Tailored to children ages 3 to 5, Little Eco-Scholars (LES) introduces early learners to environmental and ecological principles through exciting and thoughtful games, simple projects, and exploratory play in the Nature Playscape.

Our program, aligned with Indiana’s Early Learning Foundation, is designed to build on imaginative skills through playing in the local ecosystem. Some of our problem-solving activity topics include invention, memory, new experiences, decision-making, empathy, and many more! We encourage parents/guardians to participate with their toddlers during this program.

• Program Age Range: Tailored to 3-5 year old children

• Dates: Select Fridays at 9 AM

• Program Cost: Free with paid admission to the Nature Center, free for members! Pre-registration is requested.

Questions? Contact our Director of Environmental Education, Payton Broshears, at payton@wesselmanwoods.org for further questions.

NEIGHBORHOOD TREE Planting: Wabash Avenue of Flags

Date: March 28 from 9 AM to Noon

Meeting Location: West Side Library Lawn

This event is open to the public and all Evansville community members are invited to take part! Join us as we continue the work of planting trees in underserved neighborhoods.

NEIGHBORHOOD TREE Planting: Little Westside Nut Club Park

Date: March 28 from 9 AM to Noon

Meeting Location: 19 N 11th Ave, Evansville, IN (47712)

This event is open to the public and all Evansville community members are invited to take part! Join us as we continue the work of planting trees in underserved neighborhoods.

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Visit us and enjoy over four miles of trails, the five-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

If you’d like to contribute to making free admission days possible, please contact us!

2026 Dates

• January 24-25

• February 21-22

• March 28-29

• April 25-26 sponsored by Romain Subaru

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Visit us and enjoy over four miles of trails, the five-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

If you’d like to contribute to making free admission days possible, please contact us!

2026 Dates

• January 24-25

• February 21-22

• March 28-29

• April 25-26 sponsored by Romain Subaru

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils, and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.

IMN participants will spend 10 weeks learning about various components of the southern Indiana bioregion by engaging with videos before class and meeting in person for further education and application of the week’s topic.

Become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

More information and the schedule of sessions is available through the ‘Learn More’ button below.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for public

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT. **
Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils, and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.

IMN participants will spend 10 weeks learning about various components of the southern Indiana bioregion by engaging with videos before class and meeting in person for further education and application of the week’s topic.

Become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

More information and the schedule of sessions is available through the ‘Learn More’ button below.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for public

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT **
Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.

Tailored to children ages 3 to 5, Little Eco-Scholars (LES) introduces early learners to environmental and ecological principles through exciting and thoughtful games, simple projects, and exploratory play in the Nature Playscape.

Our program, aligned with Indiana’s Early Learning Foundation, is designed to build on imaginative skills through playing in the local ecosystem. Some of our problem-solving activity topics include invention, memory, new experiences, decision-making, empathy, and many more! We encourage parents/guardians to participate with their toddlers during this program.

• Program Age Range: Tailored to 3-5 year old children

• Dates: Select Fridays at 9 AM

• Program Cost: Free with paid admission to the Nature Center, free for members! Pre-registration is requested.

Questions? Contact our Director of Environmental Education, Payton Broshears, at payton@wesselmanwoods.org for further questions.

JFL Tulip League is for children ages 6-8, and typically meets the first Saturday of the month from September to April.

Register now to secure your spots!

Members receive a special discount. Email Payton Broshears at payton@wesselmanwoods.org for the members-only link.

Junior Forest League (JFL) is a monthly program designed to encourage youth to engage with their local ecosystem, meet like-minded peers, and become stewards of the environment.

Each Saturday introduces a new environmental topic through activities like Nature Playscape exploration, animal encounters, guided hikes, and nature-based games and projects. All sessions are adapted to align with Indiana Academic Standards and Earth Charter principles.

