INDIANAPOLIS — On Monday, the Indiana Forest Alliance (IFA) announced State Sen. Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington) as the featured speaker for their 2023 Forest-Foraged Feast on Sept. 29 at the FAR Arts Center in Bloomington.
IFA Executive Director Jeff Stant said the organization is honored to have Sen. Yoder at this annual event which celebrates the work of IFA and its supporters.
“All the work we do at IFA is thanks to the generosity of our supporters and elected officials, like Sen. Yoder, who take the time to engage with us and others in the conservation community,” said Stant. “As Ranking Minority Member of the Indiana Senate Committee on Environmental Affairs, Sen. Yoder is a crucial ally in IFA’s fight to save Indiana’s native hardwood forests, and we are thrilled to have her join us for this one-of-a-kind dining experience to honor our members and supporters.”
The Forest-Foraged Feast is a vibrant dining experience of locally-foraged food items curated by Bloomington Chef Eric Bueno. The Feast is the main event of IFA’s two day “MemberFest,” which will be held this year in both Bloomington and Brown County.
Sen. Yoder said the event is a fitting celebration of IFA’ work.
“The Indiana Forest Alliance has been hard at work for over 25 years, fighting for Indiana’s forests and none of that work would be possible without their members and supporters,” said Yoder. “I’m honored to speak at the Foraged-Forest Feast this year, as we learn about some of the most important issues facing forests across the state, especially right here in Hoosier National Forest. But most importantly, I’m excited to try the delicious food!”
MemberFest festivities begin with a member meeting and Forest-Foraged Feast on Friday, Sept. 29 at the FAR Arts Center in Bloomington and continue the next morning at the Story Inn in Brown Co. for a continental breakfast with remarks from Sen. Mike Braun, followed by guided tours of proposed national recreation area and wilderness expansion areas. Both IFA members and non-members are invited to attend. More information, including how to purchase tickets can be found here.
Special thanks to this year’s MemberFest sponsors:
Artists for Environmental Restoration
Back Space Gallery @ Bonne Fete
JL Waters – “Indiana’s Oldest and Most Complete Outdoor Store”
