The Wesselman Woods Night Owls Series is a platform dedicated to exploring the deep connections between society, culture, ecology, and environment.

We invite you to embark on a journey of learning, questioning, and reflecting. In 2024, Wesselman Woods is partnering with Tri-State Creation Care to focus on an overarching theme: Religion and Ecology.

Throughout 2024, the Night Owls Series will present a diverse lineup of speakers, each representing a different religious or spiritual pathway. Our aim is to foster a deeper understanding of the various beliefs and practices that shape our community and their relationship with the natural world.

By engaging with new perspectives, we hope to bridge divides and cultivate a sense of unity in our shared commitment to environmental stewardship, advocacy, and justice.

Admission: FREE | Audience: Ages 18+ | Time: 6-7 PM

November 2024 Kickoff Planting

November 2, 2024 beginning at 9 AM outside of the Tepe Park Clubhouse, located at 1212 S. Garvin Street in Evansville.

Members of the EFA will give brief welcome addresses before City Arborist Shawn Dickerson demonstrates how to properly plant and care for a newly-planted tree. Following this demonstration, volunteers and area residents will break off and use these new skills to plant 18 trees in Tepe Park and 11 more trees in Goosetown Park.

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

A second planting session will take place in the Spring of 2025.

Sign up for our newsletter to learn more, as news becomes available.

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

• October 26-27

• November 30 - December 1

• December 28-29

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.

Opening Up to a New Day

On your feet, participants! Join us as we step into NAMIWalks Your Way 2024, which promises to be a meaningful event. It’s a new day for mental health and we will embrace it together on…

October 26, 2024 at Wesselman Woods

You won’t want to miss it — a vibrant gathering where inspiration can shine on all of us.

We’ll cheer each other on while raising our voices to be heard, united in our commitment to raise awareness of our cause, funds to drive NAMI’s free, top-rated programs, and build community in every sense of the word.

NAMIWalks Your Way will be here before you know it, so register today! Let's open up doors for everyone from every walk of life to have access to the mental health resources and community they deserve.

Mental Health for All — and Always

#Together4MH

The Evansville Trails Coalition mission and vision is to connect people and places, to promote active lifestyles and to see a more vibrant Evansville!

They purpose to collaborate with others in our community to provide activities featuring different areas of the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage, and urban and park trails throughout Evansville.

Sorority Chi Omega and Fraternity FIJI are teaming up to fundraise for Wesselman Woods!

Together, they will host a family friendly event with a variety of fall activities. Their goal? To raise funds and awareness for the preservation and care of owls!

If you give a “hoot”, come out on October 26 between 10 AM to 3 PM for a day full of fun.

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

• October 26-27

• November 30 - December 1

• December 28-29

NEW for 2024!

Free Yoga Sessions at Free Saturdays

Brought to us by Velocity Fitness. Enjoy a 45-minute session of yoga for free each Family Free Day beginning at 11 AM.

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.

Tickets ON SALE IN AUGUST

14th Annual Wandering Owl: Twilight Tasting

Sponsored by Window World, Romain Subaru, and Environmental Management Consultants

This autumnal celebration gives our community the opportunity to come together and...

• Celebrate this cultural and natural treasure in Evansville while savoring great food, beer, and wine in our Nature Playscape and Bird Sanctuary.

• Enjoy special encounters with our resident wildlife.

• Listen to live acoustic music from the local entertainment scene.

Wandering Owl will return on October 19, 2024!

*Wesselman Woods will be closed on Friday and Saturday, October 11-12th, to prepare for the event.

Members receive a $10 discount on tickets! Contact kristina@wesselmanwoods.org for the members-only link.

Vendors and Sponsors

Wesselman Woods is looking for local vendors and sponsors like you to help us make this signature autumn event a success! Corporate sponsors can support our mission and be associated with an event that has become very popular in our community. Sponsors will have a significant presence in all communications leading up to the event and at the event itself.

For more details,
call Wesselman Woods at 812-479-0771

Please note that the sponsorship packages can be modified and enhanced to provide the desired benefits to your organization.