The program is split into two leagues: Tulip League is for children ages 6-8, and Maple League is for children ages 9-12. Both leagues meet once a month from September to April, 10 AM - 2 PM. Drop-off is from 10-10:15 AM, and pick-up is from 2-2:15 PM. A nut-free snack is provided, but children need to bring their own lunch.

The trails and Nature Center at Wesselman Woods will be closed to the public to observe the holiday.

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils, and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.

IMN participants will spend 10 weeks learning about various components of the southern Indiana bioregion by engaging with videos before class and meeting in person for further education and application of the week’s topic.

Become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

More information and the schedule of sessions is available through the ‘Learn More’ button below.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for public

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT. **
Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils, and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.

IMN participants will spend 10 weeks learning about various components of the southern Indiana bioregion by engaging with videos before class and meeting in person for further education and application of the week’s topic.

Become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

More information and the schedule of sessions is available through the ‘Learn More’ button below.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for public

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT **
Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.

Tailored to children ages 3 to 5, Little Eco-Scholars (LES) introduces early learners to environmental and ecological principles through exciting and thoughtful games, simple projects, and exploratory play in the Nature Playscape.

Our program, aligned with Indiana’s Early Learning Foundation, is designed to build on imaginative skills through playing in the local ecosystem. Some of our problem-solving activity topics include invention, memory, new experiences, decision-making, empathy, and many more! We encourage parents/guardians to participate with their toddlers during this program.

• Program Age Range: Tailored to 3-5 year old children

• Dates: Select Fridays at 9 AM

• Program Cost: Free with paid admission to the Nature Center, free for members! Pre-registration is requested.

Questions? Contact our Director of Environmental Education, Payton Broshears, at payton@wesselmanwoods.org for further questions.

Bee City USA® and Bee Campus USA unite people to make their communities better for pollinators, in particular native bees, by adding high-quality habitat and reducing pesticides. 

Evansville was certified as a Bee City USA in 2025. The Evansville Bee City Committee is launching with an inaugural event to celebrate the certification and promote pollinator friendly practices and policies.

• DATE: April 11, 2026, 8 AM - Noon 

• LOCATION: University of Evansville, School of Business Administration Building

  • 1800 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville

• COST: Free and open to the public. Registration required. 

For more information, contact: Evansville Climate Collaborative [ 812-435-6145 or climate@evansville.in.gov ]

JFL Maple League is for children ages 9-12, and typically meets the second Saturday of the month from September to April.

Register now to secure your spots!

Members receive a special discount. Email Payton Broshears at payton@wesselmanwoods.org for the members-only link.

Junior Forest League (JFL) is a monthly program designed to encourage youth to engage with their local ecosystem, meet like-minded peers, and become stewards of the environment.

Each Saturday introduces a new environmental topic through activities like Nature Playscape exploration, animal encounters, guided hikes, and nature-based games and projects. All sessions are adapted to align with Indiana Academic Standards and Earth Charter principles.

The program is split into two leagues: Tulip League is for children ages 6-8, and Maple League is for children ages 9-12. Both leagues meet once a month from September to April, 10 AM - 2 PM. Drop-off is from 10-10:15 AM, and pick-up is from 2-2:15 PM. A nut-free snack is provided, but children need to bring their own lunch.

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils, and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.

IMN participants will spend 10 weeks learning about various components of the southern Indiana bioregion by engaging with videos before class and meeting in person for further education and application of the week’s topic.

Become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

More information and the schedule of sessions is available through the ‘Learn More’ button below.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for public

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT. **
Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils, and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.

IMN participants will spend 10 weeks learning about various components of the southern Indiana bioregion by engaging with videos before class and meeting in person for further education and application of the week’s topic.

Become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

More information and the schedule of sessions is available through the ‘Learn More’ button below.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for public

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT **
Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.

Tailored to children ages 3 to 5, Little Eco-Scholars (LES) introduces early learners to environmental and ecological principles through exciting and thoughtful games, simple projects, and exploratory play in the Nature Playscape.

