Web Mapping

Let’s do some coding together at a cafe! No more working alone in the weekend. Here, we write code together. And I mean together together. Not occupying-the-same-space-but-separate together. Here’s how it works: Jennifer brings her mobile app project, tells everyone that it is like Pinterest for recipes and she’d like to work on the nav bar. Paul and Chloe think Jennifer's project is fascinating, and they join the group. They gather around Jennifer’s laptop and work on the nav bar for 2 hours. Jennifer is the one typing out the code while Paul and Chloe research, brainstorm, and offer suggestions. If you’re feeling stuck on your own project or need a motivation boost, bring it to mob programming! Want to learn by watching how others code and solve problems? Join someone else’s project at this event! Oh and we love your half-done projects that you are a bit embarrassed to share. Absolutely bring those to the event! **Discord**: We use Discord to share screen & code snippets during the event. Also feel free to share your projects here before the event! https://discord.gg/xwjDdVSw3E **Event policy**: * We have 0 tolerance for harassment. * We don’t allow the projects that are not meant to be shared in public such as school assignments, interview tasks, or trade secrets. * The goal is to write code. We discourage you from pitching business ideas here, doing code reviews, or spending the whole event on planning what to do. * Please buy a drink, and tip the barista well.

[Summary] This meetup is for those who are interested in code, web development, design, cloud, or AI. All levels are welcome, so feel free to bring your laptop and discuss what you are working on or what you are learning. You can share your projects and ideas with other participants freely. There are outlets and WiFi, drinks are about $5 for tea, they take card only. [Price] Attendance is FREE. But you need to buy something from the venue. [Policies] \- We do not tolerate harassment of our members \- We remind users that that this meetup is intended for networking and hobby development\, and any attempts at using this meetup event as a dating platform will not be not be tolerated Further information: https://torontostack.exchange/

**Meeting Spot - Near Toronto Sign. We will wait for 10 mins and start walking at 9:55am.** Doors Open Toronto is a chance to explore Toronto behind the scenes. Due to long lineups and crowds we will try to get there early to minimize wait-times. If you arrive late, you can call/msg me and will share our location. Enjoy a combination of walking tours, open studio programs, and conversations with prominent architects exploring the unique Canadian relationship to space, place and urbanity. Doors Open Toronto is a can’t-miss event for anyone interested in learning about Toronto’s public and private spaces. **Locations we hope to visit** City Hall TD Centre Billy Bishop Airport Old City Hall Optional- Only if there is time after Spin Master HQ 401 Richmond Terroni St Lawrence Market Red Path Sugar (optional) See website for more details https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/doors-open-toronto/ **Free / Event Fee** Free if you RSVP before May18 $2 if you RSVP on/after May19

