Wildlife

**Last Place available!** **Single Occupancy with en-suite, £1845** Join us on a **magical 7-day trip** to experience one of the most exciting seabird colonies in the UK! We have scheduled **six separate boat trips to photograph the birdlife on the Farne Islands,** and our lovely accommodation is close to **one of the world's great coastal castles, Bamburgh Castle!** Along with **Dunstanburgh Castle**, this gives us the unique opportunity to indulge in some bonus landscape photography with **two stunning subjects in the evenings.** Northumberland's Farne Islands are home to more than **20 bird species**, with the **highlight being over 80,000 incredibly charismatic puffins!** Along with the puffin extravaganza, the islands' other species include **arctic terns, guillemots, razorbills, shags, kittiwakes, eider ducks, plus grey seals** basking in the sun by the water's edge. More info can be found at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/farne-islands/features/wildlife-calendar **Accommodation:** We have an amazing 6-bedroom (including 2 rooms with en-suites) close to Bamburgh Castle! **Single Occupancy Room, £1595 SOLD OUT!** **Single Occupancy with en-suite, £1845, Last Place!** **Suggested equipment:** * Telephoto lens - e.g. 300mm+, 100-400mm, 200-400mm * Walk around wide/mid-range/kit lens – e.g. 18-55mm, 24-70mm, 24-105mm * Wide-angle lens, e.g. 16-35mm, 17-40mm (optional for landscape subjects in the distance) * Don't have a telephoto lens? We'll have 3 telephoto setups available (please let me know at the time of booking). We also have 2 x branded 1.4x (Canon & Nikon DSLR) and 2.0x (Nikon DSLR) are available. * Tripod (for landscapes) * Monopod if required Filters (for landscapes). I'll have some KASE filter kits available (please mention it when booking). **Includes:** * Return transport from central London, plus transport in Northumberland to/from boats & castles. * Accommodation: An entire beautiful house in Bamburgh! (self-catering, restaurants, pubs, & shops close by) * Boat fees for 6 boat trips to the islands. * Photographic tuition on location * Camera and lens setups to borrow, if required. * Your funds are fully protected by our Travel Operator Insurance and Financial Failure Insurance. **Not included:** * Food and drink * National Trust Landing Fees (free for NT members) * Personal and travel insurance **Note:** The boat captain's decision to delay if adverse weather conditions are beyond our control (which is why we go for 6 full days just in case). **Price:** **£1845 + National Trust islands landing fees** (\~£13 per boat trip or FREE for National Trust members) (**Book direct through our secure website for the** **[Puffin Tours and Wildlife Tours here](https://www.uk-photo-tours.com/shop/wildlife-tours/). No need to make the £1 payment on Meetup**) Note: The £1 nominal Meetup event charge, should you pay, will be refunded. **More info at:** [UK Photo Tour's Puffin Photography in the Farne Islands](https://www.uk-photo-tours.com/photography-workshops/farne-islands-puffins-photo-tour/) page. **See our other tours at:** [https://www.uk-photo-tours.com](https://www.uk-photo-tours.com)

