Tours

**WICHTIG: Die Anmeldung über Meet-up allein ist nicht ausreichend. Bitte zahle spätestens 1 Tag vor der Veranstaltung im Kultur- und Freizeitbüro des Goethe-Instituts (Neue Schönhauser Straße 20, 10178 Berlin, 2. Hinterhof) in bar, um deine Anmeldung abzuschließen.** Wir können leider keine anderen Zahlungsmethoden annehmen. Was bleibt von einer monströsen Vision? Wir spazieren zu den architektonischen Relikten des Nationalsozialismus – vom monumentalen Detlev-Rohwedder-Haus (ehemaliger Sitz der Luftwaffe) bis zum massiven Bunker der Boros Galerie. Du erfährst, wie Stein und Form zur Ideologie des Regimes wurden, warum Adolf Hitler und der Architekt Albert Speer Berlin in “Germania” verwandeln wollten und wie diese Orte als Teil des kollektiven Gedächtnisses der Stadt uns helfen über unsere Vergangenheit zu reflektieren.

**Hallo, Freunde!** Whether you’re a German language pro, a beginner, or somewhere in between, join us for a fun and social evening designed to practice your Deutsch, because well, let’s face it…Berlin is probably the worst place in Germany for that! **What to Expect:** * **Casual Conversations**: Practice your German in a relaxed and friendly environment—no pressure, just fun! * **All Levels Welcome**: From “Hallo, wie geht’s?” to crafting complex sentences, there’s room for everyone. * **Interactive Games**: Break the ice with language-themed games and activities designed to get you talking. * **Meet New People**: Connect with others who share your passion for learning languages. Whether you’re here to brush up on your skills or simply have a good time, you’ll leave with new friends, fresh phrases, and maybe a new favourite beer. 🍺🗣️ 🎯 **Pro Tip**: Bring a German-speaking friend or meet one here! Tag your fellow language lovers, grab a drink, and let’s make it a night of **Sprache & Spaß** (language & fun)! #SipHappens #GermanLanguageNight #SpracheUndSpaß **The usual information:** We always have several organisers there (male and female), so come say hello to us! We care to make sure that everyones enjoys themselves and we have **no tolerance for bad behaviour or creepiness.** **Follow us on Insta:** @siphappens.berlin **Join us on Telegram:** t.me/siphappens_berlin **👉 Other important notes:** \- 🍸 The locations we visit are bars and clubs\, they are businesses and we are able to keep these events free ONLY if people buy drinks\. Please respect the locations and the event by making purchases \- 🦹‍♂️ Remember to keep an eye on your belongings and prioritize your own well\-being\. We are not responsible for any lost items or personal issues\. \- 📷 By attending our events\, you consent to being photographed or filmed\. Photos and videos taken during the events may be shared on our social media\. If you do not wish to appear in the photos or if you appear in a photo that we post that you would like removed\, please send us a private message as soon as possible on Instagram \(@siphappens\.berlin\)

Wir bieten allen Interessierten die Möglichkeit, mit Elektronik zu basteln. Workshops und Vorträge zu verschiedenen Themen rund um Elektronik und Software sind willkommen. Von Arduino bis zu komplett selbst entwickelten High-End Schaltungen sind wir für alle kreativen Ideen offen. Wir haben auch Gruppen rund um das Nähen, Programmieren, Retro Computer. Wir treffen uns immer am Dienstag und am Freitag ab 18:00 Uhr. Egal ob Anfänger oder Profi – hier seid Ihr jederzeit Willkommen. Ihr könnt mit anderen fachsimpeln oder auch mit unserer Hilfe Eure ersten elektronischen Gehversuche starten. Wenn zeitgleich in den vorderen Räumen Workshops oder Vorträge stattfinden, kann hinten Werkstattbetrieb stattfinden.

