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Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

Trees Events Today

Join in-person Trees events happening right now

Nature Coaching Session
Nature Coaching Session
🌿 **Imagine finishing a peaceful walk in nature… feeling lighter, clearer, and deeply connected to yourself again.** If something inside you is asking for space, clarity, or an emotional reset, this session may be exactly what you need. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from your inner calm, this Nature Coaching Session offers a gentle space to pause and realign. This is a **1:1 guided coaching walk in nature**, designed to help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, and hear your inner voice again. Nature has a powerful way of softening the mind and opening deeper awareness. During our walk, you may experience: • releasing built-up stress • quieting the mental noise • moving from overthinking into embodied presence • accessing new perspectives and insights • feeling grounded, supported, and more like yourself again ***You don’t need to prepare anything, just come as you are.*** Depending on what is alive for you, we may explore topics such as: • finding clarity around a personal or emotional situation • reconnecting with your inner voice and intuition • navigating life transitions or uncertainty • reducing overwhelm or anxiety • identifying and shifting limiting beliefs • cultivating deeper presence, self-trust, and inner peace This is a **safe, compassionate space** where you can speak openly, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters to you. ### How the session works 🌿 We meet in a beautiful natural location in **Zurich Seebach** (exact spot shared after booking). 🌿 The session lasts around **60 minutes**. 🌿 We walk at a relaxed pace — it’s not about distance, but about **presence and connection.** 🌿 During the walk you’ll receive gentle guidance, reflective questions, grounding practices, and intuitive coaching support. 🌿 **This session is offered on a donation basis.** You’re invited to contribute an amount that feels aligned for you, based on the value you receive and what you’re able to give. ***Payment can be made after the session (cash or Twint).***
Soul Recharge - 1:1 Reiki session
Soul Recharge - 1:1 Reiki session
A 1:1 Reiki journey where you receive focused healing, intuitive guidance, and space to reconnect with your inner flow. Discover more about me and my work on: https://thebecomingfield.com/
Flower the City - gemeinsam Freude schenken
Flower the City - gemeinsam Freude schenken
**Flower the City geht in die nächste Runde🌸✨** **Worum geht’s:** • Wir gestalten gemeinsam kleine, liebevolle Notizen • Diese knüpfen wir an gerettete Blumen • Wir gehen auf die Strasse und verschenken die Blumen an Unbekannte 🖊️ Bring gerne Stifte, Sticker oder alles mit, womit du kreativ werden möchtest 📅 09.05.2026 ⏰ 16 Uhr 📍 Tibits Winterthur Komm vorbei und erlebe selber, wie schön und einfach es ist Freude zu schenken 💛🌼🤍 P.S. YGPT hat eine neue online Community! Du kannst dich kostenlos anmelden und easy mit Menschen connecten, die aus dem Leben lernen möchten und die Welt ein Stück positiver machen wollen **✨** https://ygpt-community.circle.so/c/events-1/flower-the-city-winterthur-5e3c90
Language Exchange
Language Exchange
Join us for the weekly Language Exchange! 🚀 Language Exchange WhatsApp Chat https://chat.whatsapp.com/C36TAgOl8Ei5qsWMNPZpHU Join the weekly Language Exchange (every monday) to work on your language skills, socialize and meet cool and open people. 💡HOW DOES IT WORK💡 1. Come to the location (for Spring and Summer the event will take place on a outside)☀️🍹 2. The Event Host will greet you🤜🏽🤛🏾 3. Choose the language flag that interests you and speak the language of the flag🇪🇸🇬🇧🇵🇹🇮🇹🇩🇪🇨🇭🇫🇷 4. Start talking with people around the world and improve your language skill💪🏽💭
Intermediate Street Dance Class
Intermediate Street Dance Class