**Last Place available!** **Single Occupancy with en-suite, £1845** Join us on a **magical 7-day trip** to experience one of the most exciting seabird colonies in the UK! We have scheduled **six separate boat trips to photograph the birdlife on the Farne Islands,** and our lovely accommodation is close to **one of the world's great coastal castles, Bamburgh Castle!** Along with **Dunstanburgh Castle**, this gives us the unique opportunity to indulge in some bonus landscape photography with **two stunning subjects in the evenings.** Northumberland's Farne Islands are home to more than **20 bird species**, with the **highlight being over 80,000 incredibly charismatic puffins!** Along with the puffin extravaganza, the islands' other species include **arctic terns, guillemots, razorbills, shags, kittiwakes, eider ducks, plus grey seals** basking in the sun by the water's edge. More info can be found at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/farne-islands/features/wildlife-calendar **Accommodation:** We have an amazing 6-bedroom (including 2 rooms with en-suites) close to Bamburgh Castle! **Single Occupancy Room, £1595 SOLD OUT!** **Single Occupancy with en-suite, £1845, Last Place!** **Suggested equipment:** * Telephoto lens - e.g. 300mm+, 100-400mm, 200-400mm * Walk around wide/mid-range/kit lens – e.g. 18-55mm, 24-70mm, 24-105mm * Wide-angle lens, e.g. 16-35mm, 17-40mm (optional for landscape subjects in the distance) * Don't have a telephoto lens? We'll have 3 telephoto setups available (please let me know at the time of booking). We also have 2 x branded 1.4x (Canon & Nikon DSLR) and 2.0x (Nikon DSLR) are available. * Tripod (for landscapes) * Monopod if required Filters (for landscapes). I'll have some KASE filter kits available (please mention it when booking). **Includes:** * Return transport from central London, plus transport in Northumberland to/from boats & castles. * Accommodation: An entire beautiful house in Bamburgh! (self-catering, restaurants, pubs, & shops close by) * Boat fees for 6 boat trips to the islands. * Photographic tuition on location * Camera and lens setups to borrow, if required. * Your funds are fully protected by our Travel Operator Insurance and Financial Failure Insurance. **Not included:** * Food and drink * National Trust Landing Fees (free for NT members) * Personal and travel insurance **Note:** The boat captain's decision to delay if adverse weather conditions are beyond our control (which is why we go for 6 full days just in case). **Price:** **£1845 + National Trust islands landing fees** (\~£13 per boat trip or FREE for National Trust members) (**Book direct through our secure website for the** **[Puffin Tours and Wildlife Tours here](https://www.uk-photo-tours.com/shop/wildlife-tours/). No need to make the £1 payment on Meetup**) Note: The £1 nominal Meetup event charge, should you pay, will be refunded. **More info at:** [UK Photo Tour's Puffin Photography in the Farne Islands](https://www.uk-photo-tours.com/photography-workshops/farne-islands-puffins-photo-tour/) page. **See our other tours at:** [https://www.uk-photo-tours.com](https://www.uk-photo-tours.com)

**🎟 Ticketed Event - You must BOOK your spot on our website by paying £25 to secure your spot 🎟** Looking to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature? Our fully guided, women-only day hikes offer the perfect chance to explore awesome landscapes, connect with like-minded adventurers, and discover the great outdoors—all within easy reach of London. Whether you're trekking through rolling hills, lush woodlands or tranquil river banks, these hikes promise fresh air, epic views, and a rewarding day in the countryside. We’re thrilled to bring back three of our favorite adventures this year: the Wendover Loop, the Balcombe Loop, and the Epping Forest hike! So join us on one (or all!) of these fantastic walks and let nature work its magic—leaving you refreshed, inspired, and connected. **🌿 Location** 🦉 **Balcombe Loop (17km) A Scenic Escape around the Ardingly Reservoir** Leave the city behind as we hike through woodlands and farmland, making our way towards the Ouse Valley Viaduct and around the banks of Ardingly Reservoir, a haven for nature lovers. Wrap up your adventure with a relaxing café or pub stop before heading home. 📍 Balcombe Train Station ⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Easy to moderate Comfortable pace (3-4 km/hr) **✨ Why Join Us?** ✔ Fully guided hikes - book your spot, then just show up and enjoy the adventure ✔ Women-only walks, fostering connection and camaraderie ✔ Explore stunning countryside without the hassle of planning ✔ Unplug, recharge, and embrace the great outdoors Each route is easily accessible by train, so you can ditch the rat race and dive straight into nature with minimal effort. Come along and discover just how much wild beauty exists just outside London! 📅 Limited Spots Available—Reserve Yours Now! **Full Event Details: [Guided Hikes and Wildlife Walks UK](https://www.gutsygirls.co.uk/guided-hikes-and-wildlife-walks)** Ticketed Event - You must BOOK your spot on our website by paying £25 to secure your spot. **🔒 Gutsy Girls Ltd is a fully insured travel company.** **✅** If you'd like to join our adventures, you must book via our website. We don't monitor the comments on Meetup events. **➡️** Book Your Spot **[HERE](https://www.gutsygirls.co.uk/guided-hikes-and-wildlife-walks)** **🐻 Why Gutsy Girls?** Gutsy Girls connects women through outdoor adventures, nature, and sports. Whether you're new to adventure or a seasoned explorer, we offer fun, friendly and supportive environments where every woman feels welcome. **🙌 Solo Adventures Welcome** Designed for solo travellers—90% join alone and find lifelong friends. If solo travel sounds daunting, don't worry! Our team ensures your journey is seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable. **⭐️ Highly Recommended** Don't just take our word for it; we've been recognised by the Guardian, The Times, and Stylist and more! Check out our 5-star reviews on **[Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/gutsygirls.co.uk)** **🌍** Check out more of our adventures **[here](https://gutsygirls.co/3ITdPMN)** Follow us on **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/gutsygirls_/)**

