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Trail Building and Maintaining

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out trail building and maintaining events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the trail building and maintaining events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find trail building and maintaining events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Trail Building and Maintaining Events Today

Join in-person Trail Building and Maintaining events happening right now

Sundays In The Park series
Sundays In The Park series
We meet on Sundays at 8 a.m. for training runs on some of DC's best trails, including Rock Creek Park and the surrounding area. We typically meet at either Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park, or Roosevelt Island, depending on the route. Details of the weekly schedule can be found here: https://new.vhtrc.org/runs/sip We hope you can join us for a run! All paces and levels of trail experience are welcome for these runs, which range in distance from 6 to 9 miles.
Bladensburg Waterfront to Lake Artemesia and Beyond with E-bike Lovers
Bladensburg Waterfront to Lake Artemesia and Beyond with E-bike Lovers
[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38382930](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38382930) 24.1 miles. Picnic at Beltsville Community Center, 14 miles into the trail. Restrooms are available at the beginning, the middle, and the end of the event. This is an easy ride on relatively flat terrain and should be appropriate for all bikers and all bikes. The route is 24 miles and about 800 feet elevation gain. It should be a beautiful day. **WHERE AND WHEN WE MEET:** Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Rd, Bladensburg, MD 20710. We meet at 10:00 and ride at 10:15am **ROUTE:** MD-Trail 1 - can be downloaded from Ride with GPS here: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38382930](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38382930) We'll take the Anacostia River Trail north to the Northeast Branch Trail through Riverdale Park, around the College Park Airport to Lake Artemesia. The Paint Branch Trail takes you through the University of Maryland campus, alongside USDA research fields to Cherry Hill Rd., where we can stop and reverse the route back to Bladensburg. Mileage round trip is 24 +/- but there's more trail at either end of the ride for those who want to put in more miles. **RESTROOMS** Restrooms are available at the beginning, the middle, and the end of the event. **WHAT TO BRING:** Our bikes will always be in our sight. No additional locks are required to keep your bike safe on this trip. Bring snacks and a light lunch if you want to eat on the journey. Don't forget to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. **OTHER INFORMATION:** FYI: membership of the Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club is now free as [www.ebikelovers.com](http://www.ebikelovers.com/) is generating sufficient income from ads to cover the costs. Here is the link to activate your free membership: [https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN) You will have access to over 2,000 miles of curated e-bike routes. With free membership, we hope everyone will download trails before we e-bike. This is the link to the EBL Ride With GPS page: [https://ridewithgps.com/organizations/6746-e-bike-lovers](https://ridewithgps.com/organizations/6746-e-bike-lovers) For the E-bike Lovers group to be successful, we need to grow our membership carefully. Please feel free to invite other E-bike lovers, spread the word and let's have fun. Please only RSVP if you are coming, so we know how many E-bike Lovers will participate. We enjoy a nearly 100% RSVP success rate. Thank you so much for your help! As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome. **Your registration for this ride signifies your agreement with the terms of the disclaimer below.** **DISCLAIMER** **LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, RICHARD CAMER, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS.** **See for the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer**
Great Falls, MD Gold Mine Trails (Rating: B)
Great Falls, MD Gold Mine Trails (Rating: B)
