Trees

DE Wir zeichnen im Schindlergut-Park. Hier gibt es neben dem GZ eine schöne alte Villa, einen Park mit Bäumen, Spielplatz und Bänken und einen tollen Panoramablick auf die Limmat und den oberen Letten. Wir treffen uns um 14 Uhr zwischen der Villa und dem GZ Schindlergut beim Brunnen (siehe Foto und Karte). *Wie immer, bring dein eigenes Skizzenbuch und Stifte und wenn du hast, einen kleinen Hocker mit.* *Alle sind willkommen, die gerne zeichnen und Freude am Austausch mit anderen Urban Sketcher\*innen haben. Ich freue mich auf dich.* EN We will sketch in the park. Next to the GZ Schindlergut is a beautiful old villa, a park with trees, a playground and benches and a great panoramic view of the Limmat and Letten. We meet at 2 pm between the villa and the GZ Schindlergut by the fountain (see foto and map). *As always, bring your own sketchbook and pens and if you have a small stool. Everyone is welcome who likes to draw and enjoys sharing their drawing(s) at the end with everybody. I look forward to seeing you soon.*

🌿 **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).***

**🔎** **The event** **We hope for good weather, to hang out in park together! 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 :-). For those keen to play sports, for sure some frisbee/volleyball/badminton will be played!** **🧺** **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)**.** **⌛** **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**

Celebrate with a special creative night at Soho Bar, from **7:00 PM to 9:30 PM**. This is a celebration of laughter and good vibes! Zürich Together is collaborating with Sip N Paint Club, we will have a corner for our attendees, all you need is to look for your host Raluca or the Zürich Together flag. **Coming with Zürich Together already provides you with a 20% discount applied upon the completion of the purchase. [Discounted Tickets available here](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/parties/afterwork/sip-n-paint-club-7434533947801885043.html?promocode=ZurichTogether). Please join the [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CT9PD90YhmCK1wACNTKZsR) to coordinate with the group.** Enjoy a relaxed painting session while sipping cocktails and grooving to tunes from our live DJ. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned painter, everyone is welcome to join the fun and create something memorable. **Event Highlights:** 🎨 Self-guided painting experience with fun, creative themes 🥂 Complimentary glass of Prosecco on arrival 🎶 Live DJ setting the mood 🍸 Drinks available for purchase at the bar This is a **self-guided session**, so you’re free to paint at your own pace and style. All materials are provided, just bring yourself. No experience needed, just come ready to relax and have a great time. Spots are limited, so reserve yours now and make this a night to remember. 💕

Friday is forecast to be sunny and 26°C in Lugano, let´s go hiking! We walk up Monte San Salvatore from Paradiso and then onto Morcote. Rendezvous 1: Zurich HB, under the Blue Angel 08.25 Rendezvous 2: Lugano train station, top of the escalators platform 1, 10.30 Easy-paced walk: distance: 14 km, hiking trail. Ascent/Descent: = + 900 m/- 900 m Hiking Time: 5 h The Map https://map.schweizmobil.ch/?lang=en&showLogin=true&bgLayer=pk&season=summer&resolution=5&E=2715966&N=1093143&layers=Wanderland&trackId=4171942 We return via boat or bus and train from Morcote to Lugano train station to catch a train home. How to get to Lugano: From Zurich HB: Take the 08:33 train (platform 8, direction Venezia), arriving 10.28 in Lugano. Note this train departs Zug at 09.00. What to bring: good walking shoes, sunscreen, hiking pole, swimsuit (optional). DISCLAIMER \*This is not a guided tour. Instead, this is a casual meetup of individuals responsible for their actions, choices and judgment. The organizer is not responsible for any injury or other accidents that might happen during the hike. By signing up on this activity, the participants agree that the organizer will not be held responsible in any way. Although the hike is not complicated, it is each individual responsibility to ensure that they can do the hike and check out the trail. \*The organizer may make a guess about snow conditions from recent experience above, but does not warrant on the accuracy of the hike's description, and is not responsible for what the weather may bring (or may have brought, snow or otherwise) \*If you are unsure, do research yourself such that you can come to your own conclusion and judgement.

