriate footwear, no open-toed shoes and we recommend some waterproofs (just in case). We have some gloves, bin bags and litter pickers but feel free to bring your own and a refillable water bottle in case you get thirsty. Hand Sanitiser is also useful. **Updates:** Unless there is a heavy rain forecast, we will stick to our plans. Please check the event for updates. **Photo Consent:** We plan to take general pictures and a group picture to document the activity and help us promote future online events. If you wish not to be in the pictures, let us know.

**ELECTRIC DREAMS** is at a **NEW VENUE** – The Star of Kings, Kings Cross – in the "BOOKCASE BASEMENT" downstairs. Meet friendly, sociable, like-minded people who are into the same music. **FIRSTLY**... Please say **"HELLO"** on the door as you walk in and you will be introduced to other meetup members – **POSITIVE** feedback is appreciated. **ELECTRIC DREAMS** is a long running, very well established friendly and sociable club night for all fans of the electronic / alternative 80s. Meet new like-minded friends and dance the night away to club classics. Expect to hear the likes of Depeche Mode, The Human League, La Roux, OMD, Japan, Ultravox, PSB, Soft Cell, Blancmange, Goldfrapp, Visage, Blondie, Duran Duran, The Cure, NIN, Daft Punk, Adam Ant, Ladytron, Fischerspooner, Erasure, New Order, Joy Division, Yazoo, Eurythmics, Alphaville, Devo, Talking Heads, Roxy Music and many, many more. **Open from 9pm - 1am** The Star of Kings is towards the top of York Way, about a 10-15 mins. walk from Kings Cross rail station, and also close to both St. Pancras and Euston rail stations. **Door time: 9:00pm, Start time: 9:00pm** 18 and over.

Join us for our monthly series where **Offline Women Explore the Royal Parks**, visiting one of the eight different royal parks each month. The fourth walk in this series will be through **Greenwich Park.** This is a dedicated, phone-free, quiet space where you can disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with nature and each other. It is a simple way to enjoy the park and engage in real conversation. We will have plenty of time to talk, share stories, and get to know one another without any digital interruptions. Leave the event feeling energized and refreshed, with a heart full of good conversation and the peaceful feeling of a walk spent in great company. Follow us on [WhatsApp](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbCZyvCD38CTaXBpQ72V) to get early tickets for our upcoming events.

**SINGLE MUSLIM EVENT IN A NATURAL OUTDOOR SETTING…** 🌿**NIKAH TRAILS SINGLE EVENT**🌿 Looking to meet someone special while enjoying nature? Join Nikah Trails for a relaxed and fun Singles adventure in the beautiful Epping Forest. Whether you’re hoping to meet your future spouse or simply connect with like-minded singles, this is the perfect opportunity to walk, talk, and let nature do the matchmaking. 📍 Location: Epping Forest 📍 Meeting Point: Epping Forest Station 🗓 Date: 30th May 2026 ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM 🎟️PAID EVENT VIA THE LINK BELOW 👇 What to expect: • A guided group walk through scenic forest trails • Ice-breaker activities to help everyone connect naturally • A relaxed, respectful environment for singles looking for marriage • Plenty of opportunities to chat and get to know one another Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, and an open mind. You never know who you might meet along the trail! 🌱 Limited spaces available — reserve your spot early! For registration, details and book a ticket please click on the link below to get your spot ! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nikah-trails-muslim-singles-hiking-event-tickets-1984723119277?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios&sg=e9c0bed5a29d46f1c9807338bcb58bdf0c601cca29f312e045e546659ac6d5a9b263e1a3ba1d2a8d5470e96103ca5abb3a002b51d009ef53d04ee3e54a53f0cb4f4e91ca8806d471ba8c0ab0052b

COSTAL WALK followed by SOCIALISING with CHEAP FOOD and DRINKS in a convivial pub atmosphere. **WALK START POINT: HASTINGS Station** (National Rail). Look for Ken with the Kens Events/Meetup Flag/Badge outside the station. WALK ROUTE: Hastings Station to Bexhill on Sea primarily along the coast. WALK DISTANCE: Approx 5 miles. WALK END POINT: A large pub in Bexhill on Sea (The Picture Playhouse) near Bexhill Station WALK STOP OUT POINT: Always close to bus routes. **After today's (Sunday 31 May) walk, some members will return to Hastings and stay overnight at the Travelodge in Hastings, in order to join our 7 mile (approx.) circular Saxon Shore Way hike and Hastings Country Park on Monday 1st June.** BREATHE FRESH AIR: Give up the city streets for a day and improve your overall fitness levels on a green or coastal walk. **Social Event**: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. We always end the walk at a pub where the socialising can continue. *Be sure to join us in the pub for the whole experience!* COST: Free for members (who show their Ken's Events Membership card). For others there is a £5 fee for this event. Scroll down to bottom of page to see disclaimer and notice of risks. WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group and only post photos of other members with their consent. Kens Events also has a Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter accounts. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) Instagram Page [Kenswalks](https://www.instagram.com/weekendgreenwalks/) Twitter [@KenEvents](http://www.twitter.com/KenEvents) Kens Events also has a Facebook Group that you can join. [http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kensevents](http://www.facebook.com/groups/kensevents) For weekday and evening walks join Ken's Weekday and Evenings Walking Group. [(https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/)](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/) RAIN POLICY: Light rain is not usually a problem . However if torrentail rain is forecast, please check back to this webpage on the day of the event around 3 hours before the start for the latest update. Tell your friends you are going! Unfortunately no large dogs and small children are permitted on these walks. **NOTICE of RISKS applicable for all walks:** Please dress appropriately for weather and terrain conditions. Only wear good sturdy shoes, with ankle support, and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and able to walk for at least 8 miles. This walk is suitable for the average experienced hill walker. Expect some hills. Do not attend this walk if you do not fit that description or if you have a medical condition (especially heart and/or lung conditions) that may impact upon your capability of completing the walk. These walks are city walks and countryside walks where all the usual risks of injury during such walks apply resulting from interactions with road traffic, joggers, cyclists, e-scooters,other members of the public, animals (farm, domestic and wild), plants (allergic reactions), uneven surfaces, including portruding tree roots and potholes and there may be low overhanging branches. In these walks we cross busy roads, use towpaths alongside water, bridlepaths, country lanes and sometimes ill defined paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Some tracks may be muddy and slippery, and conditions may be wet and icy. The walk leader is not and does not purport to be a professional guide, or a medical professional, but is instead a like minded individual who also enjoys hill walking and who is familiar with the intended route. Do not attend this walk unless you accept and consent to the above risks. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself. **DISCAIMER** All Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/) to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer.

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.

Garden to the Max Join the Inniswood Garden Society for their annual meeting and garden reception. Featured speaker, Teresa Woodard, will discuss maximalist gardening Having a maximalist garden is a bold aesthetic choice—yet it also brings vitality back to the earth, in an abundant expression of more. Garden to the Max celebrates gardens across the US that embrace maximalism through joy and wonder, nonstop blooms, and abundant layers 06/07/2026 Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Days: Sun Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S Hempstead Rd Westerville, OH, 43081 (614)508-8111 Location Map: Innis House.

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.

**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.