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. **Hike Overview:** This will be a 10-mile hike in and around Great Falls, Maryland, with about 800 feet of elevation gain. We will be hiking in the woods, not along the towpath. The trail can be rocky and uneven at times. Plan for some small hills and stream crossings. I hike at a moderate to fast pace of 2.5-3.0 miles per hour. **Park Entrance Fee**: None. **Trailhead:** The trailhead / hike starting location is at the far end of the upper parking lot across from the Old Angler's Inn. The restrooms at the other end (by the entrance) should be open. **Duration**: Approximately 5 hours **Route**: We’ll hike up to the Gold Mine Loop, circle around the east side, make our way down to the towpath, and then visit Olmsted Island for a lovely view of the falls. Once back at the towpath, we'll head past the visitor center and parking lot north to the Ford Mine Loop. After finishing this loop, we'll retrace our steps to the visitor center, hike along the Overlook Trail and around the Gold Mine Loop and back to the parking lot. Highlights include: the falls overlook, Civil War trenches, gold mine sites, and a pretty stream. **Type**: Our path will be roughly in the shape of a barbell. **Hiking Speed**: We'll hike at a speed of 2.5-3.0 mph (moderate to fast). **Pets:** Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with NVHC's dog policy: [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy). The dog must be on a leash, and you must let the hike leader know in advance. Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk to Olmsted Island, so any hikers with a dog would have to wait at the entrance while the group goes to view the falls. **Map of Hiking Trails at Great Falls, Maryland:** [https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf)
Mantra Drum Circle for Rain
Mantra Drum Circle for Rain
Join us to drum for rain! The drum circle will be at the Guru Rinpoche statue at the entrance to the Peace Park, across the street from the temple. We will be chanting sacred mantras as we drum, praying for abundant rain to ease the drought. All are welcome! Please bring any percussion instruments you have - the more the merrier! If you don't have any drums, there may be extra available. Either way, you can chant along with everyone. Seating is limited so we recommend bringing a chair or blanket to sit on. In the event of inclement weather, we usually drum as long as we can before the storm starts, or wait it out and start a little late. We hold out until the last minute to cancel so if the weather seems iffy, keep an eye on our Facebook page for announcements. The DC region is currently experiencing moderate to severe drought. Many other regions of the world are also experiencing drought conditions. We will dedicate our prayers to bringing life-giving rain to all who need it!
Handy Bikes | Sunday Casual Ride | Every-other-week
Handy Bikes | Sunday Casual Ride | Every-other-week
Similar to our "Beginner Ride", a casual, on-road-avoiding, cycle-path-winding, beginner friendly, group ride. The ride will be led by Maya and Angie, who have a combined 50 years of cycling experience. This is a no drop ride with an average speed of 7- 12 mph. Please bring a helmet, lights, a snack, hydration and wear appropriate clothing for cooler weather (cotton is not your friend in cooler temps and we will be riding in the dark). The ride can be tailored to the skills that attendees want to master, i.e- drinking from water bottle while riding, making tight turns, riding in a small group and cycling etiquette. We will be riding mainly on trails, streets as minimally as possible, and sidewalks only when necessary. This ride is perfect for someone who hasn't ridden in a while and wants to get some easy miles on the saddle; not just for newbies. If you have not ridden your bike in several weeks, months or years, please have a safety check done before the day of the ride. We are just here to have fun.
Prophetic Class/Training
Prophetic Class/Training
Every Sunday afternoon before church, one of the Covenant Life Church prophetess' hosts a prophetic training class that activates participants in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. During this class, participants will be provided opportunity to be taught how to use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and will have opportunity to ask questions and talk with someone who has been used in the Gifts during ministry. Teaching is provided on the gifts with emphasis on the Gift of the Prophecy. A combination of lecture and experiential learning is employed to teach, guide and instruct the participants. Everyone is welcome, all classes are free. Childcare is not provided.
Wheels on Capital Crescent trail
Wheels on Capital Crescent trail
hey friends! Bring your bicycle, water, snacks We meet at 11 for a quick meet&greet, wheels up at 11:10 sharp we will cycle for 50 minutes in one direction, stop for 10 and turn around at 12:10 This is going to be a no-drop ride - at all times, we will have one person in the front (pace setter) and one person in the back (sweep) to ensure we all get there and back together and no one is left behind!

