“ZOOm Into Birds”

1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

June 29th, 2025

Join Wes Homoya - native Hoosier, avid birder, international tour guide, and passionate conservationist - for another quarterly installment of everyone's favorite local birdin n boozin brew bus benefit bash, as we explore nature and enjoy quality adult beverages together, and for good causes!

We meet and begin our adventure at 1pm at Ash & Elm Cider's production facility for a curated tasting and rare behind-the-scenes tour (parking is on the back/north side of the building located at 2112 E Washington Street, ~1/2 mile east of the restaurant, or street parking nearby on Hamilton or Jefferson). This is a special new treat for those of you who may have been on previous F&F trips and have only seen our taproom, and will be followed by a chance to buy carryout libations for the roadtrip; you can of course drink on the bus throughout the tour!

Crossing town we'll arrive at the world-famous Indianapolis Zoo, an internationally important hub of wildlife conservation and research, including the innovative Global Center for Species Survival. We are extremely lucky to have hosting and guiding us there Dr. Samuel Ivande, Bird Conservation Coordinator at the center. Touring the zoo grounds, we'll learn about some of the birds there, their conservation challenges and successes, and the ongoing projects of the Global Center for Species Survival. Weather permitting, we'll also spend some time looking for some of our local wild birds adjacent to the zoo along the White River Trail and bridge that crosses over said waterway.

Afterwards, our bus will take us back east (and south a smidge) to Chilly Water Brewing, a longtime F&F partner that always does an amazing job hosting our groups! More drinks, snacks, and fun there, then we'll return to Ash and Elm around 6pm where our tour comes to an end, though everyone is invited to continue hanging out down the street at the restaurant to get something to eat, and of course drink more delicious cider and chat all about birds until you're ready to head home.

Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring binoculars if you like/have them (we will have a limited amount available for those without them). Whether you've never been birding before or consider yourself an expert, you are most welcome!

Bottled water and cups will be made available on the bus. Cost is $50 per person with all profits split to benefit the Indiana Audubon Society and the Global Center for Species Survival. It will be a great time for anyone age 21 or older!