**Come join us for the** **Intermediate** **Street Dance Class** and discover Hip Hop, Commercial, Street Jazz, and more, learn useful moves, and get more confidence on a dance floor! Your teacher - **Nat ([@nat.so.fun](http://@nat.so.fun))** will guide you through all the steps, help you better understand the music, and groove with you to the best tracks. **Come and vibe with us!** Don't get discouraged by the number of people on the event page. **Our weekly crew ranges from 10 to 25 amazing humans**—regulars, first-timers, and those who skip the ‘going’ button but never miss a class 😉 [Check out what the class looks like here!](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK14dCKq9Tv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MXNtemlvcGR1Y3F3dw==) **Booking is mandatory!** To ensure your participation in the class, it is mandatory to book a spot in advance. Please **visit the studio's website to book the class:** [BOOK HERE!](https://www.thevibedance.ch) *Rates?* **Single Class:** CHF 28 or check out our **Starter Pack deal with 2-class** for CHF 35 *Link to purchase*: [Book Here!](https://thevibedance.simplybook.it/v2/#packages) *When?* **MONDAY** 19:30 \- 20:30 \| Intermediate Street Dance Class *Where?* **The Vibe Dance Studio** Hohlstrasse 488 8048 Zürich \~3 min from Altstetten Train Station and 15 min from HB *More info:* Website [thevibedance.ch](https://www.thevibedance.ch) Instagram [@nat.so.fun ](https://www.instagram.com/nat.so.fun/)and [@thevibedance.ch](https://www.instagram.com/thevibedance.ch?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==) **Have a question? Contact us via DM on [Insta](thevibedance.ch), give us a call or text us!** +41 78 329 71 77 **See you on the dance floor!**
Yoga & Small-Group Networking
Yoga & Small-Group Networking
**Yoga. Pause & Connect** is a welcoming evening in Zurich for people who enjoy an active and **mindful lifestyle** and value **meaningful connections**. We begin with a **Hatha Yoga** practice designed to help you recharge, release tension, and clear your mind after the day. Afterwards, stay for **relaxed networking time** — an opportunity to meet like-minded people and build genuine connections in a comfortable small-group setting. Networking takes place in the cozy chill area, where you can sit, unwind, and enjoy hot beverages or non-alcoholic drinks. 📍 **Location:** ANNTIN Wellbeing Studio https://maps.app.goo.gl/NpvNASsiANp6w7128 🗓 **Date:** Monday, 4th May 2026 ⏰ **Time:** 18:00 – 19:00 Yoga; 19:00 - 20:00 Networking 💰 **Cost:** 29 CHF (Yoga session - open level, beginners welcome). Spots limited to 16 participants – please reserve your spot with payment **TWINT +41 791977702**. Please sign up only if you are certain you will attend – no refunds policy. You are welcome to join **both parts of the evening**, but it’s also perfectly fine to come **only for the yoga practice or only for the networking part**. To stay up to date join the WhatsApp group 🌿 [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JjcN8KKelJ7L5kNT40j6vT](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JjcN8KKelJ7L5kNT40j6vT)

Trees Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Walk & Connect | Panorama Trail on Uetliberg
Walk & Connect | Panorama Trail on Uetliberg
**[👉Ticket needed (click here)](https://eventfrog.ch/de/p/sport-fitness/wandern/walk-connect-panorama-trail-on-uetliberg-7454202791579394752.html) or** **[www.social-circle.ch](https://social-circle.ch/)** Join us for a relaxed forest walk focused on great conversations, not intense hiking. We’ll match you with new friends for one-on-one chats – no small talk, just real connection. It’s the perfect Sunday to move your body, breathe fresh air, and meet like-minded people! 🌸🌲🥾 **Coming alone? That’s totally fine!** We’ll match you with people who share your vibe using the Social Circle app - we will introduce you to it during the event **Stay in the loop:** Join our WhatsApp group for updates and the live meeting location on the day: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/HGKLziV4s7bLZWEiouTQhi?mode=ems_copy_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/HGKLziV4s7bLZWEiouTQhi?mode=ems_copy_t) *If the link doesn’t open on your phone, try using WhatsApp Web on your computer.