Trail Building and Maintaining Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Dupont Circle Hike & Oak Hill park
Dupont Circle Hike & Oak Hill park
Easy Hike: 2-3 miles Lake Artemesia
Easy Hike: 2-3 miles Lake Artemesia
**Lake Artemesia Walk – College Park** Join us for a relaxed, easy-paced walk around beautiful Lake Artemesia. A chance to unwind, enjoy nature, and connect with others in a calm, welcoming setting. We’ll walk the scenic loop, take in the lake views, and enjoy light conversation along the way. All fitness levels are welcome. **Main parking lot:** **55th Ave & Berwyn Rd** College Park, MD 20740 Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Keep it easygoing. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By being a member of this Group, RSVPing to any Activity, or participating in any Activity, You accept and agree to the terms and conditions described below: 1. You acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to yourself, including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. 2. You agree that You will at all times be responsible for Yourself and Your own safety. 3. You release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, this group's leadership and members for the hikes that you participate in. 4. You acknowledge and agree that this Group is merely a collection of friends or potential friends who enjoy doing activities, and that in no event does any Organizer or Other Member assume any responsibility or liability for You. 5\. You agree not to sue and to release\, discharge\, waive and hold harmless all organizers and other members from and against all liabilities\, claims\, demands\, losses\, damages\, suits and proceedings\, for negligence\, carelessness or any other cause which you may have or that hereafter may accrue arising\, resulting from or related to your membership in this group or participation in any activity\.
Hike: Dickey Ridge, SNP, VA
Hike: Dickey Ridge, SNP, VA
(Bus hike) Wildflower Hike III: Enjoy the Springtime in Shenandoah Forest. This hike includes wildflowers, wonderful views, a peaceful waterfall, and bright blue skies (we hope). Long hikers start at the intersection of Dickey Ridge trail at Skyline Drive and follow Dickey Ridge trail to Fox Hollow trail, where they will ponder an old cemetery as they loop around to Dickey Ridge trail. Meanwhile Moderate hikers start at the Dickey Ridge Visitor center and go south on the Dickey Ridge Trail. They join long hikers at Fox Hollow trail and all hikers follow Dickey Ridge trail to Sneed Farm Road. Moderate hikers cross the road and continue on the Dickey Ridge trail, passing views of the Shenandoah valley below. Long hikers will go left on Sneed Farm Road and take the Snead Farm Loop Trail, passing farm ruins on their right, as they loop around to the Dickey Ridge trail where they will join moderate hikers. All hikers will continue on the Dickey Ridge trail to a parking lot where they will go down the gravel road to Lands Run waterfall about a half mile from Skyline Drive. After enjoying the waterfall, all hikers backtrack on the Dickey Ridge Trail to the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. Est.: 12.0 miles, 2200 ft. elevation and 8.5 miles, 1400 ft. elevation. There are optional hikes that include an Extra Long hike of 14 miles and shorter moderate hikes ranging from 0-7.5 miles. PATC map 9. Fare: $33 plus park fee or pass. VA Hikes. ***Map and hike description are posted under Photos*** **[DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu)** downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am. * **[Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus)**, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181 * * Caution: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway that passes the fare gates over I-66 to the north lot. **RESERVATIONS** Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. Space permitting, walk-ons are permitted at the second pick-up point. Your hike fee will be paid to one of the hike leaders in either cash or check (we're working on Venmo / Zelle). **FIRST-TIME HIKERS** If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike. Liability Waiver: Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. **CANCELLATION POLICY** Cancellations sometimes play havoc with our hiker accountability as the hike leaders print out the rider list from the MeetUp sign-up website. If the RSVP is not complete or up-to-date, neither is our check-in list. To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less the MeetUp $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on the MeetUp website before NOON on the Friday **before the hike**. If you change your RSVP afterwards, no refunds will be issued. While Metro/carpool/trailhead hike cancellations will not be issued a financial refund, hikers on either bus or trailhead hikes are implored to change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at either bus stops or the trailhead. **COVID, RSV, or seasonal FLU precautions** . . . Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)
VSDC Biking - Bethesda to DC
VSDC Biking - Bethesda to DC
Please join us for the first ride of 2026 from Bethesda to Hains Point and back. We will be starting from the [Park and Ride for Capital Crescent](https://maps.app.goo.gl/BKo6KKeexQPENXHEA) trail in Bethesda. The meeting spot provides ample free car parking, and also it is convenient to get to from Bethesda Metro. Going to Georgetown will be a piece of cake (it is downhill). Coming back we will be digesting the cakes we eat. Before signing up, please make sure you will be able to sustain at least 10 mph average speed for this lengthy ride. Meeting point: [Park and Ride for CC Trail](https://maps.app.goo.gl/q8icfVLC4mdfagQj6) Date: Sunday, May 10 at 10 am Route: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/njF8xXDfrH8kvVP96](https://maps.app.goo.gl/njF8xXDfrH8kvVP96) Length: 24 miles Difficulty level: **strenuous** Elevation change: 420 ft up & down Time: \~3 hours at moderate pace Pace: moderate \~10 mph Biking surface: paved Route type: mostly paved trails, some roads and sidewalks Metro accessible: yes (with an additional 1 mile of ride) Snack spot: we will be stopping in Georgetown for a snack. Multiple vegetarian options available: \- Chaia Tacos \- South Block Food/Water: Bring your own vegan snacks and (non-alcoholic) beverage to enjoy. Please carry plenty of water! Weather: we will not be riding in rain or windy conditions so stay tuned for Comments on this page. *For important updates, regularly monitor the "Comments" section on this page (below).* ***Don't be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.*** *Please also view and abide by the RULES listed below* RULES * Pets are not allowed * Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during this event. * Practice safe biking habits including: * Wearing a bike helmet * Keeping safe distance between each other (bikes don't have brake lights and tailgating can easily result in crashes) * Avoid side by side riding unless the road gives us ample opportunity **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are so glad to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we enjoy seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](http://vsdc.org/) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The VSDC membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Become a member of VSDC](https://vsdc.org/membership/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**