Join Us for Expat Friday! Looking for a night packed with fun, laughter, and awesome vibes? Look no further! Expat Friday is THE place to be for socializing, making new friends, and just having an all-around good time. Whether you're an expat or a local Swiss resident, everyone's welcome to join the fun. We usually draw a lively crowd of 150-200 Socializers each time! New and Wondering if You Can Join? Absolutely! New members are always greeted with open arms at every Zurich Together event. If you're feeling a bit shy, our friendly Admins will be there to introduce you to the gang and get you mingling in no time. Do I Need to Register? Nope, no need to sign up! But if you can hit "going/attending," it'll help us give the bar staff a heads-up so they can prep for our awesome crew. Where to Find Us? Just look for the turquoise flag and the big, happy crowd - you can't miss us! If you are still worried about not being able to find us, send Kamillo a PM before the event, he is always happy to help. Got Questions? Drop a message in the comments below and we'll get back to you in a jiffy. Fancy Some Dancing? For those who want to keep the party going, there's party that's free for Zurich Together members who arrive before 11 PM! Come on out and join the fun – we can't wait to meet you To help us manage the event smoothly and ensure everyone has a great time, please make sure to press **"Going"** if you plan to attend. This helps us secure your spot, especially if the event becomes crowded. Your RSVP really helps with planning – thank you so much! Looking forward to seeing you there!

**ECSTATIC DANCE ZÜRICH · Sound Healing** **Theme: “GOLDEN DAWN” 🌙✨ ARABIAN NIGHTS: GOLDEN DAWN** **Ecstatic Dance Journey** **Step into a magical night where rhythm, movement, and mystery meet under the golden glow of Arabian nights.** **Golden Dawn invites you into a sensual and hypnotic dance journey inspired by the rich sounds of Arabic music — flowing melodies, deep rhythms, and heart-opening vibrations that awaken the body and spirit.** **This is a space to soften, to feel, and to move like the desert wind — fluid, expressive, and free. Let the music guide you through waves of connection, from gentle presence into ecstatic expression, and back into stillness.** **We begin together in a welcoming circle, grounding into the space and opening the body through guided movement. From there, the dance unfolds — a journey through sensual flow, rhythm, and emotional release.** **Expect:** **• Arabic & oriental-inspired music** **• flowing, spiral, and expressive movement** **• deep connection to self and others** **• a warm, safe, and alcohol-free space** **No steps to follow. No performance.** **Just your body, your breath, and the music.** **Come as you are.** **Leave expanded, connected, and alive.** **🎟️ Tickets at the door: Late Bird price plus an additional 10 CHF (Cash or TWINT)** ✨ FIRST TIME FREE — limited tickets available. Valid once per person — you must claim a **free ticket on Eventfrog** to use this offer. 🎟 Get your ticket (free or regular): [https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/health-spirituality/spirituality/ecstatic-dance-party-zuerich-arabic-music-sound-healing-7457181063439212457.html](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/health-spirituality/spirituality/ecstatic-dance-party-zuerich-arabic-music-sound-healing-7457181063439212457.html) 🚪 Doors open at 19:10 Please note: at most of our events 20–50 beautiful souls are dancing with us. Imagine stepping into a cozy home gathering where strangers smile like old friends. No alcohol, no awkwardness — just music, presence, and a warm sense of belonging. A space where you can dance like no one is watching and simply be yourself. **✨ WHAT TO EXPECT** • warm-up & playful exercises • ecstatic free dance • uplifting music & conscious community, sharing circle **✨ WHAT PEOPLE EXPERIENCE** • stress release • more energy • authentic expression • real human connection **✨ THE SCIENCE OF DANCE** • reduces stress and increases endorphins • improves emotional regulation • strengthens social bonding and wellbeing **✨ WHAT PEOPLE SAY** “The beautiful souls from the Yanantin Tribe are of the sweetest kind — pure angels! You can truly feel the magic.” — Pascal **✨ PRACTICAL INFO** Bring: comfortable clothes, water bottle, your own cup, curiosity Space guidelines • no alcohol • silence on the dance floor • no phones on the dance floor • barefoot or dance shoes — your choice Sound Healing by Alice and András We use instruments like singing bowls, wind chimes, drum, and gentle voice, along with palo santo or sage for energetic cleansing. These vibrations support release, grounding, and guide you back into inner harmony. Come dance, breathe and celebrate being alive. **EVENTS GALLERY** https://yanantintribe.com/events-gallery/ Lovingly 💜 Alice & András Yanantin Tribe