Join our track sessions in Friedrichshain! Twice a month on Tuesdays we’ll gather at FSV Berolina Stralau 1901 e.V. at 18:30 (find us on the further side of track). Afterwards we‘ll have some drinks and food if we feel like it. Don’t worry if you are new! Joining track sessions is a great chance to start 😉 Take care and see you soon ❤️ P.S. ‼️️ Please cancel your participation if you can’t show up, even if it’s at short notice so that we don’t wait for you. Thanks! ‼️

**QUIZ #85.2 @ Bar Degendorff** GERMAN BELOW/DEUTSCH UNTENSTEHEND **Trivia Night – English & Deutsch** A fun, social trivia night for locals, expats, newcomers and long-time Berliners alike. The quiz is **open to everyone** and played **bilingually in English & German**. \#\#\# The quiz setup: 📅 **Tuesday, 19th of May** 🕔 Doors open: 6:45 pm \| 🕡 Quiz starts: 7:30 pm 📍 **Location:** Bar Degendorff, Petersburger Str. 74a, 10249 Berlin 💰 **4 € per person** 👤 **Solo players welcome** or play as a team (max. **6 people**) 🤝 No team? We’ll match you with others at mixed tables ✍️ \*\*3 to 4 rounds à 10 questions (\*\*Topics include: music, picture riddles, pop culture, general knowledge & more) Languages: 🇬🇧 & 🇩🇪 🏆 **Prizes** for the top 3 teams + the legendary **Lucky Loser** **Good to know:** Most questions are designed to be broadly accessible. However, from time to time there *may* be questions related to **German history, culture, or German-speaking pop culture**. No need to be an expert though – **teamwork is key**, and mixed teams are very welcome. 📸 **Photos & promo:** We occasionally take photos during the event for promotional purposes (website & social media). If you prefer **not** to appear in photos, just let us know briefly during the event – no problem at all. Come solo, bring friends, or find a team on the spot – we’ll take care of the rest. See you there! 🧠✨ \*\*\* **Quizabend – Deutsch & Englisch** Ein geselliger Quizabend für Berliner:innen, Zugezogene, Expats und Quizfans aller Erfahrungslevel. Das Quiz ist **für alle offen** und wird **zweisprachig auf Deutsch & Englisch** gespielt. \#\#\# Die wichtigsten Infos: 📅 **Dienstag, 19. Mai** 🕔 Einlass: 18:45 Uhr \| 🕡 Quizbeginn: 19:30 Uhr 📍 **Location:** Bar Degendorff, Petersburger Str. 74a, 10249 Berlin 💰 **4 € pro Person** 👤 **Solo-Anmeldung möglich** oder als Team (max. **6 Personen**) 🤝 Kein Team? Wir setzen euch an **Mixed Tables** zusammen ✍️ \*\*3 Runden à 10 Fragen (\*\*Themen: Musik, Bilderrätsel, Popkultur, Allgemeinwissen u.v.m.) Sprachen: 🇩🇪 & 🇬🇧 🏆 **Preise** für die ersten 3 Teams sowie den **Lucky Loser** **Gut zu wissen:** Die meisten Fragen sind allgemein verständlich gehalten. Dennoch kann es **hin und wieder Fragen mit Bezug zur deutschen Geschichte, Kultur oder deutschsprachigen Popkultur** geben. Dafür muss man kein Profi sein – **Teamwork ist entscheidend**, und gemischte Teams sind ausdrücklich willkommen. 📸 **Fotos & Promotion:** Während des Quiz machen wir gelegentlich Fotos für **Promo-Zwecke** (Website & Social Media). Falls ihr **nicht** auf Fotos erscheinen möchtet, gebt uns beim Event einfach kurz Bescheid – völlig unkompliziert. Ob alleine, mit Freund:innen oder spontan im Team vor Ort – wir freuen uns auf euch! **Bis bald und viel Spaß beim Quizzen!** 🧠🎉 Wir freuen uns darauf, Sie zu einem Abend zu begrüßen, der Teamgeist, Unterhaltung und jede Menge Spaß verspricht. Wir sehen uns dort!