🏙️🔭 DOORS OPEN TORONTO: SKYLINE VIEWS & HIDDEN SPACES WALK 🔭🏙️ Observation Decks, City Icons & A Once-a-Year Experience Some places in Toronto you walk past every day… but rarely get to go inside. This is your chance. Join us for a special Doors Open Toronto outing, where we’ll explore two of the city’s most iconic buildings — including access to spaces that aren’t usually open to the public. This event only happens once a year, and it’s one of the best ways to experience the city from a completely different perspective. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social outing — with incredible views, a bit of history, and shared discovery. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) \*\*\* 🏙️ What We’ll Do We’ll start at TD Bank Tower (66 Wellington St W), part of the Toronto-Dominion Centre — one of the finest examples of modernist architecture in the city, designed by legendary architect Mies van der Rohe. We’ll head up to the observation area (approximately 223 metres high), where you’ll get a stunning view of Toronto’s skyline from a space that isn’t typically open to the public. From there, we’ll walk over to Toronto City Hall and visit its observation deck. Opened in 1965 and designed by Finnish architect Viljo Revell, City Hall’s curved twin towers and central council chamber make it one of Toronto’s most recognizable landmarks. From above, you’ll get a completely different view of Nathan Phillips Square and the downtown core. ⚠️ Please note: both locations are very popular during Doors Open, so there will likely be wait times. Part of the experience is the buzz and energy of the day. Afterward, we’ll head over to CF Toronto Eaton Centre for a casual lunch in the food court. 🍔🥗 You’re welcome to join or head out whenever you like. \*\*\* **🏛️ What Is Doors Open Toronto?** Doors Open Toronto is a free annual city-wide event that opens the doors to architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings across Toronto. For one weekend, you can explore spaces that are usually closed to the public — from office towers and historic sites to creative and civic spaces. It’s one of the best ways to connect with the city and see what’s normally hidden in plain sight. \*\*\* 🌦️ **Weather & Expectations** This event will run rain or shine. Be prepared for: ✔️ Walking between locations ✔️ Standing in lines ✔️ A busy, energetic atmosphere Wear comfortable shoes and bring patience — it’s part of the experience. Also — this is NOT a guided historical tour. I’ll share context casually, but the focus is on exploring together. \*\*\* 🧢 **Meetup Details** 📍 Meetup Location: OutsideI will be on the West/South corner right by the lights and I will be wearing my Moose Hat. 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 9:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Anyone arriving late can meet us at the first location. We won’t be saving spots in line — it’s important we respect the people around us. Early is on time. On time is late. We’ll head in together. End Point: Eaton Centre \*\*\* 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) Doors Open is free to attend. This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* 🎒 What to Bring Water Comfortable walking shoes Patience for lines ⏳ Weather-appropriate clothing Optional: cash/card for lunch \*\*\* 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. \*\*\* REMEMBER: You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. \*\*\* 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the views. Stay for the experience. Leave having seen parts of the city most people never get to access. 🏙️✨

I haven't been to this body of water yet. just checking it out as a possible camp site. From the hwy 400 turn off on Gibson lake road drive most of the way to the end. free parking at the boat launch. Plan to set off 10 AM. Any one that would like to go for a walk in the woods Bring a lunch and bug spray

Join us for a friendly game of Volleyball in **Antibes Park**. All experience levels are welcome... Weather permitting! :) See you on the net!

Join Lawrence, your top hatted host, for our Saturday Doors Open Toronto Walk. At 10 am, our adventure begins at the Spadina House and Gardens, location #33. This heritage home demonstrates domestic life in the 1920s & '30s, plus a Victorian-Edwardian garden. https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/spadina-museum/?WT.rd_id=%2Fspadina At 11 am, we will head towards the Baldwin Steps, to get a view of our city. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldwin_Steps Then we will head down the steps to Toronto City Archives, location #22 Canada's largest municipal archives, to tour the Spadina Records Centre, the secure, climate-controlled facility where 130,000 boxes of one-of-a-kind Toronto history are stored. https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accountability-operations-customer-service/access-city-information-or-records/city-of-toronto-archives/ At Noon, we head south on Spadina to the Pierre Léon Gallery at Alliance Francais Toronto, location #19. **WE SKY WATER LAND** **Will always belong to the change** *An exhibition in Toronto by French photographer Oliver Marchesi.* https://www.alliance-francaise.ca/en/art/cultural-season/exhibitions/292-photo-art-residency-by-olivier-marchesi At 12:30, we will cross the street to the Madison Avenue Pub for a meal and a pint of the good stuff. I will make a reservation for the number of TorontoBeerLovers. http://www.madisonavenuepub.com/ At 1:30 pmish, we will leave the Maddy and head to Estonian Museum Canada/VEMU, location #24. We will see the exhibit Unissued Diplomas. Never Graduated, Eternally Honoured Last year they had a marketplace, with snacks, drinks, and cultural items to purchase. https://www.vemu.ca/exhibition/unissued-diplomas-never-graduated-eternally-honoured/ https://www.vemu.ca/ At 2:30 pm, we will head east on Bloor to Muslims in Canada Archives, location #30 on the 5th floor of the Jackman Humanities Building. I really love the Art Deco lobby of the Jackman building. We will be experiencing a site tour at 3pm https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/doors-open-toronto/doors-open-buildings-sites/building-or-site-details/?id=a0jMm000007MnKbIAK&title=Muslims-in-Canada-Archives At 3:30 pm, we will head to our last stop, the Women's Art Association of Canada, location #37. Located in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood, the heart of the Women's Art Association of Canada (celebrating its 138th anniversary this year) is a charming 19th-century house that backs onto a lovely formal garden. https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/doors-open-toronto/doors-open-buildings-sites/building-or-site-details/?id=a0jMm000007Iio9IAC&title=Women%27s-Art-Association-of-Canada This concludes our Doors Open Toronto Saturday portion of our event. I hope you will continue your adventure with me on Sunday at 10 am, starting at Toronto City Hall, location #119, where we travel to the 27th Floor Observation Deck Nearby there are other locations you can visit such as... The Bata Shoe Museum, location #79 The Royal Ontario Museum First People's Gallery, location #85