* **Timeline** * ⏰ **11:45** – Meet under the big clock at Zurich Main Station (HB) * **12:15** – Take line 10 up to Uetliberg * **12:40** – Arrival at the top and quick icebreakers to get things flowing * ️ **13:15** – Walk through the forest (panorama trail) with one-on-one matchups (we switch partners along the way) * ️ **14:45** – Arriving at Restaurant Felsenegg and head back to the city **What to Bring** * Your smartphone for the friend-matching * Comfy shoes for forest trails * Water and a small snack to keep your energy up Let’s make your Sunday social, simple, and refreshing! **Disclaimer** Participation in this event requires a valid ticket, which must be purchased in advance via the link provided in the event description. Please note that tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. We do not accept cash payments on the day of the event. To ensure a smooth and safe experience, we kindly ask all participants to follow the instructions and announcements from the event organizers. While our team works hard to create an enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere, attendance is at your own risk. We want everyone to feel comfortable and respected. If you encounter any issues or uncomfortable situations during the event, please speak directly to a member of our team — we’re here to help. We reserve the right to exclude participants from the event if they do not adhere to basic standards of respectful interpersonal behavior. This decision is at the discretion of the responsible organizers. By signing up, you agree that any content captured during the event (including photos and videos) may be used on Social Circle’s social media channels and those of our partners. Please be aware that we cannot wait for late participants, as this disrupts the planned group flow and connections. If you're delayed or choose a different route, it’s your responsibility to catch up with the group. A live location will be shared in the event's WhatsApp chat to help you reconnect. Want more events like this join our newsletter: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/DaGFCvKs6iu62pftk5cotM](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DaGFCvKs6iu62pftk5cotM)
Street Photography Workshop - Zurich by Day
Street Photography Workshop - Zurich by Day
Workshop-Details Wo: Zürich Escher Wyss Platz Wann: 09.05.2026 Zeit: 10:00 – 13:00 Uhr Was du lernen wirst * Lerne, wie du natürliches Licht und Schatten meisterhaft einsetzt, um ausdrucksstarke Schwarzweiss-Bilder zu gestalten. * Echte und ungestellte Momente auf der Strasse mit Selbstvertrauen festhalten * ICM (Intentional Camera Movement), eine kreative Technik, die absichtliche Kamerabewegungen mit einer langen Verschlusszeit kombiniert, um abstrakte, malerische Bilder zu schaffen * Die Schönheit der Schwarzweiss-Strassenfotografie entdecken Deine Teilnahme kostet 150 CHF. Bitte melde dich direkt über meine Website an und sichere dir deinen Platz: www.katjabouwman.com/workshops Erst nach Zahlungseingang ist dein Platz gesichert! Workshop Details Where: Zurich Escher Wyss Platz When: 09.05.2026 Time: 10:00 — 13:00 AM What you’ll Learn * Master how to use natural light and shadow to create striking black and white images * Capture candid street moments with confidence * Embrace ICM (Intentional Camera Movement), a creative technique that combines deliberate camera movement with a slow shutter speed to create abstract, painterly images * Discover the timeless beauty of black and white street photography Your participation costs 150 CHF. Please register directly through my website to secure your spot: www.katjabouwman.com/workshops More info on www.katjabouwman.com/workshops or Visit my Instagram account katja_zuerich
ZH - Conservation projects at Wynegg Neighborhood Farm
ZH - Conservation projects at Wynegg Neighborhood Farm
Spend a spring evening with us around the urban organic farm called Quartierhof Wynegg. It's a treat just to see this community-run farm, a little green oasis and hive of rural activity tucked behind the homes of Zurich Kreis 8. Our visit will be guided by local naturalist Jonas Landolt and supported by the organization Natur im Siedlungsraum, and we'll learn particularly about the projects aimed at small animal conservation in and around the farm. 🦎 .......🐝........ 🦗 .......🐦‍⬛........ 🐞 .........🐁 .........🦋 .........🦫....... 🪲 * Wear weather-appropriate clothes and sturdy shoes. * Families are welcome. * If you decide not to come, please PLEASE cancel so that others can take your spot * Please arrive on time at 17:50. * From Weineggstrasse, walk in the main driveway and turn right into the courtyard of the farm buildings. We'll meet in the courtyard by the tables.
Street Photography Workshop - Zurich by Night in Black & White!
Street Photography Workshop - Zurich by Night in Black & White!