Register: [https://globalai.community/chapters/berlin/events/agentcon-berlin/](https://globalai.community/chapters/berlin/events/agentcon-berlin/) Join us for AgentCon Berlin 2026, a dedicated space for developers, builders, startups, students, tech-enthusiasts researchers, and innovators to dive to explore the future of autonomous AI agents. This event is part of the AI Agents World Tour, connecting communities from San Francisco to Singapore. Whether you're designing intelligent copilots, orchestrating multi-agent systems, or advancing agent frameworks, AgentCon Berlin offers a platform to share insights, inspire others, and shape what’s next. More information soon! Supported by Neo4j

### **🌿 Watercolour Herbarium: A Sensory Workshop** Do you know which herbs boost memory? Which ones calm your body, support digestion, or help you sleep? Join us for a unique 4-day watercolour journey where art meets nature, observation, and everyday wisdom. **In this workshop, we will create our own illustrated herbarium — a personal catalogue of plants — while working directly from real, fresh herbs from my little balcony garden.** You’ll learn how to observe their shapes, textures, and colours, and translate them into delicate watercolour studies. But this is more than painting. Each day, we’ll explore a different selection of herbs like oregano, rosemary, mint, basil and more — learning how they grow, what they’re traditionally used for, and how they can support your body and wellbeing. **We’ll touch them, smell them, paint them… and even taste them in teas and infusions,** engaging all our senses to truly connect with each plant. ✨ What to expect: * Guided watercolour sessions (all levels welcome) * Real herbs to observe and paint from life * Gentle introduction to herbal knowledge & home remedies * A growing collection of your own illustrated herbarium * A calm, sensory, and inspiring atmosphere * Tips about how to grow these herbs at home during this spring By the end of the 4 days, you’ll leave not only with a beautiful series of paintings, but also with a deeper understanding of the plants around you — and how they can become part of your everyday rituals. The workshop includes **four classes**, but you’re also welcome to join individual sessions (when available). To receive the registration form and full details, please contact: 📩 **hola.berlinartclub@gmail.com** **When:** Tuesday 5 - 12 - 19 - 26 May From 6 to 7.30 PM **Where:** Friedrichshain, Berlin (You will receive the exact address by e-mail) **Price:** 85€ for the whole month (4 classes) Single class 25€ / Paypal & Bank Transfer **Material:** You will need a watercolour set, watercolour paper (or sketchbook) and brushes. If you need suggestions about the material, get in touch. If you need some recommendations, this might help: **[Quick Material Guide](https://www.instagram.com/p/DBRDE95Ia5D/?img_index=2)** **To book your spot:** Please confirm here: **hola.berlinartclub@gmail.com,** and you will receive the payment details and the exact address. ***Super small groups! RSVP here is not considered booked.*** You can find my work [HERE](https://www.instagram.com/lujancordaro/) and all updated classes [HERE ](https://www.instagram.com/berlin.art.club/) Come slow down, get your hands moving, and reconnect with nature 🌿 ✨ No previous painting experience needed. Gentle guidance provided throughout. See you!! Lu and the BAC

**Meet:** Treptow Sbahn. Outside Sesam Cafe (see pin) **Time:** 18:00 **Distance:** 35km **Theme:** Cycle Loop + History + Social Let’s make the most of the long evenings with some history-themed cycle tours this summer. The idea is to meet up after work, get a little cycle in, see some sights and end in a beer garden. **The Tour** The first destination will be Schöneweider: the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis – where modern electricity was pioneered. (see more on this below). To get there we will take a lovely piece of new cycle lane along the new ring road and loop out. Then its back up to Schoneweide and – more or less – follow the [route of industrial cultur](https://industriekultur.berlin/erleben/fahrradrouten/wasser-und-strom/)e. First we will head East along the South bank of the River, cruise around the industrial heritage of Schoneweider with a few stories form me, then head back up the North side to the Funk Haus (itself a monument of industrial culture) for a sundowner beer and perhaps a bite to eat at [café Zola](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QpGL6UiyQoZG6Bxv8). After that its lights on for a return journey to Treptow/Freidrichshain – estimated time of arrival 9pm. **The Cycling** 20km loop to start and then a little sightseeing and a gentler pace. As long as you have a reasonable bike and are used to cycling around town, you should be fine to join in. **What to Bring** Spare inner tube for your tyre size, cash, waterproofs, suncream, snacks, a smile. Hope to see you there Simon Schöneweider is the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis. It was here that modern electricity networks were developed by AEG, creating a pioneering electricity generation and transmission system that served as a model for all. Not only did they build the power station and grid running from it, they then went on to build the factories necessary to produce components for the electrification of the cities around the globe. Turbines, lamps, cables, valves and much more were manufactured in this kilometer long stretch of the riverside. Along with it came new residential areas as the population swelled to 26 thousand from virtually nothing in 30 years from the 1890s. Today many of the buildings are derelict, some are under development and others are art spaces or ateliers. All retain their beauty and fascination as monuments to Berlin’s industrial past. Come and explore this unique and lesser-known slice of Berlin’s History together.

