Trees

🌿 **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).***

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💪🏽💭

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/

**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, 11th 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)

**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 29** **Special offer for NEW students:** **Starter Pack (2-Class) for CHF 35** *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!**

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/

Come enjoy delicious pizza while connecting in a dynamic, stand-up networking environment! Join the BellaZurigo community on Monday, 11 May from 19:30 onwards at NA081. For this special event, you’ll have the opportunity to taste a variety of pizzas, all included in the price along with a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic drink 🍷🍕for 32 CHF. ⚠️Spots are limited, so don’t miss out on this great opportunity to meet new people and enjoy amazing food. ▶️Secure your ticket now using the following link https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/eating-drinking/giropizza-all-you-can-eat-pizza-7454601089473618564.html ⚠️Please Let us know if you have any intollerances or allergies. No Gluten free option available. Be aware that tickets are not refoundable!⚠️

**Los gatos y la tinta son muy expresivos, por eso combinan a la perfección.** **Ver fluir la tinta es tan relajante como los elegantes movimientos de un gato.** **¿Tienes un gato (o un perro)? ¡Trae una foto y pinta el tuyo!** [INSCRIBETE AQUI](https://www.meetup.com/grupo-de-meetup-en-zurich-de-creatividad/events/314639493/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link&utm_version=v2&member_id=201059188) **🐱 ¿QUÉ HAREMOS?** Aprenderás cómo funcionan la tinta y la acuarela, practicarás y crearás tu propia obra. **🐱 ¿QUÉ INCLUYE?** **► Tutoría:** 3 horas de aprendizaje conmigo y resolución de dudas. **► Materiales de alta calidad:** Tinta (roja, azul y negra), papel para acuarela (de diferentes tipos), acuarelas, pinceles, lápiz, goma de borrar e imágenes para inspirarte. **🐱 ¿QUÉ MÁS INCLUYE?** **► Aperitivo:** Rica tabla de quesos, tomates, fruta y pan. **🐱 EXTRA** **► Música relajante:** Crea un ambiente tranquilo que ayuda a la mente a concentrarse mejor durante el proceso creativo. **🐱 TODOS LOS NIVELES** **¿Principiante?** Siempre enseño los fundamentos de la técnica artística y ofrezco apoyo personalizado. **¿Fuiste mi alumno?** Escríbeme antes de inscribirte para obtener tu código de descuento 😉 **🐱 ¿DÓNDE?** En el hermoso centro cultural de Schindlergut en Zúrich. **🐱 IDIOMAS** Inglés, español y alemán (nivel intermedio). **¡Hola! Soy Marga y estoy aquí para ayudarte a mejorar tu vida.** Déjame encargarme de todo. Materiales de calidad, ambiente relajado, clara organización y trato amable. **SÍGUEME para APRENDER MÁS GRATIS: [Marga Crea Arte](https://www.instagram.com/margacrea_art)** **(YouTube/Instagram/Facebook/TikTok).**

Join us for our weekly entrepreneurship networking and coffee. Entrepreneurialism can be very challenging, in this meetup we help each other on the journey. Share experience strengths and hope. We do not sell or promote our products or services. The meeting starts at 8 am and introductions start at 8:15. Look forward to seeing you there!

Apéro Mensuel

Kindly understand that This is Not an online event. We created this for the people to communicate with each other (in the comment section) to find their travel mates. However, since the Meetup site requires a date and time. We constantly have to update the date and time to keep the event alive. Dear friends, If you have plans to travel somewhere in the world, and you are looking for a travel mate/roommate, you can post it here to let others know, and maybe you can arrange to travel together. It would probably be a good idea to meet up before deciding to travel together but at least this will give you a chance to find a like-minded travel mate. How to Choose the Right Travel-mate? Have some common interests. Avoid people who tend to extremes. Agree on expenditures before you leave. Make sure your personalities Friends aren’t always good travel companions Don’t go backpacking with a luxury-seeker Make sure you’re able to communicate Agree on a similar budget Avoid picky, crazy and whiny individuals Test each other on a short trip You don’t have to be like a couple of inseparable lovebirds Good Luck and Cheers, Siddiq