Wesselman Woods will be closed Friday and Saturday, October 18 and 19, for Wandering Owl preparations.

Even though we are closed, you don't have to miss out on nature! Join us at the event!

Wesselman Woods will be closed Friday and Saturday, October 18 and 19, for Wandering Owl preparations.

Even though we are closed, you don't have to miss out on nature! Join us at the event!

Embark on an enchanting adventure with a night hike through Wesselman Woods or Howell Wetlands!

As twilight fades into darkness, the forest comes alive with a symphony of nocturnal sounds. The gentle rustling of leaves, the distant call of an owl, and the soft glow of fireflies create a magical ambiance that transports you to a world far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

These guided night hikes for ages 18 and over will take place in the summer and fall during full moons.

Tickets are very limited! Only 12 spots per session to make your nighttime experience safer and more enjoyable. Register at bit.ly/trailstwilight24

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $5 DISCOUNT **

Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.

ALL DATES

• Wesselman Woods: May 23, September 17, November 15

• Howell Wetlands: October 17

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.

The Evansville Trails Coalition mission and vision is to connect people and places, to promote active lifestyles and to see a more vibrant Evansville!

They purpose to collaborate with others in our community to provide activities featuring different areas of the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage, and urban and park trails throughout Evansville.

Still happening while we are under construction!

The Wesselman Woods Night Owls Series is a platform dedicated to exploring the deep connections between society, culture, ecology, and environment.

We invite you to embark on a journey of learning, questioning, and reflecting. In 2024, Wesselman Woods is partnering with Tri-State Creation Care to focus on an overarching theme: Religion and Ecology.

Throughout 2024, the Night Owls Series will present a diverse lineup of speakers, each representing a different religious or spiritual pathway. Our aim is to foster a deeper understanding of the various beliefs and practices that shape our community and their relationship with the natural world.

By engaging with new perspectives, we hope to bridge divides and cultivate a sense of unity in our shared commitment to environmental stewardship, advocacy, and justice.

Admission: FREE | Audience: Ages 18+ | Time: 6-7 PM

2024 Topics

• Eastern Orthodox & Ecology – October 10

• UCC & Ecology – November 14

Find out more about Wesselman Woods After Dark on our website: wesselmanwoods.org/afterdark

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

• September 28-29

• October 26-27

• November 30 - December 1

• December 28-29

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.

Dust off your yoga mats because Velocity Fitness is bringing yoga to Wesselman Woods again this year!

Lined up with our Family Free Days, Damien Burge will host a 45-minute session of yoga for FREE at 11 AM on the last Saturday of each month.

Yoga sessions will be hosted indoors but, weather-permitting, sessions will be held outside. No RSVP necessary.

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 in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

• September 28-29

• October 26-27

• November 30 - December 1

• December 28-29

NEW for 2024!

Free Yoga Sessions at Free Saturdays

Brought to us by Velocity Fitness. Enjoy a 45-minute session of yoga for free each Family Free Day beginning at 11 AM.

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.

Embark on an enchanting adventure with a night hike through Wesselman Woods or Howell Wetlands!

As twilight fades into darkness, the forest comes alive with a symphony of nocturnal sounds. The gentle rustling of leaves, the distant call of an owl, and the soft glow of fireflies create a magical ambiance that transports you to a world far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

These guided night hikes for ages 18 and over will take place in the summer and fall during full moons.

Tickets are very limited! Only 12 spots per session to make your nighttime experience safer and more enjoyable. Register at bit.ly/trailstwilight24

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $5 DISCOUNT **

Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.

ALL DATES

• Wesselman Woods: May 23, September 17, November 15

• Howell Wetlands: October 17

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.

The Wesselman Woods Night Owls Series is a platform dedicated to exploring the deep connections between society, culture, ecology, and environment.

We invite you to embark on a journey of learning, questioning, and reflecting. In 2024, Wesselman Woods is partnering with Tri-State Creation Care to focus on an overarching theme: Religion and Ecology.

Throughout 2024, the Night Owls Series will present a diverse lineup of speakers, each representing a different religious or spiritual pathway. Our aim is to foster a deeper understanding of the various beliefs and practices that shape our community and their relationship with the natural world.