Workshop-Details Wo: Zürich Hauptbahnhof Meeting Point (Big Clock) Wann: 08.05.2026 Zeit: 20:00 – 22:45 Uhr Was du lernen wirst – Fotografieren bei wenig Licht – Echte und ungestellte Augenblicke des Nachtlebens festhalten – Die Schönheit der Schwarzweiss-Strassenfotografie entdecken (natürlich kannst du auch in Farbe fotografieren!) Wir beginnen den Abend mit einem Drink in einem nahegelegenen Café — natürlich auf meine Einladung! Dies ist die perfekte Gelegenheit, sich kennenzulernen, Erwartungen auszutauschen und individuelle Wünsche für den Workshop zu besprechen. Deine Teilnahme kostet 150 CHF. Bitte melde dich direkt über meine Website an und sichere dir deinen Platz: www.katjabouwman.com/workshops Erst nach Zahlungseingang ist dein Platz gesichert! Workshop Details Where: Zurich Hauptbahnhof Meeting Point When: 08.05.2026 Time: 8:00 — 10:45 PM What you’ll Learn – Shooting in low light – Capturing candid nightlife moments with confidence – Exploring the beauty of black and white street photography (of course, you can shoot in color too!) We’ll kick off the evening with a quick drink at a nearby café — my treat! This is a great chance to get to know each other, share expectations and discuss any specific wishes you might have for the workshop. Your participation costs 150 CHF. Please register directly through my website to secure your spot: www.katjabouwman.com/workshops More info on www.katjabouwman.com/workshops or visit my Instagram account katja_zuerich
Film screening: Collision
Film screening: Collision
Join us for a compelling evening of film and conversation with a special screening of *Collision* (2023), a powerful documentary by Ocean Souls Films. *Collision* sheds light on a largely under-reported but devastating issue: the fatal impact of ship strikes on whales and marine biodiversity. Through striking visuals and expert insights, the film reveals how increasing maritime traffic poses a serious threat to some of the ocean’s most majestic and vulnerable species. Hosted by the International Volunteers of WWF Zurich, this event aims to raise awareness and spark meaningful discussion around ocean conservation and the urgent need for change. Whether you are passionate about wildlife, environmental protection, or simply interested in impactful storytelling, this screening offers a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and engage. Stay after the film for an open discussion and exchange of ideas with like-minded attendees. We look forward to seeing you there.
Freelance Friday Zürich
Freelance Friday Zürich
**🇩🇪 Die informellen Networking-Events für Freelancers und Solopreneure** Bist Du auf der Suche nach einer Community von Freelancer:innen und Solopreneur:innen, mit denen Du Dich treffen kannst? Sei es zum Austausch von Erfahrungen, Tipps und Tricks, neuen Businesskontakten oder einfach einem entspannten Start ins Wochenende? – Dann ist der Freelance Friday Afterwork von Swiss Freelancers in Zusammenarbeit mit Blau10 Coworking Space die richtige Veranstaltung für Dich, um in lockerer Atmosphäre interessante Menschen zu treffen! 🇬🇧 **The informal networking gatherings of freelancers and solopreneurs** Are you looking for a community of freelancers and solopreneurs you can meet? Be it to exchange experiences, tips and tricks, new business contacts or just a relaxed kick-off into the weekend? - Then the Freelance Friday Afterwork by Swiss Freelancers, in cooperation with Blau10 coworking space, will be the ideal event for you to meet interesting peers in a laid-back atmosphere!
Hangout in the Park
Hangout in the Park
**🔎** **The event** **The weather looks beautiful this upcoming Friday, perfect weather to be outside! We will meet in Kurpark from 18:00 onwards until whatever time people feel like. The plan is simply to have a nice time together and enjoy the sunshine :-)** **🧺** **What to bring:** * **A good mood and an interest in other people** * **Warm clothes in case it gets colder later during the evening** * ***Optional:*** **drinks and/or food to share, picnic cloth, games, etc.** **📍** **Where:** **We meet in the park, behind the casino, near the fountain -** [https://maps.app.goo.gl/uLRZEmbWRyyFKfj2A](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uLRZEmbWRyyFKfj2A)**.** **Note: we are still looking for a location where grilling is als possible, so the location might still change :).** **⌛** **Time:** **From 18:00 onwards.** **💬** **Event WhatsApp Group:** **See here the link to an event-specific WhatsApp group:** ***https://chat.whatsapp.com/IX2ZCXznqN06LRhZ7WPHsm*** **Hope to see you there!** **Cheers,** **Moniek**

Trees Events Near You

Connect with your local Trees community

2026 OSU Chadwick Arboretum
Spring Plant Sale and Auction Fundraiser - Columbus
2026 OSU Chadwick Arboretum Spring Plant Sale and Auction Fundraiser - Columbus
Open to public: Friday, 5/15/26: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 5/16/26: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Hosted by OSU The 2026 Chadwick Arboretum Spring Plant Sale and Auction Fundraiser Location: Lawn area south of the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center 2201 Fred Taylor Dr, Columbus, OH 43210 Spring Plant Sale Spring into greenery at Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens! Join us for our annual Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser and dive into a lush world of botanical delights. With over 16,000 fresh, exotic, and time-tested edible and ornamental plants, there's something for every green thumb! Experience the thrill of our tree and shrub auctions, where you can bid on unique specimens to enhance your garden sanctuary. Step into our Learning Lab, where engaging educational demonstrations on various garden topics will unfold throughout the three-day sale, enriching your knowledge and inspiring your green endeavors. Take part in an exciting, live auction offered each day, as well as a silent auction on Thursday and Friday. Explore vendor booths brimming with gardening essentials and delightful treasures. And while you shop 'til you drop, indulge in delectable treats from a delicious, local food truck. Proceeds from this event go directly to The Ohio State Chadwick Arboretum, student organizations, and local businesses alike. Come one, come all! Let's cultivate a brighter, greener future together. Credit/debit cards only.