. **❤️ WELCOME HOME** **❤️** * **See** **[VIDEO & PHOTOS](https://photos.app.goo.gl/o476bvQ6ZC8CGhG57)** of previous events * **Join** our **Whatsapp** with zero-spam promise [https://chat.whatsapp.com/G01nWpon13VB0gebrqFmfx?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G01nWpon13VB0gebrqFmfx?mode=gi_t) (if link does not work please open via laptop's browser on https://web.whatsapp.com/ ) * **Join** our **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/wearetheconnectionspace/)** * **Testimonials** (scroll to "photos" section to read testimonials) *"The best event I know on Meetup to connect to new friends."* *"First participation, an evening to remember!"* *"So far in 7 years this is the first time I see a really good organised event!"* *"Mega schön"* *"I was positively surprised. They organized everything so well; I met some interesting, friendly people. I highly recommend it"* *"Great! Everything excellent, super organized... lots of people. Great atmosphere"* *"Had a blast!"* *"I am really grateful for the warm atmosphere, inspiring moments"* . **why? Offline fun meaningful connections** with new **friends** for free! That's what we truly desire and makes us happy and healthy! . **how? No "forced" process, only optional fun activities**! In today's event we will have: * New-comer area (never was easier to spark a conversation, with ice-breakers, optional for first time attendees) * fun social games * mindful games * or simply join the great vibe and talk to anyone anytime! 😃 * 20:00 Speed-friending - guaranteed process to meet new people while having fun, with moderator * 20:30 Slow-Friending (separate room) more time to connect & deeper connection **where?** join **[WHATSAPP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G6tZE1VcDBc672BzxOh4XG)** where we will post the exact location of our tables on the same day of the event (look for "pinned" message). Or just come and find Christos wearing [this hat](https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMse15UzdSJkJB9Tygbr0j3D9VEX1XBua4p0c33ysAJpE3vywTxIJ7hY0n4YtNc7w?key=UEhJR042X0tsQXBoZzB0QmgzSGhCU3R0QUdCQjJn) on the rooftop or call him on 0768175380 . **weather?** Event takes place rain or shine (we got ultra rain-protected areas for all) . **coming late?** we got many people until closing at 00:00 so come whenever! . **coming solo?** 95%+ do too - perfect place to come solo! . . . . . . . ***MORE INFO? Read on...*** . **ABOUT US:** **Why?** **fun** **offline meaningful connections**! Have **fun** meeting **new friends** & **existing friends** thus building your **community.** Its scientifically proven that **offline** **human connections** make us **happy** and **healthy** (more on this below) **Where?** at the **rooftop** of Zürich's most famous and beautiful **garden** \- Frau Gerolds garden\! **How?** **Disconnect** your phone & Connect with people in a **free** and **super-fun** event! These recurring events create a "fixed" community without any specific reasons for connection (like interests, genders, age or countries). **Everyone is welcome**! The event is that **simple**😀 * 🌴NEW: beautiful **rooftop** in most beautiful **garden** in central Zürich that comes with its own bar * **🥇** **New comer area** for first-time-atendees with ice-breaker questions (optional area, in case you want to talk to first-time attendees) * 👭 **meet like-minded** **friends** by **voting** your favorite discussion topics - the top 5 will be turned into topic-based tables! * 🃏 **Fun social games** (read game names below) * **🎲 Mindful Connection Games** from [The School of Life](https://www.theschooloflife.com/shop/?_product_type=games-card-sets) with games and questions that go deeper in connection (game names below). Grab a game and start playing. * 👬 or simply **hang-out** and **meet new & old friends** **without** a process . **IMPORTANT:** * **Why so many options above for connection?** We always have: a first-timer area, Fun social games, Mindful games, ice-breaker questions or simply just talk freely to anyone. Often we add: Speed-friending and a Music jam. We believe **you are unique** and each of us prefers different ways of connection. Also we want to provide an opportunity for everyone to try something new * **Easy and "Safe":** We have the whole location reserved for us so its safe to open up and meet new friends (unlike bars in Zürich where people find it strange if strangers talk to them). Christos and volunteers will also help with connection. Read more info below. * **Christos** (see [PHOTO](https://photos.app.goo.gl/pdtVaVGCyDEJ28uE8)) and our co-organisers will be wearing name budges and will aim to **welcome** **everyone.** * **Thank YOU** for being so open in meeting new people and making 50+ events with 7500+ attendees in 2.5+ years happen! * more info via our **[LINKS](http://linktr.ee/connectionspace)** * Yes YOU are **good** & **courageous** for looking for new fun connections! * 95% of people come **solo** \- you can too❤️ * Everyone is in same situation and you ll be surprised how **friendly people** are ❤️ * Come **early** though **later** also ok as many people there **until 00:00** * **It works**! We heard of many new friendships, living together and even getting a new job * For **volunteering** for free please msg Christos 0768175380. We can provide free drinks for your service . **TIPS on HOW TO CONNECT:** * **Look out for a good smile/vibe** in a person/group of 2-3 people and say "Hi my name is xxx, can I join?". * **Try something different** (person, game, table, activity) often until you find **fun** **quality connection** * **Ask** **Support:** we understand going out to meet friends can be a stretch. We make this easy with a fun and safe event. Also you can ask for help from our clearly communicated (see photos of this event) "**People Connectors**" who can help you discreetly to connect with others * **Invest time**(not quickly just come by) as friendships are an investment * **Come back**: big turnaround, people come randomly at each event, so you never know who you ll meet . . . . . **ABOUT US:** **(in detail)** . . **WHY Connection Space**? * ... we ❤️ **uniting people** while having **fun!