**🎟 Ticketed Event - You must BOOK your spot on our website by paying £25 to secure your spot 🎟** Looking to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature? Our fully guided, women-only day hikes offer the perfect chance to explore awesome landscapes, connect with like-minded adventurers, and discover the great outdoors—all within easy reach of London. Whether you're trekking through rolling hills, lush woodlands or tranquil river banks, these hikes promise fresh air, epic views, and a rewarding day in the countryside. We’re thrilled to bring back three of our favorite adventures this year: the Wendover Loop, the Balcombe Loop, and the Epping Forest hike! So join us on one (or all!) of these fantastic walks and let nature work its magic—leaving you refreshed, inspired, and connected. **🌿 Location** 🦉 **Balcombe Loop (17km) A Scenic Escape around the Ardingly Reservoir** Leave the city behind as we hike through woodlands and farmland, making our way towards the Ouse Valley Viaduct and around the banks of Ardingly Reservoir, a haven for nature lovers. Wrap up your adventure with a relaxing café or pub stop before heading home. 📍 Balcombe Train Station ⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Easy to moderate, Comfortable pace (3-4 km/hr) **✨ Why Join Us?** ✔ Fully guided hikes - book your spot, then just show up and enjoy the adventure ✔ Women-only walks, fostering connection and camaraderie ✔ Explore stunning countryside without the hassle of planning ✔ Unplug, recharge, and embrace the great outdoors Each route is easily accessible by train, so you can ditch the rat race and dive straight into nature with minimal effort. Come along and discover just how much wild beauty exists just outside London! 📅 Limited Spots Available—Reserve Yours Now! **Full Event Details: [Guided Hikes and Wildlife Walks UK](https://www.gutsygirls.co.uk/guided-hikes-and-wildlife-walks)** Ticketed Event - You must BOOK your spot on our website by paying £25 to secure your spot. **🔒 Gutsy Girls Ltd is a fully insured travel company.** **✅** If you'd like to join our adventures, you must book via our website. We don't monitor the comments on Meetup events. **➡️** Book Your Spot **[HERE](https://www.gutsygirls.co.uk/guided-hikes-and-wildlife-walks)** **🐻 Why Gutsy Girls?** Gutsy Girls connects women through outdoor adventures, nature, and sports. Whether you're new to adventure or a seasoned explorer, we offer fun, friendly and supportive environments where every woman feels welcome. **🙌 Solo Adventures Welcome** Designed for solo travellers—90% join alone and find lifelong friends. If solo travel sounds daunting, don't worry! Our team ensures your journey is seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable. **⭐️ Highly Recommended** Don't just take our word for it; we've been recognised by the Guardian, The Times, and Stylist and more! Check out our 5-star reviews on **[Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/gutsygirls.co.uk)** **🌍** Check out more of our adventures **[here](https://gutsygirls.co/3ITdPMN)** Follow us on **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/gutsygirls_/)**