**MeetUp Point: Entrance is off Leslie Street. Turn left on Leslie to the parking lot 2 in Wilkett Creek Park.** (Don't follow the pin) Join us for a 12 km urban hike that is challenging. Starting past Wilcot Parking lot 2, we will be passing through sunnybrook Park and Edwards Gardens. For lunch we can atop at the TBG Bloom Cafe or bring a lunch, lots of water. Please ensure arms and legs are covered as there are plenty of ticks out there.

48,2 km easy downhill ride. Meet at West side exit Downsview Park Station 12 PM Catch 4 PM ferry to Wards Island Beach Ride to Centre Island then Hanlan's point nude beach From Hanlan's point, catch 6 PM ferry back to the mainland Route Map: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2962923492

***PLEASE READ ENTIRELY----IMPORTANT ---*** Check DUPR rating before registering. NOTE: If there are enough players on the waitlist I will try to open up another court. Players may be mixed levels. Depending on DUPR levels I may separate beginners from intermediates. This event will be played at PICKLEPLEX in Oakville, is a DUPR RATED EVENT and will run weekly until Aug 26. **Check your DUPR level before you RSVP to ensure you are in the right play level.** This is your chance to play in a beautiful state of the art facility. ➡️You must have at least $100 per player in your PB funds account **at all times in order to play and you must top up your funds account monthly.** ➡️Payment must be received immediately after you RSVP. ➡️If you RSVP to multiple events you must submit all the payments in one lump sum. ➡️If you have not already, here is the link to create an account on the DUPR website and then download the DUPR app: [[https://dashboard.dupr.com/dashboard/browse/clubs/8087557239](https://dashboard.dupr.com/dashboard/browse/clubs/8087557239) ](https://dashboard.dupr.com/dashboard/browse/clubs/8087557239) **MATCH RULES:** 1\. Play to 11 win by 2\. Rotate\. 2\. Email your scores to Rose at: wgtapickleball@gmail\.com **To jump in:** **1**. If you have not done so already, complete the WGTA Pickleball waiver, complete once, covers you for all our events, here is the link: [CLICK HERE](https://forms.gle/JQrg6v2hAphJZXAb9) 2\. E\-transfer event fee\(s\) to\-\-\>wgtapickleball@gmail\.com In the memo section of e-transfer include your first, last name and what payment is for... EG: Tom Cruise - Wed's at PICKLEPLEX 6pm ⚠️Minimum 72hrs notice to cancel your RSVP, otherwise you will be charged. ⚠️No refunds. **Bring your own paddles. BRING LEAKPROOF WATERBOTTLE. Wear good court shoes. Stretch before you play.** ℹ️ For more information about our club, check out our [WEBSITE](https://wgtapbclub.com/) ***Email or txt me if you have any questions or issues:*** *-->[[wgtapickleball@gmail.com](mailto:wgtapickleball@gmail.com)]([mailto:wgtapickleball@gmail.com](http://mailto:wgtapickleball@gmail.com/)) or text me at-->>289.434.1922* See you on the court! Rose.