** We make the world better by enabling **fun quality offline connections** & building **community!** * ... we truly believe **Human Connections** is what we truly **deeply crave** for and what we truly **need** so we can be **happy** and **healthy**! This is proven by data in [ANCIENT HISTORY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg_47J6sy3A), in [MODERN HISTORY](https://www.kiltrohealth.com/blog/blue-zones-social-connection-the-secret-to-longevity-and-well-being) and also scientifically proven by [HARVARD ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KkKuTCFvzI)in an 87 year old study. Yes this makes you [HEALTHY](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/relationships-boost-survival/#:~:text=Overall%252C%2520social%2520support%2520increases%2520survival,%252Da%252Dday%2520smoking%2520habit) and is what you really need - the other things are not as important as society tells you. . * **WHAT is Connection Space?** Imagine a co-working space where everyone is with headphones, laptops, mostly being 'alone' all day ... or a cafe/restaurant/bar where pretty much all people talk to people they already know.. . The **"Connection Space"** is exactly the opposite of that; its a **fun** social environment outside family and work, a cultural exchange, where we **unite** and hangout with **new and old friends** as **one community**. . Thats it. . No to phones, laptops, zoom-calls, books No to a specific reason to get together (eg. only for specific hobbies, genders, age groups, languages etc) No to just talking to your friends Not a dating, not a party, not an expat-only meetup NO to division (political racial gender etc) . Yes to simple and real in-person connection with new and old friends YES TO FUN! We got many optional activities for you to try out Yes to feeling like home & come as you are Yes to unity, love and respect for one another Yes to eating, drinking and music Yes to everyone-is-welcome & always-free events YES to UNITY! Getting along with each other in spite of different opinions . Our events are **inspired** by the Greek village culture of "[Καφενείο](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kafenio)" (village coffeeshops) with photos [HERE](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=569660528&sxsrf=AM9HkKlXnclaLfgcockKtdr9qHdmD5jaGw:1696060562834&q=greek+%CE%BA%CE%B1%CF%86%CE%B5%CE%BD%CE%B5%CE%B9%CE%BF&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi52fX67dGBAxXnlf0HHZNiBHUQ0pQJegQICRAB&biw=1460&bih=913&dpr=2). When myself Christos was a kid, my granddad took me to these "[Καφενείο](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kafenio)". Every neighbourhood had one, and people met, without an exaggeration, on a daily-basis. It was the community center of the village. People met new and old friends, played games, socialised, ate snacks, drank coffee and ouzo. It was a very friendly, welcoming and homey environment. Unfortunately this concept is rapidly dying in Greece. As a kid I had extremely good memories of these coffeeshops, and for this reason I am passionate to revive and recreate this environment and also add a modern twist. Hope you enjoy it! . * **WHAT is NOT Connection Space? NOT** a drinks or party event (responsible drinking only, no shots, no free drinks). **NOT** a dating event. **NOT** foreigners-only, but everyone is welcome * **What KIND of event is this?** Its a mix of **social** and **cultural event** that build **community**. We have many people from so many different cultures socialising, we promote culture with events with Art exhibitions and Live Music and we also revive the social culture of the Greek traditional village coffeeshop (Καφενείο - read more above). * **WHO?** Wir wollen gerne mehr **Schweizer/innen** dabei haben! Alle sind willkommen und die meisten können Deutsch sprechen. Not an expat event. **Everyone welcome**! * **Mindful Connection Games:** from [The School of Life](https://www.theschooloflife.com/shop/?_product_type=games-card-sets) available: Confessions Game, The Friendship Game, Connection Game, The Loser Game, Games for grown-ups and three sets of "100 questions" (Conversation Toolkit & Careers & Relationships) * **Fun Social Games:** bring your own **board/card games** or choose from: Cards against humanity, Exploding Kittens, Codenames, Debatable, Sotally Tober, Taboo, Mafia, Uno, Monopoly and more. . Looking forward to **fun quality Connections**! 🙂

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/

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.

**💥 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 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!

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.

**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.

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.

Community Backyards Workshop Join us at the Ohio Herb Center in Gahanna to learn about sustainable home gardening. We can make small changes in our yards to make a BIG impact for a better environment and healthier waterways while saving money. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek and hosted by Ohio Herb Center. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but NOT required. Click here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/65f65aw (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) * Location: Ohio Herb Center, 110 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230 * Date and time: Sat, May 23, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM * Organizer: The Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days