Let's start the Spring with your brand new favourite springy hike! Yeeeeeesssssss! And it is gorse season so be ready for a yellow blanket covering the cliff top giving your photos the peps that it deserves! Wanna go to an absolutely stunning place and enjoy some less known and less busy views of the Jurassic Coast with as much beauty as the Durdle Door or the Coast of Ireland? Yes you do! And this is your trip! Wanna walk pass a place called 'Dolphin point'? Because, you can often see dolphins swimming in the sea as well as the last remaining nesting puffins, razorbills and guillemots(the last remaining penguin species in Europe) on the South Coast of England? Wanna go through a magical forest, an old quary and a splendid lighthouse for your new favourite photo? Well come with Mama Jon then! The Jurassic Coast is the Jewel on the crown when it comes to English Coastal beauty and the area which is 95 miles long (150 km) being difficult to access, most people and hikers just go and visit the Old Harry's, Durdle door and Lulworth Cove, about only 10 miles of this very long coastline missing the other 90% WHAT?! Yes I know, this is a big mistake! There is SO much more to enjoy and the landscapes you will see on this trip will blow your mind! SO, here are a few details for you to get an idea of the trip. We will take a train for a couple of hours, (about 2h20) and then a short bus journey(30 minutes) to Swanage cutting our journey time from 5 to 3 hours. From the sightseeing bus, you will be able to admire national beauties along the way. You need to deserve the Jurassic Coast after all, it isn't so easy to just get there! Once in Swanage, we will start our hike and climb to see the wonders of Dorset, the hike is medium with a few climbs but it is really worth it. Most of hike will be on the Southwest Coastal Path and around pretty places such as Anvill Point Lighthouse, Dulston Castle and The Globe with incredible view of a sea that doesn't really make you think UK kind of sea but has more of a Mediterranean kind of vibe. We will have a break on the cliff top and will then walk through another path back to Swanage where you can get a take away for the train or have a drink there or Wareham if we have time. Guys, the Jurassic Coast is on the other side of the world so it will be a full day out, we should be back at Waterloo by 21:30... and our train tickets are booked for a certain time to save a bit of ££, but British rail...you know... so do not plan an early one in the evening as I will not cut the trip short, I will have a UNO though so be ready for war! INFORMATION: ATTENTION As Always, trains in Britain, once you leave the South Eastern coast are extremely expensive. Usually about £45 return with the group discount, I will collect that money on the day before the hike via bank transfer to buy the train tickets. There will also be an additional charge on the day of 4£50 tap in with your bank card to pay for a return bus ticket too. DISTANCE: 9 miles/16km and it takes about 5 hours DIFFICULTY: Medium, a few steepish climbs PRICE: £17 via Paypal The train ticket should be around £45 ish return to send on my BA on the day before the hike. About 4£50 tap in for a short bus journey on a sightseeing bus INCLUDED in the fee: Guide fee My costs (My train and buses) My Paypal fees and my costs A lovely time with the loveliest people, also called Jonions NOT INCLUDED: Bus fare Train Food Anything not mentioned above WHAT TO BRING: A packed lunch A bank card that you can use to tap in Weather appropriate clothing(Think winter, you will might get wet) Preferably hiking shoes, unless you wish your shoes to die. They will! MEETING POINT: London Waterloo next to the cash machines located next to the clock in the main station hall and the Whsmith at 7:40 am I will send the location when I am there. ATTENTION: Our trips will not be cancelled due to weather conditions so please ensure that you do wear and carry appropriate clothing. 😄 As you can see, my humour is terrible, good luck with that but know that I take care of my Jonions and read the bit about discrimination please, if you are racist, homophobic, cannot accept that people have other opinions or mental health issues, this might not be a trip for you. If you aren't any of the above, we will love you so, come on, press the button. POLICIES: 1: This group is designed for the pleasure and enjoyment of all of us, we do not accept any derogatory comments or behaviours towards anyone. Racism, discrimination and other unacceptable behaviours will only lead to your rejection to any of our trips and this without exception. Everyone is welcome, we have religious and non-religious people, gay, straight, bisexual people, all shades and colours or nationality, people of all ages, sex and political believes and mutual respect is the fundamental spirit of this group. 2: Our trips are only refundable up to 14 days before departure, if you wish to cancel after that, you will be offered a transfer to another trip for the same price or you may resell your slot to somebody else. 3: If we do cancel the entirety of the trip on our side, you will be fully refunded, 4: I am not responsible for train cancellations and do not pay for taxis and alternative routes, by signing to this trip, you do agree to this.

