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.

Cost
$40 per session || Purchase all sessions early and save even more!

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!

5th Annual Wesselman Woods Juried Art Exhibition

Petals, Pollen, and Purpose Reception

Join us for light refreshments and find out who the winners are!

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 September through April, starting at 9 AM. Most of our activities last about 30 minutes, and we encourage families to continue the Nature Center, preserve, and Nature Playscape. To see the dates of LES and to register, please click the button below.

• Program Cost: Included with paid admission to the Nature Center, free for members! Pre-registration is preferred for participating children. Parents/guardians do not need to reserve a ticket for themselves.

Questions? Contact our Director of Environmental Educator for further questions.

Fresh air, forest fun, and nature for everyone Thanks to supporters of our Eco-Access Initiative, you’re invited to enjoy Wesselman Woods admission-free on July 25-26. This free weekend is sponsored by the Evansville Forest Alliance.

What’s included?
• Free entry to the Nature Center
• Over four miles of forest trails to explore
• Running, climbing, and imaginative play at the Nature Playscape, Arwood Family Treehouse, and Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary

Wesselman Woods is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and noon to 5 PM on Sunday.

Bring your friends, family, curiosity, and a sense of adventure!

Fresh air, forest fun, and nature for everyone Thanks to supporters of our Eco-Access Initiative, you’re invited to enjoy Wesselman Woods admission-free on July 25-26. This free weekend is sponsored by the Evansville Forest Alliance.

What’s included?
• Free entry to the Nature Center
• Over four miles of forest trails to explore
• Running, climbing, and imaginative play at the Nature Playscape, Arwood Family Treehouse, and Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary

Wesselman Woods is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and noon to 5 PM on Sunday.

Bring your friends, family, curiosity, and a sense of adventure!

Wesselman Woods (WW) needs your help to remove invasive species in our area! Join us on the last Saturday of each month (from February to November) for this important volunteering opportunity.

By helping us pull invasive species, you help us to protect the unique ecosystems of Wesselman Woods and Howell Wetlands.

Volunteers should be age 16 or older because of the tools involved. Please bring any work gloves, loppers, or hand cutters you may have. Long sleeves and long pants are highly encouraged. We’ll provide water coolers and snacks, so bring your water bottle!

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 September through April, starting at 9 AM. Most of our activities last about 30 minutes, and we encourage families to continue the Nature Center, preserve, and Nature Playscape. To see the dates of LES and to register, please click the button below.

• Program Cost: Included with paid admission to the Nature Center, free for members! Pre-registration is preferred for participating children. Parents/guardians do not need to reserve a ticket for themselves.

Questions? Contact our Director of Environmental Educator for further questions.

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 Veteran’s Day holiday.

We will reopen on Thursday, November 11.

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 September through April, starting at 9 AM. Most of our activities last about 30 minutes, and we encourage families to continue the Nature Center, preserve, and Nature Playscape. To see the dates of LES and to register, please click the button below.

• Program Cost: Included with paid admission to the Nature Center, free for members! Pre-registration is preferred for participating children. Parents/guardians do not need to reserve a ticket for themselves.

Questions? Contact our Director of Environmental Educator for further questions.

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.

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 September through April, starting at 9 AM. Most of our activities last about 30 minutes, and we encourage families to continue the Nature Center, preserve, and Nature Playscape. To see the dates of LES and to register, please click the button below.

• Program Cost: Included with paid admission to the Nature Center, free for members! Pre-registration is preferred for participating children. Parents/guardians do not need to reserve a ticket for themselves.

Questions? Contact our Director of Environmental Educator for further questions.

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.

Cost
$40 per session || Purchase all sessions early and save even more!

Calling all bookworms and nature enthusiasts!

Join us for a collaboration between the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library and Wesselman Woods as we combine the wonder of literature with the beauty of the great outdoors.

Come to Wesselman Woods on this day and flash any regional library card at the front desk to get into the Nature Center for free.

Once you're inside the gates, you and your family can enjoy a day of hikes, the Nature Playscape and Treehouse, as well as story time sessions and animal encounters.

No library card? No problem! Vanderburgh County residents can sign up for a library card with the EVPL Outreach Team from 10 AM to 2 PM.

SCHEDULE
Wesselman Woods is open from 9 AM TO 5 PM | Activities will take place from 10 AM TO 2 PM

We will take free admission with library cards during all eight hours of opening.

Throughout Event (10 AM to 2 PM): Self-Guided Hikes, Nature Playscape and Treehouse Free-Play, and Themed-Crafts with EVPL

• 10 AM = Storytime with EVPL

• 10:30 AM = Animal Encounter

• 11 AM = Storytime with EVPL

• 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM = Lunch Break [ This is a good time for self-guided hikes with field guides at the front desk or venturing out to the Nature Playscape! ]

• 12:45 PM = Animal Encounter

• 1:15 PM = Storytime with EVPL

FAQs

• Do we have to have an EVPL card? Nope! Any regional library card will work. If you don’t have ANY library card at all, Vanderburgh County residents can visit the EVPL table to get signed up for a free card.

• Can my whole family enter with one card? Yes, one family can enter with one card!

Wesselman Woods (WW) needs your help to remove invasive species in our area! Join us on the last Saturday of each month (from February to November) for this important volunteering opportunity.

By helping us pull invasive species, you help us to protect the unique ecosystems of Wesselman Woods and Howell Wetlands.

Volunteers should be age 16 or older because of the tools involved. Please bring any work gloves, loppers, or hand cutters you may have. Long sleeves and long pants are highly encouraged. We’ll provide water coolers and snacks, so bring your water bottle!

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 September through April, starting at 9 AM. Most of our activities last about 30 minutes, and we encourage families to continue the Nature Center, preserve, and Nature Playscape. To see the dates of LES and to register, please click the button below.

• Program Cost: Included with paid admission to the Nature Center, free for members! Pre-registration is preferred for participating children. Parents/guardians do not need to reserve a ticket for themselves.

Questions? Contact our Director of Environmental Educator for further questions.

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.

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 September through April, starting at 9 AM. Most of our activities last about 30 minutes, and we encourage families to continue the Nature Center, preserve, and Nature Playscape. To see the dates of LES and to register, please click the button below.

• Program Cost: Included with paid admission to the Nature Center, free for members! Pre-registration is preferred for participating children. Parents/guardians do not need to reserve a ticket for themselves.

Questions? Contact our Director of Environmental Educator for further questions.

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.

Cost
$40 per session || Purchase all sessions early and save even more!