Admission: FREE | Audience: Ages 18+ | Cap: 30 people | Time: 4-5:30 PM

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month this year.

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.

This is a part of our Eco-Access Initative. If you’d like to contribute to making these free days possible or you would like to sponsor a family or summer camper fee, donate today!

2025 Dates

• October 25-26

• November 29-30

• December 27-28

This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness the power of our local communities to further establish and assure equal access to the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States: Wesselman Woods.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

It’s back! The 3rd annual Owl Prowl at Wesselman Woods takes flight on Sunday, October 26 from 10 AM – 2 PM!

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. In 2025, these two Greek organizations are going head-to-head to see who can raise the most for the animals!

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!

FREE Yoga with Velocity Fitness for this month is CANCELED because Velocity Fitness Damien will be traveling to Germany with the World Kickboxing and Karate Union to compete on behalf of the United States! Help us cheer him on from afar and send him the best of luck 🤞🏻

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!

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month this year.

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.

This is a part of our Eco-Access Initative. If you’d like to contribute to making these free days possible or you would like to sponsor a family or summer camper fee, donate today!

2025 Dates

• October 25-26

• November 29-30

• December 27-28

This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness the power of our local communities to further establish and assure equal access to the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States: Wesselman Woods.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

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.

Survive the Zombie Apocalypse: Run to find the cure!

Are you ready for the most exhilarating, heart-pounding, and adrenaline-fueled event of the year? Brace yourself for "Survive the Zombie Apocalypse, an unforgettable experience that combines running, survival skills, and a dash of fear to support a great cause!

• Date: Sunday, October 19

• Time:

  • 2:30pm Registration

  • 4pm Race Starts

  • 4:45pm Halloween After-Party

• Starting Point: Wesselman Park

• Destination: American Red Cross

• Route: Wesselman Park American Red Cross Wesselman Park

The Mission:
The world is on the brink of chaos, and the only hope lies within the Red Cross headquarters. Embark on a daring journey through a park infested with zombies. Your goal: reach the Red Cross outpost, Meet the survivor and get their code, and make it back to headquarters before it's too late!

The Challenge:
As you navigate through the treacherous terrain, zombies will be hot on your heels, trying to tag the back of your shirt with fake blood. Your survival instincts will be put to the test as you dodge, and duck your way through this relentless horde. Will you emerge unscathed and save humanity, or become a zombie's next meal?

Partnering with Martial Hearst and Wesselman Woods.

Partial proceeds will go toward Martial Hearts and Wesselman Woods.

Together, we are strong enough to lift hope.
Together, we are NAMIWalks. 

It will take all of us to demand victory over mental illness. That's why we provide a safe space at NAMIWalks in everything we do, for everyone who joins our mission. In fact, we embrace it.

We invite you to take the walk of your life - with NAMIWalks. Each participant will stand by you and walk by your side, every step of the way.

Together, we will make a powerful change in our community. "Mental Health for All," here we come.

Don't wait another moment to add your name to our movement. The people who need the help that you empower cannot afford to wait. No matter their mental health challenge, they stand to benefit greatly by your decisiveness today.

It's a walk, a very special walk. And it's a lifetime's journey - the lifetimes you will change by joining us today.

This is your NAMIWalks moment.

October 18, 2025 at Wesselman Park

10:15 a.m. - 1 p.m. CT

Registration Opens: 9:30 a.m.

Opening Ceremony Starts: 10:15 a.m.

Event Ends: 1 p.m.

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.

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.

Art serves as a powerful medium for deepening our understanding and appreciation of the natural world – a great conduit for educating the public about our ecosystems. The shapes, the textures, the colors… all aspects of nature can be inspiring and there’s no better place to have this conversation than Wesselman Woods, the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States.

2025 Exhibition Theme: Oops! All Birds

Deadline for entries: October 3

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Our deepest gratitude goes to Inman’s Picture Framing for sponsoring the art exhibition again for 2025. Inman’s Picture Framing is an award-winning local business specializing in residential and commercial custom framing. Their services include preservation framing, custom mirrors, shadow boxes, canvas stretching, and local artwork. Find out more when you visit their website.

New for 2025: Thank you to Methodist Temple UMC for supporting another one of our great community events! Since 2023, Methodist Temple has sponsored ALL of our major events — the Maple Sugarbush Festival, Earth Day, and Woodland Wonders. They have also supported our accessible trails initiative. Their support makes a huge difference.

