Tailored to children ages 3 to 5, Little Eco-Scholars 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: Fridays at 9 AM

• Program Cost: Free with paid admission to the Nature Center, free for members! Preregistration 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 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 that focuses on various environmental topics specific to Southern Indiana. League members will have the chance to engage with their local ecosystem, collaborate with like-minded Evansville peers, and (most importantly) participate in fun team building activities and games.

The goal of the Junior Forest League is to ignite a mindset of environmental stewardship and community engagement. Each Saturday, we will focus on a new topic, incorporating animal encounters, guided hikes, citizen-science projects, and science projects/activities. We make specific adjustments to each session to match Indiana Academic Standards and Earth Charter principles.

Tailored to children ages 3 to 5, Little Eco-Scholars 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: Fridays at 9 AM

• Program Cost: Free with paid admission to the Nature Center, free for members! Preregistration 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 6-9, and 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 that focuses on various environmental topics specific to Southern Indiana. League members will have the chance to engage with their local ecosystem, collaborate with like-minded Evansville peers, and (most importantly) participate in fun team building activities and games.

The goal of the Junior Forest League is to ignite a mindset of environmental stewardship and community engagement. Each Saturday, we will focus on a new topic, incorporating animal encounters, guided hikes, citizen-science projects, and science projects/activities. We make specific adjustments to each session to match Indiana Academic Standards and Earth Charter principles.

Tailored to children ages 3 to 5, Little Eco-Scholars 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: Fridays at 9 AM

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

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

Tailored to children ages 3 to 5, Little Eco-Scholars 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: Fridays at 9 AM

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

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

Walking Through Time: The Science of Old-Growth Forests

October 14 from 6-8 PM • Presenter: Derek Walsh

This interactive presentation will (literally) walk through an old growth forest, highlighting the biological and ecological features that make old growth forests unique. We will learn about what “old growth” means, compare and contrast old growth with new growth forests, and examine some of the most important remaining tracts of old growth forests.

Cost: $20 for public / $15 for members and Indiana Master Naturalist Alumni
Email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the promo code.

JFL Maple League is for children ages 9-12, and 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 that focuses on various environmental topics specific to Southern Indiana. League members will have the chance to engage with their local ecosystem, collaborate with like-minded Evansville peers, and (most importantly) participate in fun team building activities and games.

The goal of the Junior Forest League is to ignite a mindset of environmental stewardship and community engagement. Each Saturday, we will focus on a new topic, incorporating animal encounters, guided hikes, citizen-science projects, and science projects/activities. We make specific adjustments to each session to match Indiana Academic Standards and Earth Charter principles.

Fish Tales: Biology and Ecology of our Freshwater Friends

October 7 from 6-8 PM • Presenter: Dr. Rex Strange

This presentation will explore the biology and ecology of our aquatic friends, fish! Join us to dive into ichthyology (fish biology), examine specimens, and learn about fish native to the region with local fish expert Dr. Rex Strange.

Dr. Strange (yes, that is his actual name) is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Southern Indiana. His research is centered on the natural history and evolution of North American freshwater fishes. Most projects utilize the molecular techniques of population genetics and phylogenetics to better understand (and document) patterns of natural diversity. More recently, his research has shifted to the development and genome biology of the least brook lamprey (Lampetra aepyptera).

Cost: $20 for public / $15 for members and Indiana Master Naturalist Alumni
Email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the promo code.

Other Fall 2024 Topics

• Walking Through Time: The Science of Old-Growth Forests
  October 14 from 6-8 PM  •  Presenter: Derek Walsh 

JFL Tulip League is for children ages 6-9, and 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 that focuses on various environmental topics specific to Southern Indiana. League members will have the chance to engage with their local ecosystem, collaborate with like-minded Evansville peers, and (most importantly) participate in fun team building activities and games.

The goal of the Junior Forest League is to ignite a mindset of environmental stewardship and community engagement. Each Saturday, we will focus on a new topic, incorporating animal encounters, guided hikes, citizen-science projects, and science projects/activities. We make specific adjustments to each session to match Indiana Academic Standards and Earth Charter principles.

Tailored to children ages 3 to 5, Little Eco-Scholars 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: Fridays at 9 AM

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

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

Botany the Beautiful: Plant Evolution, Biology, and Ecology

September 30 from 6-8 PM • Presenter: Derek Walsh

This presentation will explore the beautiful world of botany. We will delve into the biology, ecology, and evolution of plants, tracing the planet’s first plants from hundreds of millions of years ago all the way to today’s plants in and around Wesselman Woods. We will dive into the biology of mosses, ferns, conifers, and flowering plants by examining the important biological and ecological processes and observing some native plant species.

Cost: $20 for public / $15 for members and Indiana Master Naturalist Alumni
Email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the promo code.