Is Yellowstone National Park really on the verge of a massive eruption? It’s one of the most common questions volcanologists get—and in this session, you’ll learn how to answer it yourself. In this talk, we’ll break down how volcanoes work, why eruptions happen, and how scientists know when one might be coming. Along the way, we’ll tackle common misconceptions and show how monitoring keeps us informed and safe. By the end, you’ll leave with the tools to answer this question like a volcanologist—and maybe correct a few myths along the way. For this meetup Silvia Castilla is returning to the Knowledge Sharing Club to share her expertise. Silvia Castilla is a PhD student in the Earth Sciences department at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on volcanology and isotope geochemistry to understand the processes that occur before volcanic eruptions. Her PhD project involves studying rocks from around the world, conducting stable isotope analyses, and applying these techniques to determine how long it takes for a volcano to erupt. \-\-\-\-\- I will post the location as we get closer to the date.

🏛️🚶 **DOORS OPEN TORONTO: HIDDEN BUILDINGS & CITY STORIES WALK** 🚶🏛️ Historic Spaces, Community Landmarks & A City Revealed Some buildings you walk past every day without thinking twice… until the doors open. Join us for a second day of Doors Open Toronto, where we’ll explore a mix of historic, cultural, and community spaces across the city — each with its own story, purpose, and evolution. This walk is about contrast. Old and new. Exclusive and inclusive. Grand and everyday. And how all of it shapes the city we live in. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social, story-driven walk — with moments to pause, look, and see familiar places differently. 👉 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) \*\*\* 🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do We’ll move through a curated route of Doors Open, stopping at a variety of buildings and institutions that reflect Toronto’s layered history and community life. Some of the locations we may visit include: * **Fire Station 315** – Opened in 1889, this historic fire hall is built of brick with stone detailing, reflecting early 20th-century civic architecture. * **The El Mocambo** – Opened in 1948, this iconic music venue is housed in a brick building with a classic mid-century commercial façade. * **Daniels Building (University of Toronto)** – Opened in 1875 (as Knox College), this Gothic Revival building is constructed of sandstone with intricate masonry detailing. * **U of T Bookstore (Koffler Student Centre)** – Opened in 1958, this modernist structure is built primarily of concrete and glass. * **Polish Combatants' Association Branch 20** – Opened in 1950, this community hall is a modest brick structure reflecting post-war institutional design. * **St. George’s Hall (Arts & Letters Club)** – Opened in 1891, this heritage building is constructed of brick and stone in a Victorian style. * **St. George Greek Orthodox Church** – Opened in 1897, this church is built of brick with classical detailing and later Byzantine-inspired elements. * **Street Health** – Established in 1986, the facility operates out of a practical brick building adapted for community healthcare use. * **Street Haven** – Founded in 1965, this women’s shelter is housed in a converted brick residential building typical of the area. * **Jarvis Street Baptist Church** – Opened in 1875, this Gothic Revival church is built of brick with stone accents. * **The 519** –This building actually dates back to 1858 — long before it became The 519 we know today — and started as a Georgian-style home before evolving into a community space. * **Foy-Smith House** – Built in 1891, this historic home is constructed of brick in the Queen Anne Revival style. * **St. Paul’s Bloor Street** – Opened in 1889, this Romanesque Revival church is built of stone with a commanding tower and detailed masonry. Some locations we’ll enter, others we’ll experience from the outside depending on timing and lineups. ⚠️ Please note: wait times are part of Doors Open. We’ll move as a group and make decisions along the way. \*\*\* 🏛️ What Is Doors Open Toronto? Doors Open Toronto is a free annual event where the city opens up buildings that are normally closed to the public — from historic homes and cultural institutions to places you’d never usually think to step inside. It’s one of the best ways to explore Toronto beyond the surface. \*\*\* 🌆 Vibe & Expectations This is a longer, more exploratory walk with: ✔️ Multiple stops ✔️ Some waiting in lines ✔️ A mix of indoor and outdoor spaces ✔️ Members can leave any time the like It’s not about rushing — it’s about discovering. Also — this is NOT a formal historical tour. I’ll share context and stories as we go, but the focus is on the experience and being social. \*\*\* 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: **Fire Station 315** 🫎 I’ll be outside and I will be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: (Insert time) I will only wait 5 minutes. Anyone arriving late can meet us along the route. We won’t be saving spots in line — it’s important we respect the people around us. \*\*\* 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 **[[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com](mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com)]([mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com](http://mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com/))** Doors Open is free to attend. This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* 🎒 What to Bring Water Comfortable walking shoes Patience for lines ⏳ Weather-appropriate clothing Optional: snacks or money for food along the way \*\*\* 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. \*\*\* REMEMBER: You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. \*\*\* 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [[torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com)]([mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](http://mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com/)) Come for the buildings. Stay for the stories. Leave seeing the city not just as it looks — but as it’s evolved. 🏛️✨

