Trail Building and Maintaining
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South Texas Off Road Mountain-Bikers - Rides & Events
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Dan River Basin Association
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Elkin Valley Trails Association - MST Seg 6 The Elkin Valley
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Cabin John Stream Valley Trail (Rate: C)
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, **[https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](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.
**8.0 mile out and back hike along the [Cabin John Stream Valley Trail](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/cabin-john-stream-valley-park/cabin-john-stream-valley-trail/) with an approximate 400 feet of elevation gain.**
**Description:**
The **[Cabin John Stream Valley trail](https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cabin-John-Stream-Valley-Trails-map-2023-0522-letter.pdf)** is a well-maintained trail, largely in wooded areas with some hills and short sections of sidewalk. This trail is located near major highways but still offers an unexpected sense of solitude and natural beauty.
**Hike Pace**: Pace will be about **2.5 mph** while moving.
**Bring:** Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, insect repellant, sturdy hiking shoes and poles if you use them since there are rocky areas/tree roots. There are a few small stream crossings.
**Fee:** None
**Dogs:** dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)**.
**Where to Meet:**
We will meet in the **small parking lot** at **7401 Macarthur Boulevard, Cabin John, MD**
**Coordinates: 38.973310, -77.150590**
**[Coordinates LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KEpbb4AxwPTRFJue8?g_st=ic)**
**I have a gray Honda Fit. The hatchback will be up. Consider carpooling if possible as the parking lot is limited.**
**[MAP](https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cabin-John-Stream-Valley-Trails-map-2023-0522-letter.pdf)**
**Contact Info:** Any questions, please message me here or text me at 703 533 9231 Dawn K.
Handy Bikes | Beginners' No Drop Ride
Meet in the parking lot of the Handy Bikes Service Center.
At the start of each ride, we'll go over introductions to have a sense of participants' cycling experience.
Over the course of our rides, we'll address the following:
group riding dynamics;
safety (ABC check & trail hazards); gear shifting;
hill climbing;
audible and hand communication within the group, with other trail users, and automobile drivers;
what to bring on each ride; etc...
Bring your questions, water & a snack.
When it starts getting dark earlier, we'll need lights as well.
Helmets a MUST.
If you can, and especially if you've had issues with your bike, come a bit early to have it looked at ahead of the ride.
PS - all levels are welcome to join, however, be mindful that if you are an experienced rider, please be prepared to ride at the pace of the newest rider in the group.
Each week, depending on who's in attendance, and participants' riding ability/comfort level, we may do skills practice as a group in the parking lot or at the west end of Wheeler Ave. Once everyone is comfortable, we'll go for a ride on local trails and neighborhood streets and finish back at the shop.
Happy Pedaling !!
\~Maya
VMO: Overall Run/Hogbacks
Does anyone else struggle to find balance between their familial obligations and unending yearning to backpack every weekend? Anyway, I want to backpack this weekend but should be home early on Sunday for Mother's day so if anyone wants to join me I'm planning a quick bop to northern SNP.
I haven't decided on getting there Friday night or Saturday morning but basically will start from the Thomson Hollow rd boundary, do a big loop up overall run, east to Hogbacks, back west to Elkwallow where you can get a treat, and down Heiskell hollow and then camp along Overall run. And then leave at first light on Sunday so we get back nice and early.
Since this is very last minute, I'm not going to try and do a carpool or anything but if you want to come and don't have a car just message me and we can meet at Vienna. I am leaning towards leaving tomorrow night and camping near the cascades bc I don't like doing a long drive and then a long hike, but open to Saturday morning as well. Marking this VMO because of the lack of any organization here so you're on your own logistically but it's about 20 miles on Saturday and like 1.5 on Sunday.