Our program, aligned with Indiana’s Early Learning Foundation, is designed to build on imaginative skills through playing in the local ecosystem. Some of our problem-solving activity topics include invention, memory, new experiences, decision-making, empathy, and many more! We encourage parents/guardians to participate with their toddlers during this program.

• Program Age Range: Tailored to 3-5 year old children

• Dates: Select Fridays at 9 AM

• Program Cost: Free with paid admission to the Nature Center, free for members! Pre-registration is requested.

Questions? Contact our Director of Environmental Education, Payton Broshears, at payton@wesselmanwoods.org for further questions.

Romain Subaru Presents:

Earth Day at Wesselman Woods

Saturday, April 18 from 10 AM to 2 PM

Celebrate Earth Day with a day of adventure, discovery, and action at Wesselman Woods! This FREE community event brings together passionate local and regional organizations to share fun, hands-on activities and resources that showcase the important ways we can all make a difference for our planet.

• Explore & Engage – Enjoy interactive booths, nature-based activities, and live demonstrations designed to inspire sustainability and environmental stewardship.

• Wander & Play – Our trails and Nature Playscape will be free to explore from 9 AM to 5 PM, so you can soak in the beauty of the largest urban old-growth forest in the U.S.!

• Savor & Support – Delicious eats from local food trucks will be available outside our gates from 11 AM to 2 PM.

Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future. Join us for a day of celebration, education, and appreciation for the Earth!

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils, and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.

IMN participants will spend 10 weeks learning about various components of the southern Indiana bioregion by engaging with videos before class and meeting in person for further education and application of the week’s topic.

Become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

More information and the schedule of sessions is available through the ‘Learn More’ button below.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for public

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT. **
Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils, and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.

IMN participants will spend 10 weeks learning about various components of the southern Indiana bioregion by engaging with videos before class and meeting in person for further education and application of the week’s topic.

Become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

More information and the schedule of sessions is available through the ‘Learn More’ button below.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for public

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT **
Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.

Wesselman Woods Schedule

1 PM = Guided Hike

2:30 PM = Raptor Encounter

Ohio Valley Birding Festival is a two-day event in April with some awesome birdwatching and hiking. Evansville Audubon Society in cooperation with Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve and John James Audubon State Park in Henderson, Kentucky, are sponsors.

Past activities have included the following:

• Hikes led by birding experts at Audubon Wetlands, John James Audubon State Park, Patoka River, and Eagle Slough

• “Raptors Wild!” live birds of prey shown by Talon Trust, raptor rescue and rehab professionals

• Family Birding Fun!—”Make-N-Take Birdfeeders and Bird Callers,” plus the “Great Migration Challenge” giant board game

• “Owl Puke—Yuck! Or Not?” owl pellet dissections

• “Basic Birding 101” class to get you started on birding skills

• “Hands-on Bird Banding” opportunity for citizen-science and close-up photography of birds

• “Junior Birders Hike” in John James Audubon State Park for ages 8-18 and their parents

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils, and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.

IMN participants will spend 10 weeks learning about various components of the southern Indiana bioregion by engaging with videos before class and meeting in person for further education and application of the week’s topic.

Become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

More information and the schedule of sessions is available through the ‘Learn More’ button below.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for public

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT. **
Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils, and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.

IMN participants will spend 10 weeks learning about various components of the southern Indiana bioregion by engaging with videos before class and meeting in person for further education and application of the week’s topic.

Become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

More information and the schedule of sessions is available through the ‘Learn More’ button below.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for public

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT **
Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.

The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra (EP) will return to Wesselman Woods for their New Traditions... tradition!

Enjoy an outdoors jazz performance by the Eykamp String Quartet at the Odonata Amphitheater (near the Nature Playscape) at 2 PM.

This performance is FREE and open to the public.

We encourage guests to enter through the bike path in Wesselman Park for easier access to the event. (Look for the directional signs!)

In case of inclement weather, this outdoor event will be canceled. Follow EP and Wesselman Woods on Facebook for up-to-date information!