Join us for a leafy lovely leafy wander along good flat paths through the centuries old beauty of Epping Forest. We'll wind through tall oak trees and hornbeams, punctuated by occasional ponds and clearings, and end with the option of celebratory drink in a local pub. If you are not a regular walker, do join us - there will be options to leave the hike early and take the tube if you are tired. **SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)** **Distance**: 23km/14 miles **Duration**: 6 hours walking **Grade**: Beginner/Intermediate: Easy, along good paths. **COST AND LOGISTICS** **Cost**: £10 **Meet**: 10.15am Epping Tube Station **Finish:** 5.30pm Snaresbrook Tube Station / Cuckfield pub **Recommended morning trains from London** Epping is at the end of the Central Line, 40 mins from Bank Station. There's a pop-up coffee shop at the station, so get there early! **REVIEWS** [Trip Advisor](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [MeetUp](https://www.meetup.com/aaa-outdoor-hiking-adventure-travel/feedback-overview/) **PRICE INCLUDES** * Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid. **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Travel costs * Lunch, drinks or any refreshments * PayPal fees **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST** [(](%5D(https%3A//mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)[complete list](www.aaahiking.co.uk/kit-lists)[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist) * Suitable hiking shoes or boots * Packed lunch and snacks * Water - 2 litres recommended * Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) * Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece * Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com **after the event**, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our [FAQ page](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/frequently-asked-questions). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We’ve run over 1,000 trips in the last 18 years, so you’re in good hands. That said, all participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group [Terms and Conditions](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions). © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted [FAQs](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/frequently-asked-questions) \| [Terms and Conditions](www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/AAAhiking) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews)

Join us for our monthly series where **Offline Women Explore the Royal Parks**, visiting one of the eight different royal parks each month. The fourth walk in this series will be through **Greenwich Park.** This is a dedicated, phone-free, quiet space where you can disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with nature and each other. It is a simple way to enjoy the park and engage in real conversation. We will have plenty of time to talk, share stories, and get to know one another without any digital interruptions. Leave the event feeling energized and refreshed, with a heart full of good conversation and the peaceful feeling of a walk spent in great company. Follow us on [WhatsApp](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbCZyvCD38CTaXBpQ72V) to get early tickets for our upcoming events.

Hi all, cost, & info below..A beautiful, scenic, healthy 5.5 mile circular walk, part walking along the River Thames, pubs date back to the 1500's and have been frequented by the likes of Princess Margaret, Frank Sinatra, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Kirk Douglas and Peter Sellers. We will see where the pirate Captain Kidd was hung, see Winston Churchill's funeral barge if in dock, see pubs Dickens wrote about, Where Judge Jefferies was caught. Old sailing wooden ships once transported goods and received rum, rice and wonderful new spices hundreds of years ago when the great River Thames was alive with large sailing ships and was the most powerful nation in the World! Some of the wonderful old warehouses still exist, The only wallside WW2 damage left in London, the oldest music hall left in the World, amazing docks and stunning canal walk and giant sailing ships left in dock. where a battle took place that includes a giant mural, deeply atmospheric Jack the ripper site left absolutely intact, stunning horse statues running through water, part of lost roman wall. It is an incredible area and if you have not been to this area you are in for a stunning treat, (we even have the option to drink in an old twisted warehouse with lanterns and the end of the Walk! £10 cash/card payment by simply turning up on the day Please meet outside the front of Tower Hill Station by the entrance to the small park and coffee mobile van ABOUT OUR SECRET LONDON WALKS It is a 15-year fascinating journey together to explore the whole of beautiful, enchanting Secret London. The only walking group in the World offering this unique experience! The individual walks have been created from an original route several miles in length (usually on average about 50 miles) where we have checked every nook and cranny, every hidden alleyway, lane, lost cobbled path, cul de sac, avenue, road or street in that area for you! It is then shortened, to give back to you a magical walk with all the best bits of 'Lovely London', voted the best City in the World for the 10th year running! What is given back to you is the most scenic, healthy walk (usually 3-6 miles in length) with some of the walks containing hidden cobbled lanes, lost shops, secret gems, areas lost in time, wonderful views, idyllic Instagram photo shots and all sorts! Now and then some brief local info is mentioned or something of historical importance along the way. You will have plenty of time to chat and meet new friends whilst walking the amazing lost areas of London! So we welcome you to the colourful highlights of this fascinating City of London with simply wonderful things to see! TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE ensure ARRIVAL at least 15 minutes BEFORE the start of the walk, sorry no latecomers are accepted for whatever reason. Members attend the unique walks from our different meetup groups. IF LATE, SORRY WE ARE UNABLE TO RECEIVE CALLS OR ANSWER EMAILS AS WELCOMING MEMBERS, LEADING THE WALK, AND CONCENTRATING ON THE SAFETY OF THE GROUP. PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CATCH THE GROUP UP, PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. Part Tour - Medium pace walk from 'Visit England' Award-Winning Guide and our group featured in the National Press! Please Note: Some events, being a large attended meetup group will be an organised walk only, but members are very welcome to organise their own get-togethers after the event. You are required to be fit and healthy with appropriate footwear & clothing, responsible for meeting at the correct location, own safety and to not lose the group by viewing the organiser/making the organiser aware as much as possible, or follow/not lose sight of the person(s) from the same walk in front. We advise carrying water and some snacks. The organiser is also not responsible for any circumstances that may affect the group or personally such as personal accidents, rail information, engineering works, cancellations, rail strikes or delays, heavy traffic, tours affected, weather, walk paths or routes closed, postcodes for car parks or for when we arrive back at the station, or anything else not mentioned! By joining the event you agree to all the terms and conditions. No Dogs allowed sorry We really look forward to welcoming you on the walks/tours for a wonderful, great, fun day!