ALSO if less than 2 ppl sign up I reserve the right to cancel this and just do a day hike on saturday (I don't like camping alone) - if that happens i am still down to carpool and it will be this route: https://caltopo.com/m/1C3LL8J
Map: https://caltopo.com/m/UBFKGKL#
Weather: https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Knob-Mountain-Page-County-Virginia/forecasts/872
Driving directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CEXpiXZc6bBZhVTg7
**Disclaimers**
* Liability Waiver: \*By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DC UL's waiver liability terms: [https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/*](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/*)
* COVID-19 Policy: \*[https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/*](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/*)
* Dues: *Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DC UL profile. Applicants do not need to pay dues for their first trip. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15) ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.)*
* Carpool: *As per our carpool policy, riders should pay drivers $0.10/mile.*
* I am not a guide or an expert. I am just a co-participant. I have no training or qualifications at all. You are only on this trip if I physically make contact with you at Vienna or the trailhead and acknowledge you as a trip participant.
From Paycheck to Passive Income: The Freedom Blueprint
**3-Day Real Estate Investing Workshop:**
Learn How to Create Cash Flow & Build Long-Term Wealth
Are you interested in real estate investing but not sure where to start?
Or maybe you’ve been looking for a way to create additional income without trading more of your time?
Join us for a 3-day, in-person real estate investing experience designed to help you understand how investors are building cash flow, creating long-term wealth, and navigating today’s market.
This is a hands-on, community-driven workshop where you’ll learn practical strategies and connect with other local investors.
***
📅 Day 1 (Friday): Foundations of Real Estate Investing
• How real estate can generate monthly cash flow
• The difference between active vs passive income
• Why many investors use real estate to build long-term wealth
• Networking with local investors
Bonus: We will also be streaming a live national real estate event from Salt Lake City, where experienced instructors will be sharing additional strategies and insights.
***
📅 Day 2 (Saturday): Strategies That Are Working Today
• Affordable housing opportunities in today’s market
• Lease options and rent-to-own strategies
• Group housing models
• Multiple income streams including mobile home park investing
• Panel discussion with real investors sharing their experiences
You’ll also continue to have access to the national live-streamed training throughout the day.
***
📅 Day 3 (Monday Evening): Launch & Implementation Session
• Open Q&A to get your questions answered
• Guidance on next steps if you want to move forward
• Learn how to plug into the local investing community
• Support for those ready to take action
***
This event is ideal for:
• Professionals looking to build additional income streams
• Business owners wanting to diversify into real estate
• Anyone interested in creating long-term financial stability
• Beginners who want a clear starting point
No prior experience is required.
***
📍 Location: Comfort Inn – Springfield, VA
🕒 Times: 9am to 5pm
Seating is limited to keep the workshop interactive and allow for networking.
***
Important Note:
This is an educational event. We will be sharing general information about real estate investing strategies. Individual results will vary and depend on many factors including effort, market conditions, and personal circumstances.
***
If you’re serious about learning how real estate investing works—and want to be around others who are actively pursuing it—we invite you to join us.
