Today’s Forecast

38º | Cloudy | 10% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 7:53 a.m. | Sunset 5:23 p.m.

🌱 Columbus in a jar

Learn about nature in Columbus by building a terrarium

Find walking paths, climbing walls, and one day a brewery at this downtown oasis. | Photo via @cbusmetroparks

Columbus may be a major city, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t connected to Mother Nature. From our various metro parks to local green spaces, her presence can be felt in all corners of the city.

But, have you ever wondered what makes up Columbus’ nature? We did, so we decided to dig in + share our field notes on how to create a Columbus-themed mini terrarium at home.

Note: With all things in nature, the best practice is to leave no trace. Follow general rules and guidelines in parks, and only search for items that are abundant.

Choose your jar

We recommend upcycling an old jar for your terrarium home, and bonus points if it has a lid. Anything from a cleaned pasta sauce jar to a fish bowl will work, but we suggest something you can fit your hand into for easier placement. Pro tip: City Editor Mitch found his at Goodwill for $1.

CBUStoday terrarium updated — Use dead tree limbs to decorate your terrarium — just be cautious of mold. | Photo by CBUStoday

Adding filtration

No need to be fancy here — just plain old rocks. And if you didn’t know, most of the rocks found in the state are clay, shale, limestone, sandstone, or coal.

You might be asking: why rocks? These will let excess water pool at the bottom so your plants and soil don’t drown in the future.

Adding substrate

Substrate is a fancy term for soil + you can find this in any park in the city. Most of Ohio’s soil is considered sand, silt, or clay — each with their own ways of handling water. Keep this in mind when deciding your substrate.

You can also build your own substrate with various products from hardware + gardening stores, such as Strader’s Garden Center.

3 more green tips

Events

Friday, May 19

Marvel Movies Trivia | Friday, May 19 | 8-11:30 p.m. | Sotto Terra, 610 Neil Ave., Columbus | $15 | Create a team + compete together to earn prizes in a night of quiz-style trivia.
Ralph Barbosa | Friday, May 19-Saturday, May 20 | Times vary | Columbus Funny Bone, 145 Easton Town Ctr., Easton | $27 | Listen to this stand-up comic who was featured on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.”

Saturday, May 20

Brit Floyd | Saturday, May 20 | 6:30 p.m. | KEMBA Live!, 405 Neil Ave., Arena District | $35-$200 | This tribute band will play Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” to celebrate 50 years of the album.

Sunday, May 21

The Blue Stones | Sunday, May 21 | 6:30 p.m. | Newport Music Hall, 1722 N. High St., Campus | $25-$65 | Catch this Canada-based blues bang alongside The Velveteers.

Monday, May 22

A.K. Burns: Of space we are... | Monday, May 22 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Wexner Center for the Arts, 1150 N. High St., Campus | Free | Explore this exhibit featuring space-themed video installations.

Tuesday, May 23

Author Event: Mia Mercado | Tuesday, May 23 | 7-8 p.m. | Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., Downtown | Free | Learn more about this columnist + humor writer from “The Cut.”

100+ more events

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News Notes

Development

Another set of downtown buildings will be converted into apartments as the Chase Tower plans a renovation project. Once finished, 22 of the 25 floors will feature apartments, which will create a total of 253 living spaces. (The Columbus Dispatch)
The vacant Starling Middle School in Franklinton is now under construction to become affordable family apartments. The developer will transform the 1908 building into a complex with 45 apartment units ranging from $400-$1,295 per month. (Columbus Business First)

Edu

Two new faces have filled vacancies on The Ohio State University Board of Trustees after they were appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine. Brad Kastan and George Skestos Jr., two successful business investors, replaced Alex Fischer + Abigail Wexner. (Columbus Business First)
Ratmir Timashev is back + making headlines for Ohio State with his massive donations. This time, the alumni and tech entrepreneur promised an additional $40 million donation to OSU in support of staff, students, and various groups on campus. (NBC4)
Columbus City Schools appointed Dr. Angela Chapman as the district’s next superintendent. Angela came to Columbus from Minneapolis where she worked different leadership positions in the educational field. Before the announcement, she was serving as CCS’s interim superintendent.

Cause

Columbus City Council will split $250,000 among 14 local nonprofits to support their efforts in providing resources to kids. Groups such as We Are Linden received $25,000 + a spokesperson said they plan to use these funds to add summer activities. (10TV)

Ranked

We hate to be like this — but can we speak with the manager? That’s how we’re feeling after seeing Columbus ranked as the No. 69 best place to live in the US. Apparently, they aren’t reading this newsletter.

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Unlock your home equity.*

Shop

Quick, who’s the next person you’ll buy a gift for? We’ve got 25 gift ideas that will spark joy + are perfect for every budget. One of our favorites? A heated back and neck massager to relieve pressure and tension.

Opening

🍷 Viva la vino

New winery and cidery to open just outside of Columbus

If there’s one thing Ohioans love, it’s drinking in a barn. | Photo via Retreat 21 Taphouse

Need to get out of the city? We recommend a retreat to Retreat 21 Taphouse — the latest winery and cidery opening near Columbus.

This new 60-acre spot will open on Thursday, June 15 at 11433 Industrial Pkwy. in Marysville, just 30 minutes away from downtown. From birthday parties to casual nights out, the drinkery hopes to host a wide selection of celebrations once opened.

The space channels a farmhouse-chic vibe as the large barn-style building is nestled in a field with plenty of green space in all directions. Plus, guests can find cabins, trails, and an 18-hole golf course if they are staying long-term (think: weddings).

More importantly, this is where you’ll be able to snag a drink outdoors. The massive area will have bonfires + it’s family-friendly, so kids can hang out, too. Check out the menu to see what you’ll be sipping on this summer.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Mitch

From the editor

This report from the Dispatch has me so excited for the release of NCAA Football 2024 video game. I think one of the truest signs of being a central Ohioan is loving college football more than the pros.

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