Explore Yellowwood State Forest during the solar eclipse

Karl Schneider, Indianapolis Star
·1 min read

The Indiana Forest Alliance is offering a free two-day total solar eclipse experience at Yellowwood State Forest.

The IFA and Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center in Bloomington have paired up for a series of events beginning April 7, including guided hikes through the forest and a Medicine Buddha puja ceremony, an awareness ceremony promoting inner and planetary healing.

“This two-day event set in the unparalleled beauty of Yellowwood State Forest is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity to view the eclipse,” IFA Executive Director Jeff Stant said in a release.

Explore the forest and a healing ceremony

A warm-up event at Yellowwood Lake happens Sunday, April 7, with IFA offering guided hikes to explain forest ecology and other educational topics.

The Buddhist Cultural Center opens at 11 a.m. Monday, April 8. The puja begins at 1 p.m. and will pause during the totality.

Witness a time capsule installation

The event will also feature a time capsule installation featuring conservation-themed art by local artists. The Artists for Environmental Restoration are coordinating with IFA and will open the capsule at the next solar eclipse visible from the U.S in August 2044.

Artists can still submit work for the capsule by sending submissions to Steven Stewart at stevenstewart@indianaforestalliance.org.

Prepare before heading out

IFA recommends participants bring chairs, blankets and snacks for the events. There will be free viewing glasses available during the eclipse.

Indiana’s Department of Homeland Security recommends planning ahead and leaving early when travelling for the eclipse. Make sure you have enough necessary medications and keep updated on the weather forecasts for the area.

Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk

IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Free eclipse event combines state forest and Buddhist ceremony