Bringt gute Laune, schönes Wetter und Interesse mit. Wir treffen uns je nach Tour an unterschiedlichen Orten. Am 1. April 2018 um 15 Uhr gehts los am Eingang zur Akademie der Künste am Pariser Platz neben dem Brandenburger Tor.

**Meet:** Treptow Sbahn. Outside Sesam Cafe (see pin) **Time:** 18:00 **Distance:** 35km **Theme:** Cycle Loop + History + Social Let’s make the most of the long evenings with some history-themed cycle tours this summer. The idea is to meet up after work, get a little cycle in, see some sights and end in a beer garden. **The Tour** The first destination will be Schöneweider: the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis – where modern electricity was pioneered. (see more on this below). We will – more or less – follow the [route of industrial cultur](https://industriekultur.berlin/erleben/fahrradrouten/wasser-und-strom/)e. First we will head East along the South bank of the River, cruise around the industrial heritage of Schoneweider with a few stories form me, then head back up the North side to the Funk Haus (itself a monument of industrial culture) for a sundowner beer and perhaps a bite to eat at [café Zola](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QpGL6UiyQoZG6Bxv8). After that its lights on for a return journey to Treptow/Freidrichshain – estimated time of arrival 9pm. **The Cycling** 20km loop to start and then a little sightseeing and a gentler pace. As long as you have a reasonable bike and are used to cycling around town, you should be fine to join in. **What to Bring** Spare inner tube for your tyre size, cash, waterproofs, suncream, snacks, a smile. Hope to see you there Simon Schöneweider is the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis. It was here that modern electricity networks were developed by AEG, creating a pioneering electricity generation and transmission system that served as a model for all. Not only did they build the power station and grid running from it, they then went on to build the factories necessary to produce components for the electrification of the cities around the globe. Turbines, lamps, cables, valves and much more were manufactured in this kilometer long stretch of the riverside. Along with it came new residential areas as the population swelled to 26 thousand from virtually nothing in 30 years from the 1890s. Today many of the buildings are derelict, some are under development and others are art spaces or ateliers. All retain their beauty and fascination as monuments to Berlin’s industrial past. Come and explore this unique and lesser-known slice of Berlin’s History together.