An elevated evening above the city. [AVIARY SKYBAR : HOW TO GET IN](https://www.instagram.com/p/DYO8UV0MGjF/?next=%2F) Join a carefully curated rooftop gathering hosted inside one of London’s luxury 5-star hotels, where skyline views, ambient music, and unexpected conversations set the tone for the night. Should the weather shift, the evening will continue seamlessly inside the skybar lounge What to expect: • Panoramic views stretching across London after dark • An international crowd of creatives, professionals, travelers, and curious minds • A relaxed yet refined atmosphere designed for genuine connections • Cocktails, conversations, and a rooftop experience hidden above the city. . **Dress Code: Smart** **18+ Only** **Ticket Price:** TICKET PRICE **£5** :[ ](https://buy.stripe.com/4gMeVf6DzesY9ET8TjfUQ06)**[BOOK YOUR TICKET](https://buy.stripe.com/5kQ4gB5zvdoUeZdglLfUQ07)**[ ](https://buy.stripe.com/5kQ4gB5zvdoUeZdglLfUQ07)

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

Join us Tuesday (6/2) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hundred Acre Woods in Westerville. This is a beautiful trail that is filled of hills and roots but a picturesque wooded landscape to hike. Wear your hiking boots if you have them. We will do 2 loops of the 1 mile trail.

Do you sometimes feel like you do well in life then something happens and you slide back, never quite getting ahead. At this Meetup you'll find out how to identify what actually causes the lows, the highs and everything in between. More importantly you’ll get the secret of how to gain control over your life so the highs are higher and the lows go away. Wouldn’t it be nice to stop the wild roller coaster ride for good? Or at least make it a fun roller coaster ride, with more ups and downs. There is a hidden factor that will be going over and you’re going to be quite surprised what it is and how much it affects your life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is hosted at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

**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.

Do you want more Self Confidence, less Self Doubt, more Happiness, less Anxiety, and more Love? This event is an introduction to how to handle irrational emotion. How often are yours or another's emotions out of control? What is that about??? I have asked these questions and after much search have found answers and am sharing. Maybe you have suffered a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? After that, you try to move on but you just can't. Possibly you have a thought or emotion that hangs around for days and you just can't shake it. What is all this stress, anxiety, depression, and self doubt? It's just crazy! It's not the real you. You can find out what is at the root of all this. This is a local event. Areas you can change with the right information: * Control of unwanted emotions * Lack of confidence * Grief * Anxiety * Anger management * Creating ideal relationships * Memory * and more... This is a local meeting that can start you on the way to a better life, more confidence and less negativity. All the happiness you have lies within you. Let's find it! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.