🔥 Lincoln Street Salsa 🔥 Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!🔥
🔥 Lincoln Street Salsa 🔥 Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!🔥
**💥 Join us THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday!** **💥 At Columbus’ Hottest New Salsa Venue!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday! 8 pm – 1 am **.** **💥 Gorgeously Renovated Studio!** **💥 Free Parking!** **💥 BYOB!** **💥 Easy Access from Highway!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa 1717 Brice Rd Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43215 **.** **ENTRANCE IS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING** **Behind Anthony’s Pharmacy!** **.** **PLEASE SHARE and help get the word out!** **.** **🟣 Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!** **.** **🟣** 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm **𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻** **.** **🟣** 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm **𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 Class!** **.** **🟣** 9:30 pm – 1 am **𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆!** **.** **✅ Questions?** **Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/)** Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 **.** **✅ No Experience Necessary!** **✅ No Partner Required!** **✅ Plenty of People to Dance With!** **.** **✅ $15 Cash / $16 Card** **✅ College Students $5 Off with Valid ID!** **✅ BYOB** **✅ Age 18+** **.** **✅ Lincoln Street Salsa is the perfect place for…** **.** **👉 Learning to Dance** **👉** Social Dancing **👉 Birthday Celebration** **👉** Bachelorette Parties **👉 Girl’s Night Out** **👉 Date Night** **👉** Getting Fit / Burning Calories **👉 Meeting New People** **👉** Having Fun, Fun, Fun! **.** ✅ **Questions?** Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/ "https://columbussalsadancing.com/") Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 .
🌱 Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale
🌱 Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale
Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 23th, 2026 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Eastern Time) Overbrook Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4131 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43214 Public Welcome, Family-Friendly Free Event A wide variety of native flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees will be available from Wild Ones Columbus and local vendors Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Scioto Gardens. Wild Ones will publish a list of plants that will be available at this year's sale closer to the event date. Be sure to stop by! Show up anytime!
"Under the Oak Tree" by Suji Kim
"Under the Oak Tree" by Suji Kim
Join us for lunch/tea at Asterisk Supper Club to discuss our May book "Under the Oak Tree" by Suji Kim Lady Maximilian is the daughter of the powerful Duke Croyso, but she is rarely allowed outside her family’s sprawling castle for fear that her stutter will tarnish their noble name. When she is forced to marry Sir Riftan, a lowborn knight caught in one of her father’s schemes, Maxi doesn’t dare hope for happiness, let alone love. Her stumbling communication and his gruff manner sour their relationship before it can begin, and Riftan leaves without a word the morning after their vows are exchanged. Now, three years after their disastrous wedding night, Riftan has returned as a war hero. To Maxi’s surprise, despite rumors that he was offered marriage to Princess Agnes, a beautiful and renowned sorceress, Riftan still wants Maxi for his wife. And when he comes to claim her, his longing becomes a desire that bewilders Maxi, even as she is overcome by the scorching heat that Riftan’s presence ignites within her. As she learns to navigate the intricacies of her new life, Maxi will find herself and her courage, and discover that she is anything but powerless.
Civic Park Hike
Civic Park Hike
Join us for 2 loops of the 1.1 mile trail surrounding Civic Park In Reynoldsburg this Thursday (5/7) at 6:30 pm. This is a fully paved trail so no worries about mud after a rainy week. Just come and get some exercise while connecting with others.
Libera Animae - Freeing the Soul
Libera Animae - Freeing the Soul
Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.
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.