***Who needs Sweden when you can enjoy an idyllic hike and a picnic at deep blue Liepnitzsee: One of the most beautiful and clearest lakes.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS EVENT?** Click on link below to get complete info about this event & to get your ticket asap. [https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/swedish-lake-hike-23may2026](https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/swedish-lake-hike-23may2026) **SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW USERS** * 10% New User Discount using promo code: **MEETUP10** * Valid for this trip or any other trips available on our website. **WHY GO?** Experience an idyllic adventure as you explore the serene beauty of Liepnitzsee, one of Brandenburg’s clearest lakes, resembling the tranquil landscapes of Swedish and Norwegian lakes. This guided trip covers a 13-kilometer journey through lush beech forests, culminating in a community picnic, scenic breaks, and an optional swim. **TRIP DETAILS** **Meeting Location & Time:** **Option A:** Meet in Berlin Hbf (Berlin Central Train Station) at 9:00 am **Option B:** Meeting outside Wandlitz Train Station[ ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/rmtWJoJyzsJ8CLgm6 "https://maps.app.goo.gl/rmtWJoJyzsJ8CLgm6")at 10:30 am **Finishing Location & Time:** **Option A:** Berlin Hbf (Berlin Central Train Station) at 6:00 pm **Option B:** Wandlitz Train Station at 4:30 pm **Hiking Distance:** 13 km of walking and hiking\*\*,\*\* multiple break times **Hiking Difficulty:** Easy – Walking on marked paths / dirt roads, mostly flat terrain, relaxed pace **What is Included?** * Community Leader & Guide for the entire duration. * Transportation to and from Berlin (based on the ticket option selected). * Access to Google photos album dedicated for this trip for sharing all your amazing pics & videos from the trip. * Access to a WhatsApp group for confirmed participants. **Note:** Please contact us immediately if you do not have WhatsApp & we can make alternate arrangements from our end to ensure you do not miss out on any communication. **WHAT IS THE PLAN?** * **9:00 AM:** Meet in Berlin Hbf train station and wait for train. * **9:30 AM**: Catch train for Bernau (RE 3) and then bus (Bus - 894) from there to Wandlitz. * **10:30 AM:** Arrive at Wandlitz and meet the other participants that are joining directly from here. We will then do a short introduction (Why are you here? Which animal would you be?). We start our hike by walking through the forest from Wandlitz to Liepnitzsee. * **01:00 PM:** At the North peak of Liepnitzsee we will have a picnic on the beach. Here you will have the opportunity to relax & chill. * **02:00 PM:** After our break we continue to walk along the shore of Liepnitzsee, stepping by “Regenbogensee” until we circled the whole lake once. * **03:00 PM:** At Brauhaus Wandlitz we will enjoy some food and cold drinks and reminisce about the day. There is a Veggie-friendly Menu. If you like beer, you will love this place! They have different sorts of home-made beers. * **04:30 PM:** Arrive back at Wanlitz train station and proceed to bus stop to catch Bus (Bus 894) to Bernau and then onwards from there to Berlin Hbf. * **6:00 PM:** Arrive in Berlin Hbf. **FOR FUTURE TRIP UPDATES** Please do join our WhatsApp/ Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [WhatsApp Channel](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

***Hike along UNESCO heritage forests & Chalky white cliffs that plunge into the emerald waters of the Baltic Sea.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS TRIP?** Click on link below to get complete info and to sign up for this event by getting your ticket. [https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/jasmund-island-23may2026](https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/jasmund-island-23may2026) **SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW USERS** * 10% New User Discount using promo code: **MEETUP10** * Valid for this trip or any other trips available on our website. **WHY GO?** Let’s discover Germany’s wild north! We hike along endless stretches of unspoilt beaches framed by the baltic sea and ghostly forests. Together we wander through a UNESCO heritage forest sitting on top of dramatic chalk cliffs that plunge into the emerald waters of the Baltic Sea. **WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?** * **Jasmund National Park:** Famous for containing Germany’s largest chalk cliffs & UNESCO heritage beech forest. Germany's smallest national park has formed an image of unspoilt wilderness. Here the largest contiguous beech forest in the Baltic Sea region is protected and in it an amazing variety of different habitats in a small space. More than 100 moors, lakes, springs and streams are framed by venerable beech forests. * **White Chalf Cliffs:** The glowing white rocks consist of 70 million year old chalk. Nature has piled them up from the skeletons of countless single-celled creatures that the Cretaceous sea once left there. The highest point of the chalk coast is the Königsstuhl, which towers 118 meters above the beach. * **Sassnitz:** Sassnitz is a resort town on the German island of Rügen. It’s home to the submarine HMS Otus, now a naval museum. **TRIP DETAILS** **Start & End Date:** Saturday, 23 May. **Meeting Time & Location:** * **Option A:** Meet in Berlin Central Station at 7:00 am. * **Option B:** Meet outside Sassnitz Train Station at 11:45 am. **Note:** Exact platform to be advised one day before trip date in WhatsApp group for the confirmed participants. **Finishing Time & Location:** * **Option A:** Berlin Central Station at 10:30 p * m. * **Option B:** Sassnitz Train Station at 5:45 pm. **Hiking Distance:** 14 km forest trek. **Hiking Difficulty:** Easy / Intermediate – Hiking at relaxed pace with multiple break times on well-marked paths, minimal elevation, sure-footedness & good fitness required. **Kid Friendly:** Yes. **What is Included?** * Community Guide for the entire trip (Guide speaks English). * Guided hike of Jasmund National park. * All public transportation for this trip from the meeting point to the finishing point (Based on your ticket option). * Access to a dedicated WhatsApp group for this event to connect with other trip mates, coordinate arrival options & stay in touch (link to WhatsApp group in the ticket). * Access to a shared Google photo album where you can share & view all amazing pictures & videos from the trip (link to Google photos album in the WhatsApp group description). **Other Things of Note & Items to Pack:** Weather is temperament and can vary between raining & sunny weather. Would recommend the following at a minimum (can further advise on this in the WhatsApp group for the confirmed participants): * Packed lunch for break during hike. * Good shoes for forest hike (no need of hiking shoes). * Rain jackets (based on weather conditions). * Rain trousers. * Suitable day pack. * Sun protection. * Sunglasses & Hat. **WHAT IS THE PLAN?** **7:00 am -** Meet in Berlin Central Train Station. **7:30 am -** Catch train for Sassnitz starting with RE 3 to Stralsund. **12:00 pm -** Arrive in Sassnitz and head to Sassnitz bus station to catch bus (Bus 23) to Königsstuhl. **12:10 pm -** Arrive in Königsstuhl and start hiking. **2:00 pm** \- Take a break for lunch in a beach location\. **2:30 pm -** Continue hiking. **4:30 pm** \- Arrive in Sassnitz strand area and get something to eat\. **5:30 pm** \- Head back to Sassnitz Train Station\. **5:45 pm** \- Arrive in Sassnitz Train Station\. **5:54 pm -** Catch train for Berlin starting with RE9 to Stralsund. **10:30 pm** \- Arrive back in Berlin Central Station\. **FOR FUTURE TRIP UPDATES:** Please do join our WhatsApp / Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [WhatsApp Channel](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