SNP Sugarloaf Blooms 5 Mi 1120 Ft Moderate Hike
**This hike offers a great view and spring flowering bushes in the north district Shenandoah National Park. Floral highlights to be on the lookout for are the incredibly fragrant wild azalea and blooming a bit later, the pale pink to white, star-shaped clusters of mountain laurel. This 5 mile loop has about 1100 ft of elevation gain. We'll break at a viewpoint along the Appalachian Trail for snack/lunch. The trail is rocky in parts and there are small, mostly rock hop water crossings. We typically hike about 2.0 mph when moving. However, we leave no one behind and will move at a pace that is comfortable to all.**
**Hike Route:** **https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/sugarloaf-loop-via-appalachian-trail**
**RSVP:** **RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP (at least 2 days before the hike if possible) to open a spot for another hiker. This request applies to hikers on the Waitlist as well. RSVPs close at 6 PM the evening before the hike.**
**Time to Meet:** **Please meet 15-20 min prior to hike start for introductions and liability waiver sign in.**
**Meeting Location/Parking:** **Meet at the Piney River parking area on Skyline Drive Milepost 22. Entrance is across the street from the Matthews Arm campground.**
**GPS 38.75057, -78.29420**
**Group Size:** **20 hikers**
**Facilities:** **No restroom available at trailhead. A vault toilet is located at nearby Elkwallow picnic ground. Flush toilets at Elkwallow Wayside are only open when the Wayside is open.**
**Park Admission:** **Park fee or pass. https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm**
**Contact Information****: Please use the comments feature for comments and questions. The hike leader is Lisa Peterson.**
**Hike Cancellation****: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. Please check Meetup for updates, minimally the evening before the hike.**
**What to Bring:** **Water at least two liters, emergency contact information, medications, snacks/meal, insect repellent, sunscreen/protection from weather, and personal first aid. Trekking poles if you use them (especially helpful for stream crossings), sturdy hiking footwear and an extra pair of socks in case of wet feet.**
**Please leave pets at home. Thanks!**
**PATC**
* **To find out more about PATC,** [click here](https://www.patc.net/)**.**
* **Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join,** [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership)**.**
**Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present.**
Dolly Sods - Spring Backpacking - 16 miles
**IMPORTANT - READ**
This is a by law 10 person limit capacity trip, If you are NOT 100% committed please do NOT RSV
**Rain - Shine or Snow is a go**
This time we will be visiting the North area;
The Dolly Sods Wilderness — originally simply Dolly Sods — is a U.S. Wilderness Area in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia and is part of the Monongahela National Forest (MNF) and one of the most desirable trekking areas for the free bird and adventure spirit.
Dolly Sods is a rocky, high-altitude plateau with sweeping vistas and lifeforms normally found much farther north in Canada.
To the north, the distinctive landscape of "the Sods" is characterized by stunted (“flagged”) trees, wind-carved boulders, heath barrens, grassy meadows created in the last century by logging and fires, and sphagnum bogs that are much older. To the south, a dense cove forest occupies the branched canyon excavated by the North Fork of Red Creek.
The name derives from an 18th century German homesteading family — the Dahles — and a local term for an open mountaintop meadow — a "sods".
**State:** West Virginia
**Counties:** Grant, Randolph, Tucker
**Elevation:** 3,734 ft (1,138.1 m)
**Coordinates:** 39.066062, -79.301616
**Trail details:**
Friday night we will hike about 1.5 miles and camp around Bears Rock and Dobbin Grade trail intersection (wild camp), next day morning (Saturday) we will break camp and head North-West following Bear Rocks to Beaver View trail (TR523 on map) to Dobbin Grade trail (TR526) to Rocky Ridge trail (TR524) to Breathed Mountain trail (TR553) to Red Creek trail heading north to the intersection of Breathed Mountain trail and to our next camping location, enjoy the local cascades and swimming pool, take dinner.
Next morning (Sunday) head north on Red Creek trail to Upper Red Creek trail (TR509) and from there to Dobbin Grade and back to Bears Rock trail = 15-16 miles round trek
**Gear list, What you need to bring:**
1.) Tent - Sleeping pad - 20F Sleeping bag
2.) 2 pieces rain suit
3.) 3 extra pair of socks - 1 will stay on the car
4.) Backpacking stove + pot/cup/dish/spoon
5.) Dehydrate food
6.) Bottle or similar for drinking water
7.) Snacks/sandwich/power bar or equivalent, etc.
8.) Saturday and Sunday we will refuel from a stream.
9.) Water/beach shoes + small towel for stream crossing.
11.) Warm jacket, hat and water proof globes
12.) Water proof shoes-boots
13.) Extra pair of shoes (stay in the car)
14.) Gaiter
**General meetup location:** Vienna Metro Station - 7:30pm
**Time driving:** 3 hr. each way
**Google driving direction from Vienna metro:**
https://goo.gl/maps/1yXxQrnDbK9sKhcz6
**CARPOOL:** Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends by just posting a message!!
Prepping bikes for TERRIFIC Kids bike giveaway
We will be checking and pumping tires on bikes that have been in storage. Dust will need to be cleaned off. Bikes will be sorted by size. We will provide gloves and rags.