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.

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month this year.

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.

This is a part of our Eco-Access Initative. If you’d like to contribute to making these free days possible or you would like to sponsor a family or summer camper fee, donate today!

2025 Dates

• September 27-28

• October 25-26

• November 29-30

• December 27-28

This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness the power of our local communities to further establish and assure equal access to the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States: Wesselman Woods.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

Reconnect with nature through yoga at Wesselman Woods! 🌿

Lining up with our 2025 Wilderness Weekends, Damien Burge will host a 45-minute session of yoga for FREE at 11:30 AM on the last Saturday of each month at Wesselman Woods.

Breathe deeply, stretch fully, and let the towering trees inspire your practice. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned yogi, this outdoor experience is the perfect way to relax, recharge, and connect with the peaceful energy of the forest.

Bring your mat, and let’s flow together in nature’s sanctuary!

Some yoga sessions will be hosted indoors but, weather-permitting, sessions will be held outside. No RSVP is necessary but space may be limited.

After your session with Damien, you can hit the trails in the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States for a refreshing walk!

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!

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month this year.

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.

This is a part of our Eco-Access Initative. If you’d like to contribute to making these free days possible or you would like to sponsor a family or summer camper fee, donate today!

2025 Dates

• September 27-28

• October 25-26

• November 29-30

• December 27-28

This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness the power of our local communities to further establish and assure equal access to the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States: Wesselman Woods.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

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 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.

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.

Ever wondered what happens in the forest and wetlands at night? Join us as we explore the nocturnal ecology of Wesselman Woods and Howell Wetlands!

These guided night hikes for ages 18 and over will take place in the summer and fall during the nighttime to give you a unique perspective on what the forest is like when the sun goes down.

Attendees will have the special opportunity to walk through the dark trails of Wesselman Woods and Howell Wetlands.

Tickets are limited! Only 15 spots per session to make your nighttime experience safer and more enjoyable.

PRICE: $15 for public | $12 for members
Email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount code.

DATES

• Wesselman Woods: June 5

• Howell Wetlands: September 18

Make sure to bring your bug spray and don’t forget those flashlights or head lamps!

PLEASE NOTE: Each guided hike will be different. WW cannot guarantee you will see or hear animals. WW cannot guarantee how wildlife will respond to human presence. Keep in mind that the trails are more difficult to navigate in the dark (under limited or zero light conditions) and this event may not be suitable for everyone.

Thank you to our sponsors

Find out more about our sponsors online: Window World • Methodist Temple UMC • Edward Jones  • Bauerhaus Catering  • Alcoa  • Granted • Ohio Valley Homebrewers Association • Thomas A & Sharon K Ruder Foundation • State Farm • Old National Bank • Alliance Technical Group • Velocity Fitness • Woods and Stems • Schnucks • Ancient Roots Native Nursery

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

Get your tickets for Woodland Wonders today!

We will reopen on Sunday, September 14.

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.

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.

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 2.

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month this year.

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.

This is a part of our Eco-Access Initative. If you’d like to contribute to making these free days possible or you would like to sponsor a family or summer camper fee, donate today!

2025 Dates

• August 30-31

• September 27-28

• October 25-26

• November 29-30

• December 27-28

This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness the power of our local communities to further establish and assure equal access to the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States: Wesselman Woods.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

Reconnect with nature through yoga at Wesselman Woods! 🌿

Lining up with our 2025 Wilderness Weekends, Damien Burge will host a 45-minute session of yoga for FREE at 11:30 AM on the last Saturday of each month at Wesselman Woods.

Breathe deeply, stretch fully, and let the towering trees inspire your practice. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned yogi, this outdoor experience is the perfect way to relax, recharge, and connect with the peaceful energy of the forest.

Bring your mat, and let’s flow together in nature’s sanctuary!

Some yoga sessions will be hosted indoors but, weather-permitting, sessions will be held outside. No RSVP is necessary but space may be limited.

After your session with Damien, you can hit the trails in the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States for a refreshing walk!

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month this year.

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.

This is a part of our Eco-Access Initative. If you’d like to contribute to making these free days possible or you would like to sponsor a family or summer camper fee, donate today!

2025 Dates

• August 30-31

• September 27-28

• October 25-26

• November 29-30

• December 27-28

This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness the power of our local communities to further establish and assure equal access to the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States: Wesselman Woods.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.