2 EURO DONATION FEE PER PERSON IS REQUIRED (on site, in cash), to pay back the Meetup subscription fees and support my Events. READ THE DESCRIPTION WITH THE INFO (IMPORTANT). WHATSAPP LINK BELOW 📳​ We take the RE85 train that departs from Berlin Gesundbrunnen at 09,16 AM🚉😀 and arrives to Schwerin at 11,48 AM I attach below the screenshots with the stations and the timetable 🕐 The train is a direct train and takeable with DE Ticket 😁 We will visit Schwerin, one of the most beautiful German Cities, with castles 🏰, lakes 🌊, a beautiful city center, gardens 🌳, etc. Bring your own food🍔 and drinks🥤. Breaks ⛔: We will take 2 breaks during the day, where we deem appropriate. At the gardens or by some lakes are the best spots. What we will see: 1. The Old City Center 2. The Cathedral ⛪ (free entrance. For the Tower Climb: 3 euros) 3. The Castle 🏰 (ticket of 13 euro full price, or 9 euros reduced price: for the people who do not want to enter, they can stay outside at the gardens) 4. The Gardens (free entrance) 5. Beautiful places by the lake(s) 🌊 6. Observation decks 7. An old Mill: Schleifmühle Schwerin 🛞 8. etc. To come back one train each 2 hours is available. I will take the one at 18,14 from Schwerin Hbf 🚉, but everyone is free to take one earlier or later (I do not force anyone) 😀 I do not provide a "personal support" for people who do not take the indicated train. You are responsible to check for the weather and decide if come or not. Thanks for understanding. If you have to contact me, make it via Whatsapp, not here on Meetup. WHATSAPP COMMUNITY 💬 to find each other (join it, we use this group to find and synchronize us, as well as post photos) [https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/](https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/)

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Here is the secret of being positive and free: Thinking positively is not enough. You also have to get rid of the negative thinking. Your mind is like a garden. You can plant many beautiful flowers in it, but if you don't get rid of the weeds when you plant your flowers, the weeds will soon take over the whole garden. A positive thought is like a flower in your mental garden, and a negative thought is like a weed. You cannot expect to have a positive mindset if you continue to have negative thoughts dwelling and growing there. So, how do you get rid of the negative thoughts? That's what this Meetup is all about. Attend this local meeting and find out! The Meetup event will be led by a consultant who had helped many people live happier in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

Join us this Thursday at 6:30 pm for a nice hike along the Big Walnut Trail along the Gahanna golf course, circling Creekside and back. This 2 mile hike is fully paved and a beautiful walk through the heart of Gahanna.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

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