Other Fall 2024 Topics

• Fish Tales: Biology and Ecology of our Freshwater Friends
  October 7 from 6-8 PM  •  Presenter: Dr. Rex Strange 

• Walking Through Time: The Science of Old-Growth Forests
  October 14 from 6-8 PM  •  Presenter: Derek Walsh 

Tailored to children ages 3 to 5, Little Eco-Scholars 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: Fridays at 9 AM

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

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

Ecosystem Restoration: Healing our Hurting Planet

September 23 from 6-8 PM • Presenter: Derek Walsh

This BioBlitz will provide participants with the opportunity to survey for insects at Wesselman Woods. Participants will learn about the importance of insects and arthropods in forest ecosystems as well as the importance of inventorying species for management purposes. We will use various methods to collect, examine, and document insect and arthropod species.

Cost: $20 for public / $15 for members and Indiana Master Naturalist Alumni
Email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the promo code.

Other Fall 2024 Topics

• Botany the Beautiful: Plant Evolution, Biology, and Ecology
  September 30 from 6-8 PM  •  Presenter: Derek Walsh

• Fish Tales: Biology and Ecology of our Freshwater Friends
  October 7 from 6-8 PM  •  Presenter: Dr. Rex Strange 

• Walking Through Time: The Science of Old-Growth Forests
  October 14 from 6-8 PM  •  Presenter: Derek Walsh 

Insect BioBlitz

September 23 from 6-8 PM • Presenter: Derek Walsh and Kevin Weiner

This BioBlitz will provide participants with the opportunity to survey for insects at Wesselman Woods. Participants will learn about the importance of insects and arthropods in forest ecosystems as well as the importance of inventorying species for management purposes. We will use various methods to collect, examine, and document insect and arthropod species.

Cost: $20 for public / $15 for members and Indiana Master Naturalist Alumni
Email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the promo code.

Other Fall 2024 Topics

• Botany the Beautiful: Plant Evolution, Biology, and Ecology
  September 30 from 6-8 PM  •  Presenter: Derek Walsh

• Fish Tales: Biology and Ecology of our Freshwater Friends
  October 7 from 6-8 PM  •  Presenter: Dr. Rex Strange 

• Walking Through Time: The Science of Old-Growth Forests
  October 14 from 6-8 PM  •  Presenter: Derek Walsh 

Tailored to children ages 3 to 5, Little Eco-Scholars 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: Fridays at 9 AM

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

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

Ecosystem Restoration: Healing our Hurting Planet

September 16 from 6-8 PM • Presenter: Derek Walsh

This presentation will explore the vital process behind the restoration of damaged ecosystems. We will delve into the science and methods of restoring ecosystems, with a focus on ecosystems in Indiana and the Midwest. By defining the general framework behind restoration projects and highlighting example projects, we will uncover the challenges and successes in restoring biodiversity, enhancing ecosystem services, and combating climate change. Participants will gain insights into the importance of ecosystem restoration and learn about the actions needed to support and sustain these critical efforts for a healthier planet.

Cost: $20 for public / $15 for members and Indiana Master Naturalist Alumni
Email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the promo code.

Other Fall 2024 Topics

• Insect BioBlitz
  September 23 from 6-8 PM  •  Presenters: Kevin Wiener and Derek Walsh

• Botany the Beautiful: Plant Evolution, Biology, and Ecology
  September 30 from 6-8 PM  •  Presenter: Derek Walsh

• Fish Tales: Biology and Ecology of our Freshwater Friends
  October 7 from 6-8 PM  •  Presenter: Dr. Rex Strange 

• Walking Through Time: The Science of Old-Growth Forests
  October 14 from 6-8 PM  •  Presenter: Derek Walsh 

JFL Maple League is for children ages 9-12, and 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 that focuses on various environmental topics specific to Southern Indiana. League members will have the chance to engage with their local ecosystem, collaborate with like-minded Evansville peers, and (most importantly) participate in fun team building activities and games.

The goal of the Junior Forest League is to ignite a mindset of environmental stewardship and community engagement. Each Saturday, we will focus on a new topic, incorporating animal encounters, guided hikes, citizen-science projects, and science projects/activities. We make specific adjustments to each session to match Indiana Academic Standards and Earth Charter principles.

Tailored to children ages 3 to 5, Little Eco-Scholars 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: Fridays at 9 AM

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

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

Climate Change: Causes, Consequences, and Challenges for the Future

September 9 from 6-8 PM • Presenter: Derek Walsh

In this comprehensive presentation on climate change, we will explore the science behind this global phenomenon, examining the role of greenhouse gases and both natural and human-driven causes. We will discuss how human activities have drastically altered Earth’s climate over the past few centuries and highlight the projected future climate changes and their far-reaching global consequences. This presentation aims to equip participants with a solid understanding of the science behind climate change and the critical steps we must take to ensure a sustainable future.

Cost: $20 for public / $15 for members and Indiana Master Naturalist Alumni
Email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the promo code.