Schaeffer Farms Day Hike
Schaeffer Farms Day Hike
🥾 Sunday Morning Trek: Rock Creek Hike & North Italia Lunch!
🥾 Sunday Morning Trek: Rock Creek Hike & North Italia Lunch!
Ready to trade the pavement for some forest trails? We’re heading into the heart of DC to tackle the **Western Ridge & Valley Trail Loop**. It’s the perfect moderate hike to get the heart rate up before we refuel with some Mediterranean goodness. 📍 **The Game Plan** ***The Hike:*** We’ll meet at 8:00 AM to start the loop. It’s a beautiful 6.3km (3.9 mile) trail with enough elevation to feel like a workout, but plenty of scenery to keep it social. ***The Lunch:*** Post-hike, we’re heading over to **North Italia** for some well-earned recovery food! 🗺️ **Trail Logistics** ***Distance:*** 6.3km / 3.9 miles ***Difficulty:*** Moderate (Expect some hills!) ***Duration:*** Approx. 1.5 – 2 ***Route:*** https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/washington-dc/western-ridge-and-valley-trail-loop?u=m&sh=3kaumz ***Start Point:*** https://maps.app.goo.gl/u4MfDrTJQqZ7YGLc7?g_st=ic 🍔 **Food** ***Location: ***https://maps.app.goo.gl/Diga1kjYBx4ey2WcA?g_st=ic ✅ **What to Bring** * Comfortable hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers. * A water bottle. * Some light snacks like fruits, fig bars or protein bars to keep your energy levels up * Your appetite! 🅿️ **Parking** ***Hike:*** https://maps.app.goo.gl/kBkp8jKVkMH21zeH9?g_st=ic (Note: this is a 2 minute walk from the start point) ***Food:*** Parking structure near restaurant
(RENTALS AVAILABLE) Anacostia River Paddle to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
(RENTALS AVAILABLE) Anacostia River Paddle to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
This is the first event of the year where you can rent a canoe or kayak. Scroll down for more information on renting from Prince George's County. Postponing this by a week, so hopefully the forecast is warmer and less breezy. I've adjusted the times so there will still be plenty of water to explore Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. We'll shove off from Bladensburg Waterfront Park promptly at 1:30pm and head downstream towards Kenilworth, about two miles downstream. We'll do a loop around the wetlands and hopefully see some early blooms and plenty of birds. Once everyone regroups, we'll turn around and paddle back to Bladensburg, arriving before 4pm to accommodate rental returns. This is event is suitable for paddleboards (including iSUPs), recreational/touring kayaks, and canoes, but not inflatable kayaks. Everyone must WEAR, not just bring a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD. **RENTERS** The Prince George's County Parks Department rents single and tandem kayaks or canoes at this launch. You MUST reserve beforehand (several days before a nice weather weekend). Rentals run from 1pm-4pm. We will start paddling at 1:30 and be back at the ramp just before 4. **As a reminder, this group is geared towards paddlers with at least a modest amount of experience.** We do not offer instruction and highly advise against joining any of these events if you have never paddled before. [Double check the date and reserve boats here.](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=kU6I180Y6V00232Y1Q452Q4D5X5Z545S0A6Y605H5P73595T6I4G035O645C656Q5X4J5C576L5S4B6H4V6R5V4J6P5271544Z565805534O4X53016E4Q5A5A076S405G&begindate=05%2F10%2F2026&enddate=05%2F10%2F2026&type=&subtype=&category=&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+All&features=&quantity=1&secondarycode=&features1=&features2=&features3=&features4=&features5=&features6=&features7=&features8=&blockstodisplay=24&begintime=01%3A00+pm&endtime=04%3A00+pm&primarycode=BWP+Rentals&timeblocksearch=&display=Graphical&layer=42018&module=RN&multiselectlist_value=&rnwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes) Single Kayaks: $25 for Prince George's and Montgomery County residents; $33 for non-residents Tandem Kayaks & Canoes: $30 for Prince George's and Montgomery County residents; $39 for non-residents

Trail Building and Maintaining Events Near You

Connect with your local Trail Building and Maintaining community

Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**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.
How to Get Over Losses and Betrayls & Build Lasting Relationships
How to Get Over Losses and Betrayls & Build Lasting Relationships
Join us for this free, in person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Do you want more motivation and confidence to build lasting relationships? Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.
Blendonwood Ravine Day Hike, 10:30 am
Blendonwood Ravine Day Hike, 10:30 am
Building Agents with Microsoft Agent Framework
Building Agents with Microsoft Agent Framework
We will show how to build custom agents with Microsoft Agent Framework. Attendees will learn how to build and custom host agents when Microsoft Foundry is not a viable option.
Hike Blendon Woods Metro Park
Hike Blendon Woods Metro Park
Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.
Starting and Maintaining Relationships
Starting and Maintaining Relationships
This is a free in-person meeting. Let's talk about relationships in such a way that you can really benefit from the knowledge. We can talk about * Soulmates * How to start a relationship * How to maintain a relationship * How to pick the right partner * How to recognize the red flags * How to improve communication * How to avoid argument and fights * How to increase trust You ask the questions, we'll talk about them. 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 sponsored the Dianetics & Scientology Self-Improvement Center.
First Look at Bank Run
First Look at Bank Run