Please come by and help us prepare for the [TERRIFIC Kids giveaway day](https://www.rockvillebikehub.org/event-details/terrific-kids-bike-giveaway-5). No experience necessary! Just bring a positive attitude!
Here is information about the City of Rockville TERRIFIC Kids program: [www.rockvillemd.gov/321/Terrific-Bicycle-Award](https://www.rockvillemd.gov/321/Terrific-Bicycle-Award)
Trail Building and Maintaining Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
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.
Rock Creek Park - Meadowbrook Park/Boundary Bridge, Moderate 5 Miles
**This will be a moderate \~5 mile loop in Rock Creek Park. We will start at Meadowbrook Local Park in Chevy Chase, MD and proceed to the Boundary Bridge and into DC on the Valley Trail, cross Beach Dr to the Pinehurst Branch Trail, and loop back to our starting point on the Western Ridge Trail. It’s a beautiful walk with some ups and downs and a few stream crossings.**
**Meeting Point:**
**Meadowbrook Local park can be reached via Meadowbrook Lane and has space for about 30 cars. There are usually a variety of kids sports happening in the park so arrive early to find parking. There is another small lot accessible via Beach Dr. that fits about 6 cars. Cross the bridge to reach the park. Meet at the basketball courts, which are behind the stone pavilion and next to the tennis courts.**
**Meeting Time:**
**Plan to arrive at 9:15am so you will be able to meet everyone and sign the PATC waiver. Once the waiver is signed, we will begin the hike, targeting a 9:30am departure. We will leave on time.**
**Route:**
**Here is an AllTrails route in case you want to import this into a navigation device.**
**https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/rock-creek-meadowbrook-boundary-bridge-may-9-6e0b9a3?u=i&sh=fuqxr6**
**Contact Info:**
**Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions, and to arrange carpools. Call/text the hike leader—Allison—if urgent for day-of** **questions or issues 202-320-6103**
**Notes:**
**RSVP here by 6pm the evening before. If you need to cancel, please change your RSVP by 6pm to allow others to move off the waiting list. Cancelling after 6pm may result in being designated a “no-show” which may affect your ability to sign up for future PATC hikes.**
**Consider becoming a member of PATC to both enjoy the trails and support their maintenance. www.patc.net**
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**
DC Polyam's May Weekend Social
Join DC Polyam at our monthly weekend social. Come by yourself, invite your friends, your partner(s), and even your entire polycule!
Come join us from DC proper, Maryland, or Virginia; we welcome all people from all aspects of life and relationship dynamics. Metrobar has non-alcoholic options for those that don't want/don't drink alongside usual food trucks for eating options.
Follow us on Instagram and join our Discord @DCPolyam
We always enforce a set of house rules in order to maintain a safe space:
* **Respectful Behavior** towards hosts and other guests is required; anyone who violates these rules may be asked to leave the event.
* **Expectations:** Check your expectations at the door. Being at this event does not signal sexual availability or indicate any aspect of sexual orientation. Our events are about developing friendships and connections within the community. This is a no cruising event, in order to maintain a comfortable atmosphere for our guests.
* **Safe Spaces:** We strive to create a safe space for people of ALL identities, including those who do not identify as polyamorous.
* **No photography, video, or recording** of any kind is allowed **without prior verbal consent** of all parties involved.
* **Verbal Consent:** Please be sure to ask and wait for a yes before hugging or initiating any physical contact, and encourage each other to speak openly about consent and personal boundaries. This helps foster a culture where personal boundaries are supported and attendees are empowered to speak confidently of their limits. (i.e. “Can I give you a hug?” “No thank you, but I would love a handshake.”)
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
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)
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
**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
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.
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.
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.
Sharon Woods HIKE
Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles.
Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.






