Other Fall 2024 Topics

• Ecosystem Restoration: Healing our Hurting Planet
  September 16 from 6-8 PM  •  Presenter: Derek Walsh

• Insect BioBlitz
  September 23 from 6-8 PM  •  Presenters: Kevin Wiener and Derek Walsh

• Botany the Beautiful: Plant Evolution, Biology, and Ecology
  September 30 from 6-8 PM  •  Presenter: Derek Walsh

• Fish Tales: Biology and Ecology of our Freshwater Friends
  October 7 from 6-8 PM  •  Presenter: Dr. Rex Strange 

• Walking Through Time: The Science of Old-Growth Forests
  October 14 from 6-8 PM  •  Presenter: Derek Walsh 

JFL Tulip League is for children ages 6-9, and 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 that focuses on various environmental topics specific to Southern Indiana. League members will have the chance to engage with their local ecosystem, collaborate with like-minded Evansville peers, and (most importantly) participate in fun team building activities and games.

The goal of the Junior Forest League is to ignite a mindset of environmental stewardship and community engagement. Each Saturday, we will focus on a new topic, incorporating animal encounters, guided hikes, citizen-science projects, and science projects/activities. We make specific adjustments to each session to match Indiana Academic Standards and Earth Charter principles.

Tailored to children ages 3 to 5, Little Eco-Scholars 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: Fridays at 9 AM

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

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

HOO is ready for Library Day? We are!

Calling all bookworms and nature enthusiasts!

Join us for a magical collaboration between the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library and Wesselman Woods as we embark on a journey that combines the wonder of literature with the beauty of the great outdoors on Saturday, August 3.

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, story time, 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 = 10 AM TO 2 PM

We will take free admission with library cards during all eight hours that we are open!

• 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

  • 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

HOO is ready for this year's first Library Day? We are!

Calling all bookworms and nature enthusiasts! Join us for a magical collaboration between the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library and Wesselman Woods as we embark on a journey that combines the wonder of literature with the beauty of the great outdoors on Saturday, May 25 from 10 AM to 2 PM

Use your library card to check out nature-themed books and storytime kits from the EVPL Outreach Vehicle. No library card? No problem! Sign up for a FREE card with EVPL on-site.

These FREE activities happen as part of our May Family Free Day On Free Days, you and your friends and family can enter Wesselman Woods and enjoy the trails and Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape without worrying about admission!

Schedule

All Day (9 AM to 5 PM) – Self-Guided Hikes and Nature Playscape Free-Play

• 10 AM = Storytime with EVPL

• Storytime not your kids’ jam? Sign up for “Families of a Feather: Bird Anatomy” from 10-11 AM. This is a free activity for ages 8 and up but pre-registration is required.

• 10:30 AM = Themed Craft with EVPL

• 11 AM = Storytime with EVPL and Yoga with Velocity Fitness

• 11:30 AM = Animal Encounter

• 1 PM = Storytime with EVPL

• 1:30 PM = Themed Craft with EVPL

• 2 PM = Animal Encounter

All sessions will focus on two overarching themes: birding 101 and conservation. We aim to provide environmental education, introduce you to elements of citizen science, encourage family bonding, and give you skills that you can take outside of Wesselman Woods.

SPRING DATES AND TOPICS

• MAY 25 - Bird Anatomy ⧫ Library Day

  • Not all birds are created equal! Learn how to identify different parts of birds and how to ID birds in your backyard. EVPL joins us on this journey of discovery with additional activities!

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.

This intensive introductory course offers adults the chance to discover nature and service learning with the support from local researchers, professors, and environmental practitioners.

Let us save this world together – become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

At WW, we use a hybrid virtual/in-person system for our courses. Please see the schedule below for further details on sessions. We allow participants to miss up to two courses during introductory IMN.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for non-members

** 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.

This intensive introductory course offers adults the chance to discover nature and service learning with the support from local researchers, professors, and environmental practitioners.

Let us save this world together – become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

At WW, we use a hybrid virtual/in-person system for our courses. Please see the schedule below for further details on sessions. We allow participants to miss up to two courses during introductory IMN.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for non-members

** 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.

This intensive introductory course offers adults the chance to discover nature and service learning with the support from local researchers, professors, and environmental practitioners.

Let us save this world together – become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

At WW, we use a hybrid virtual/in-person system for our courses. Please see the schedule below for further details on sessions. We allow participants to miss up to two courses during introductory IMN.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for non-members

** 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.

This intensive introductory course offers adults the chance to discover nature and service learning with the support from local researchers, professors, and environmental practitioners.

Let us save this world together – become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

At WW, we use a hybrid virtual/in-person system for our courses. Please see the schedule below for further details on sessions. We allow participants to miss up to two courses during introductory IMN.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for non-members

** 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.

This intensive introductory course offers adults the chance to discover nature and service learning with the support from local researchers, professors, and environmental practitioners.

Let us save this world together – become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

At WW, we use a hybrid virtual/in-person system for our courses. Please see the schedule below for further details on sessions. We allow participants to miss up to two courses during introductory IMN.

IMN Price: $140 for members, $150 for non-members

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