This weekend we’re keeping it easy & shady ☀️🐕 A relaxed forest walk from Thalwil to Albishorn and Albispass, returning to Thalwil via Langnau-Gattikon, with plenty of time to chat, sniff around, and enjoy the views together 🌿 🥾15 km ⬆️ ~ 650 m 📍start in this [Parkplätze Knonauerstrasse](https://maps.app.goo.gl/eE4UXHpbbXhoan458?g_st=ic) at 10 am 🗺️ [Route here](https://www.komoot.com/tour/2965521378?ref=itd&share_token=a1L83l5vL0JzXajLOvDUtmHAnKWoXy9tElZVWgHmj4TIeXbpoE&ref=its&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=1795451410615) 🌳 Mostly forest & shaded paths 🥪 Bring your own sandwiches/lunch for a little picnic stop together **If you come by train, we can meet at Migros nearby the station in Thalwil (Alte Landstrasse 130) and walk to the starting point: it’ll take 10 minutes.** This is more of a long scenic walk than a technical hike, so perfect if you just want to spend a nice day outside with good humans and happy dogs ✨ *Please note: parts of the area require dogs to stay on leash — everyone remains responsible for their own dog and decisions during the walk 🙌*

Join us for a street photography workshop along Zurich’s vibrant lakefront and riverside, ending in the winding alleys of the old city. Participants of the workshop will have a particular street photography mission (assignment), starting first as a group and then splitting into separate teams. We're meeting in front of the Opera House – facing Sechseläutenplatz If you would like to join the workshop, please add yourself to the waitlist! The organizer of the workshop will move the participants to "Going"!

**Idioma: ESPAÑOL/ENGLISH** **[Reserva en un CLIC!](https://www.meetup.com/grupo-de-meetup-en-zurich-de-creatividad/events/314662501/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link&utm_version=v2&member_id=201059188)** **✨ IRISES in all colors, the season is here ✨** **IMAGINE painting surrounded by these flowers all around the place having a mental reset.** **WHAT DO WE DO?** ► **Demo**: I show you how I paint flowers using watercolors. ► **Motivation**: Together we are creative outdoors. ► **Guidance**: You choose and I explain you the steps. **WHERE?** Irises, peonies, magnolias, roses, enchant with their colors the peaceful **Belvoir Park**, one of the oldest landscape gardens in Zurich. **WHAT DO YOU GET?** ► **Tutoring:** 3 hours with my guidance and solving your doubts. ► **Material**: Watercolors, watercolor paper, pencil, support board and eraser. ► **Peace of mind:** Painting surrounded by nature lowers your stress level. **ALL LEVELS** 😓 **Beginner:** "But I have no clue!" **Me:** No worries. I always show the art medium basics and personalized support if you need it. 🤓 **Advance**: "But I don't want to listen the boring explanations!" **Me:** No worries. Start to paint in your rhythm and skip the introduction. **I SPEAK** English, Spanish and German (intermediate level). **WHAT TO BRING?** A small chair or towel and a hat to sit where you want. 😊**Hi! I am [Marga del Dedo](https://margadeldedo.com/) and I am here to help you to improve your life.** Let me take care of everything. Good material, relaxing atmosphere, clear organization and kind support. **FOLLOW ME TO LEARN MORE FOR FREE: [Marga Crea Arte](http://www.youtube.com/@MargacreaArt)** (Youtube/Instagram/Facebook/TikTok).

