The Friends of the Shawnee National Forest will mark 15 years of stewardship on Saturday, November 8 at Alto Vineyards, 8515 Highway 127, Alto Pass, IL.

The Friends will highlight many of its projects promoting and protecting the Shawnee National Forest.

Friends of the Shawnee Members can enjoy a Members only social beginning at 5 p.m. with appetizers from Leave it to Chef, followed by a program and guest speakers from 6:30-7 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the SIU Credit Union, Alto Vineyards, Longshadow and Leave it to Chef.

Live music will be provided by Stick Gilbert from 5-6:30 p.m., and the Swamp Tigers from 7-8:30 p.m.

Guests will enjoy complimentary Southern Illinois–produced hors d’oeuvres, with additional food, wine, and beer available for purchase.

Admission is $10 or free for Friends members. Memberships will be available at the door.

RSVPs are encouraged at: friendsoftheshawnee@gmail.com.

Did You Know?

The Shawnee National Forest is approximately 286,000 acres.

• It’s the only national forest in the state of Illinois.

• The Shawnee National Forest is on one of the America the Beautiful Quarters. It features Camel Rock with a red-tailed hawk soaring through the sky.

• There are 7 designated Wilderness Areas in the Shawnee National Forest. The largest is Lusk Creek Wilderness in Pope County. The smallest is Panther Den Wilderness, located south of Carbondale in Union County.