**TBA**

Our monthly PHP meetup. A virtual shindig courtesy of Zoom. Check back here for the details around 6:15 pm

**PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT NOTES:** 1. The dates for this series are simply placeholders at the moment. We are working on our 2026 schedule, and adjustments are forthcoming. 2. Each class in this series has an attendance fee. 3. Each class from BOTH a sign-up and fee perspective is a separate entity. **Introduction:** Our Page Building with Bricks web development class provides detailed instruction for using Bricks Builder, a visual site builder for WordPress, to create and manage websites. Widely considered by many of the world's leading web developers to be the most complete page builder on the market today, Bricks Builder offers a wide range of features and comprehensive tools. Our Bricks Builder web development class provides detailed instructions on utilizing the toolset. The series of courses covers the core features of Bricks Builder, enabling users to design and develop responsive, visually appealing websites. Moreover, the courses are oriented to reinforce a focus on professional, scalable web development. Throughout the series, we focus our page-building instruction on the semantic and structural integrity of the pages in a responsive world. By the end of the 10-class series, participants will have a fundamental understanding of proper web page and website development. **The breakdown of the 10-class series is as follows:** * Class 01 - Survey of Page Builders / What Bricksbuilder Does For You * Class 02 - Boxes, Boxes, Boxes / Sections / Containers * Class 03 - Static Units / Relative Units / Responsive Development And Math Functions * Class 04 - CSS Variables And DRY Development / Classes And Global Styling * Class 05 - CSS Grid And CSS Flexbox * Class 06 - Responsive Development / Breakpoints And Media Queries * Class 07 - Effective Use Of Color / Effective Use Of Images * Class 08 - Beginning To Think Dynamically / Using Templates And Components * Class 09 - Dynamic Styling / Data Attributes And Attribute Selectors * Class 10 - Pseudo Elements / Programmatically Styling With Pseudo Classes Throughout the class sessions listed above, we cover the following key areas of web development with Bricks Builder: * **Introduction to Bricks Builder Interface:** * Familiarization with the builder's layout, including the toolbar, panel, and canvas, and understanding how to navigate and interact with its various components. * **Visual Site Building:** * Techniques for creating layouts using Bricks' drag-and-drop interface, incorporating sections, rows, columns, and elements to build page structures. * **Styling and Design:** * Utilizing Bricks' styling options to customize elements, apply global CSS classes for consistent design, and leverage features like Flexbox and CSS Grid for responsive layouts. * **Dynamic Content and Custom Fields:** * Integrating dynamic content from custom post types and custom field plugins (like ACF, Meta Box) to build data-driven websites. * **Template Building:** * Creating and managing reusable templates for headers, footers, post type layouts, and other site-wide elements. * **Performance Optimization:** * Understanding how Bricks Builder contributes to fast-loading websites and implementing performance best practices. * **Advanced Features:** * Depending on the class level, it might delve into advanced topics such as conditional logic, interactions, and custom code integration to enable more complex functionality. The series aims to equip participants with the skills to efficiently build, customize, and maintain WordPress websites using Bricks Builder, catering to both beginners and experienced web developers.

**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.

**TBA**

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.