Dear All, This session is mainly for the people who want to learn kundalini yoga/meditation in a traditional way. Traditionally the master will transfer his/her kundalini energy to the student to activate his important chakras (energy centre) including Third Eye and Crown Chakra. The student can start to feel his/her Kundalini Energy is rising from their base of the spine and feeling the energy vibration(Consciousness) in the third eye (the space between the eyebrows) from the Kundalini Activation. This session is helpful for the beginners who want to learn simple yoga-meditation exercises also. This is a general session to experience your inner kundalini energy. But if you need proper kundalini activation(Shaktipat), then pre-registration is mandatory. **What is included in this session?** Simple stretching practices for Hip and Spine (not complicated, even beginners can do) Kundalini Breathing Techniques Sound Energy (Mantra) Meditation Energy Healing Techniques Formal Kundalini Activation (optional and only for pre-registered people) Chakra Meditation Yoga Nidra (Relaxation) **Some of the benefits of Kundalini Energy Activation are:** Keeps the body healthy Mind attains its natural peaceful state, so the meditation becomes easy. Breathing pattern will be harmonized Stress release and peace Clear & sharp intellect More intuition Inner happiness Clairvoyance and Clairvision and to the ultimate SELF realization (which will lead to the blissful state - our true state) with enough years of practise **DONATION BASIS** **About the Teacher who conducts this session:** The kundalini wisdom teacher Jayaprakash is practising kundalini yoga since 2005 under the guidance of Self Realized Indian Master "GuruMahan". He is teaching kundalini yoga since 2008 as part of a non-profit organization "Maha Shakthi Yogam Switzerland". He teaches Yoga/Meditation/Pranic Healing/Stress Relief courses in various places of Germany and Switzerland. He is the authorized kundalini yoga wisdom teacher from UPF(India) to give kundalini initiations (Shaktipat) with the Grace and Protection of his Master. All these events are conducted for non-profit purpose. Donations are collected on behalf of Swiss non-profit organization (Verein) "Maha Shakthi Yogam - Switzerland" **Eligibility:** Anyone can attend the session even if they don't have previous yoga/Meditation experiences. **Dress:** Wear a comfortable dress if possible yoga dress. We provide the yoga mat. **Please RSVP only you are really interested and coming ! Limited Seats !** **About Kundalini Shaktipat:** In every human being there is a source of natural energy that the yogis call the kundalini. In order to evolve in the yogic path, no matter what our path, the kundalini must be active. For most of us, the kundalini lies dormant at the bottom of the spine in the base chakra known as the Muladhar. When it awakens, it ascends through the chakras until it reaches the highest chakra, the Sahasrar. When that occurs, we merge with our True Self and attain SELF realization (our true nature). Shaktipat is the transfer of spiritual energy from the teacher to the student in order to awaken the kundalini. This process is compared to lighting one candle with another that is already lit and glowing. When the teacher is connected with the fully realized master and the energy is completely within his or her control, shaktipat initiation ensures that the student’s energy will remain active and stable. "Electricity is present everywhere, but there can be light only when the switch is turned on. Similarly the true master manifests the consciousness in the disciple through shaktipat.” **HAPPINESS is our TRUE Nature, which comes from within not from outside !**

**IMAGINE painting surrounded by these flowers in all colors around the place.** **WHAT DO WE DO?** ► **Demo**: I show you how I paint flowers using watercolors. ► **Motivation**: Together we are more creative. ► **Guidance**: You choose and I help you. **WHERE?** Irises, peonies, magnolias, roses, enchant with their colors the peaceful **Belvoir Park**, one of the oldest landscape gardens in Zurich. **WHAT DO YOU GET?** ► **Tutoring:** 3 hours with my guidance. ► **Material**: Watercolors, watercolor paper, pencil, support board and eraser. ► **Peace of mind:** Painting surrounded by nature lowers your stress level. **ALL LEVELS** No worries. I always show the basics and give personalized support if you need it. **I SPEAK** English, Spanish and German (intermediate level). **WHAT TO BRING?** A small chair or towel and a hat to sit where you want. 😊**Hi! I am [Marga del Dedo](https://margadeldedo.com/) and I am here to help you to improve your life.** Let me take care of everything. Good material, relaxing atmosphere, clear organization and kind support. **FOLLOW ME TO LEARN MORE FOR FREE: [Marga Crea Arte](www.youtube.com/@MargacreaArt)** (Youtube/Instagram/Facebook/TikTok).

Summer is finally here — and I’m happy to be hosting this golf get-together again in Zurich. We’ll meet at Otelfingen at 10:00 AM at the entrance next to the reception, start with a couple of hours at the driving range, and then head to the golf café to relax and socialize. You’re very welcome to join — whether for the full session or just part of it. Please feel free to bring your own clubs, or you can rent them at the venue. Looking forward to seeing you all