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils, and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.

IMN participants will spend 10 weeks learning about various components of the southern Indiana bioregion by engaging with videos before class and meeting in person for further education and application of the week’s topic.

Become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

More information and the schedule of sessions is available through the ‘Learn More’ button below.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for public

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT. **
Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils, and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.

IMN participants will spend 10 weeks learning about various components of the southern Indiana bioregion by engaging with videos before class and meeting in person for further education and application of the week’s topic.

Become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

More information and the schedule of sessions is available through the ‘Learn More’ button below.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for public

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT **
Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.

The Save the Mothers 3 km Mother’s Day Walk is happening at Wesselman Woods.

• 9 AM - Registration

• 9:30 AM - Walk Starts

This walk raises awareness and support for maternal and child health in the developing world.

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils, and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.

IMN participants will spend 10 weeks learning about various components of the southern Indiana bioregion by engaging with videos before class and meeting in person for further education and application of the week’s topic.

Become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

More information and the schedule of sessions is available through the ‘Learn More’ button below.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for public

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT. **
Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils, and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.

IMN participants will spend 10 weeks learning about various components of the southern Indiana bioregion by engaging with videos before class and meeting in person for further education and application of the week’s topic.

Become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

More information and the schedule of sessions is available through the ‘Learn More’ button below.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for public

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT **
Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils, and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.

IMN participants will spend 10 weeks learning about various components of the southern Indiana bioregion by engaging with videos before class and meeting in person for further education and application of the week’s topic.

Become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

More information and the schedule of sessions is available through the ‘Learn More’ button below.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for public

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT. **
Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils, and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.

IMN participants will spend 10 weeks learning about various components of the southern Indiana bioregion by engaging with videos before class and meeting in person for further education and application of the week’s topic.

Become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

More information and the schedule of sessions is available through the ‘Learn More’ button below.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for public

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT **
Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.

The trails and Nature Center at Wesselman Woods will be closed to the public to observe the Memorial Day holiday.

We will reopen on Tuesday, May 26.

The trails and Nature Center at Wesselman Woods will be closed to the public to observe the Juneteenth holiday.

We will reopen on Saturday, June 20.

The trails and Nature Center at Wesselman Woods will be closed to the public to observe Independence Day.

We will reopen on Sunday, July 5.

Local Stream Fishes: Diversity, Ecology, and Behavior

Thursday, July 23 from 6-8 PM

Presenter: Dr. James Bandoli, Professor Emeritus of Biology at the University of Southern Indiana

• More details coming soon!

The trails and Nature Center at Wesselman Woods will be closed to the public to observe the Labor Day holiday.

We will reopen on Tuesday, September 8.

The trails and Nature Center at Wesselman Woods will be closed to the public for event preparations.

Get your tickets for Woodland Wonders!

We will reopen on Sunday, September 20.

This community-favorite event helps care for the animal ambassadors who call Wesselman Woods home — from our majestic owls and curious reptiles to the furry (and not-so-furry) friends who help us teach thousands of visitors about the wild world around them.

Each year, the University of Evansville’s Chi Omega and FIJI chapters join forces to host this special fundraiser filled with fun activities, forest exploration, and friendly competition — all for a great cause.

Free general admission for all visitors on event day — come enjoy educational booths, meet local organizations, and see how every step (and every dollar) makes a difference. OR…

Want to go the extra mile? Join the walk-a-thon and earn themed prizes while raising funds for the animals of Wesselman Woods! Walk-a-thon participants will receive themed prizes and be entered into a raffle for great prizes.

So grab your friends, bring your curiosity, and help us make this year’s Owl Prowl the biggest and best yet!

The trails and Nature Center at Wesselman Woods will be closed to the public to observe the Veteran’s Day holiday.

We will reopen on Thursday, November 11.

The trails and Nature Center at Wesselman Woods will be closed to the public for a half-day in order to celebrate our volunteers with a banquet.

We will reopen at 1 PM this day.