On Ascention Day weekend it was a nice hike along the Limmat with a stopover that has pushed the word «Steam» into the event title. Well, here is the sequel...: A hike along river Reuss to Brugg. To note: This is a REAL hike of 20 km and 5¼ hours with, as an option, at the end a visit to the open days of the historic train collection at Bahnpark Brugg with steam engines in operation. ############################## MEETING & OUTBOUND TRAVEL: * 07:50h: Meet at Zürich HB under the «Blue Angel» * 07:55h: Leave for platform 17 * 08:03h: IR16 Zürich HB (platform 17, dir. Bern) to Baden * 08:27h: Postauto 322 (dir. Bremgarten) to «Stetten AG, Künterstrasse» * 08:50h: Postauto 336 (dir. Wohlen) to «Niederwil AG, Gnadenthal» * 08:53h: Arrival at Gnadenthal & start of the hike HIKE DATA: * Duration: 5¼ hrs * Distance: 20 km * Ascent/Descent: 410m/420m * SAC classification: T1 * Map: [https://schweizmobil.ch/en/tour/841371526](https://schweizmobil.ch/en/tour/841371526) LUNCH: * Picnic HIGHLIGHTS: * Scenic hike along the Reuss River * «Bahnpark Brugg» historic train collection ([https://www.bahnpark-brugg.ch/de/home](https://www.bahnpark-brugg.ch/de/home)) * In 2023 and 2025 the route to Brugg was completely different, but the destination the same: \- Photos from 2025: [https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/35385831/](https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/35385831/) \- Photos from 2023: [https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/33580195/](https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/33580195/) * Wikipedia: [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stiftung_Bahnpark_Region_Brugg](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stiftung_Bahnpark_Region_Brugg) FINISH / Option 1 / BRUGG AG STATION: * 15:00h-ish at Brugg AG train station * Connections back to Zürich from Brugg AG station: Five trains per hour FINISH / Option 2 / BAHNPARK BRUGG: * 15:15h-ish: Arrival at «Bahnpark Brugg» and finish of the hike * Optional: Visit to the train collection * Admission fee: Free of charge * Open until 17:00h * See HIGHLIGHTS for links to «Bahnpark Brugg» * Connections back to Zürich from Brugg AG station: Five trains per hour COST / TICKET PRICE w/Halbtax: Total ticket cost from/to Zürich HB: CHF 18.70 w/HT * Outbound: CHF 8.50 w/HT * Admission fee: None * Return: CHF 10.20 w/HT COST / TICKET PRICE w/GA: * Fully covered ############################## DISCLAIMER: By joining the walk you accept the terms listed here. This is NOT a guided tour. Instead, this is a get-together of individuals who themselves are responsible for their judgement, choices and actions. It is your own responsibility to prepare appropriately before the event: You need to understand what activity is foreseen, assess the difficulty, risks and dangers and the expected weather conditions. Furthermore, you need to assess the requirements regarding experience, capabilities and fitness condition, and judge if you personally have the necessary experience, capabilities and fitness level. You yourself also need to assure adequate preparation, equipment (boots, clothes, gear...) and insurance cover and do everything as if you were going by yourself. During the event it is also your own responsibility to apply your own judgement and to take considerate responsible decisions yourself, fully within your own responsibility and judgement. The event is entirely at your own risk. The organiser also does not warrant on the accuracy or completeness of the description above. The organiser just offers you to join one another and to go together, but holds no responsibility for anything, including injuries or death that might result directly or indirectly from this event.

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!

**🔥 Lincoln Street Salsa HAS MOVED TO EVERY FRIDAY, NO MORE SATURDAYS!** **🔥 Lincoln Street Salsa @ 1717 Brice Rd, Reynoldsburg 43068** **🔥 Salsa, Bachata, Merengue Dancing!** **🔥 NO PARTNER OR EXPERIENCE NEEDED!** **🔥 Every FRIDAY, 8 pm - 1 am** **🔥 8:00 pm - 8:30 pm = Registration** **🔥 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm = Beginner Dance Class** **🔥 9:30 pm - 1:00 am = Open Dance Party** **🔥 LincolnStreetSalsa.com** **🔥 Questions? Text Todd 614-774-8146**

**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

How to be a Better Communicator Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

The number of ticks and tick diseases in Ohio have quickly multiplied over the last 10 years. Dean Kreager discusses tick species, tick pathogens, tick-borne diseases, tick bite prevention, and proper tick removal. Kreager is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with OSU Extension in Licking County * Lakewood Public Library (in Hebron)- May 26 at 7pm [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621) * Johnstown public library at 7:00 pm June 8 [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622) Free to attend, no RSVP needed