By engaging with new perspectives, we hope to bridge divides and cultivate a sense of unity in our shared commitment to environmental stewardship, advocacy, and justice.

Admission: FREE | Audience: Ages 18+ | Time: 6-7 PM

2024 Topics

• Catholicism & Ecology – September 12

• Eastern Orthodox & Ecology – October 10

• UCC & Ecology – November 14

Find out more about Wesselman Woods After Dark on our website: wesselmanwoods.org/afterdark

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

• August 31 - September 1

• September 28-29

• October 26-27

• November 30 - December 1

• December 28-29

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.

Do you remember the first time you ever connected with a song?

Do you have songs that bring you to core moment — a kiss, a funeral, a birthday, a goodbye? For the Sake of the Song is music festival celebrating that tie.

Join us for the second annual For the Sake of the Song music festival at Odonata Lake Amphitheater at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve in Evansville, Indiana.

The full lineup is coming soon!

There will also be food trucks and the Bokeh Lounge Beer Garden. Admission to the event is free and open to all.

Admission to the event is 100 percent free and open to all ages.

Lineup

• Coming Soon

Roundtable Performances

• Coming Soon

Let's Dance!

Velocity Fitness instructor, Lonita Bennett, will guide attendees in a Zumba lesson at Wesselman Woods.

Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance-based fitness program that combines aerobic training with choreographed dance moves to burn calories and tone muscles. We welcome newbies and seasoned pros alike! Proceeds from the $8 admission fee go directly to Wesselman Woods.

This session will take place following the free yoga session provided by Damien Burge of Velocity Fitness. Come for one or both activities! Because this event takes place on a "Wilderness Weekend", you can explore the trails and Nature Playscape after your workout.

RSVPs are required and space is limited so sign up today.

Reminder: due to construction, there is currently an alternate route into Wesselman Woods. This route is accessible in two ways:

• Option 1: Access via East Franklin Street (the road BEHIND Swonder Ice Arena). Turn left onto the new connector road.

• Option 2: Access via the Lloyd Expressway. Go north on Vann and turn left on Division Street. Follow the road back and turn right onto the new connector road.

Dust off your yoga mats because Velocity Fitness is bringing yoga to Wesselman Woods again this year!

Lined up with our Family Free Days, Damien Burge will host a 45-minute session of yoga for FREE at 11 AM on the last Saturday of each month.

Yoga sessions will be hosted indoors but, weather-permitting, sessions will be held outside. No RSVP necessary.

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 in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

• August 31 - September 1

• September 28-29

• October 26-27

• November 30 - December 1

• December 28-29

NEW for 2024!

Free Yoga Sessions at Free Saturdays

Brought to us by Velocity Fitness. Enjoy a 45-minute session of yoga for free each Family Free Day beginning at 11 AM.

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.

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

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

• July 27-28

• August 31 - September 1

• September 28-29

• October 26-27

• November 30 - December 1

• December 28-29

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.

Dust off your yoga mats because Velocity Fitness is bringing yoga to Wesselman Woods again this year!

Lined up with our Family Free Days, Damien Burge will host a 45-minute session of yoga for FREE at 11 AM on the last Saturday of each month.

Yoga sessions will be hosted indoors but, weather-permitting, sessions will be held outside. No RSVP necessary.

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 in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

• July 27-28

• August 31 - September 1

• September 28-29

• October 26-27

• November 30 - December 1

• December 28-29

NEW for 2024!

Free Yoga Sessions at Free Saturdays

Brought to us by Velocity Fitness. Enjoy a 45-minute session of yoga for free each Family Free Day beginning at 11 AM.

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.

The Wesselman Woods Night Owls Series is a platform dedicated to exploring the deep connections between society, culture, ecology, and environment.

We invite you to embark on a journey of learning, questioning, and reflecting. In 2024, Wesselman Woods is partnering with Tri-State Creation Care to focus on an overarching theme: Religion and Ecology.

Throughout 2024, the Night Owls Series will present a diverse lineup of speakers, each representing a different religious or spiritual pathway. Our aim is to foster a deeper understanding of the various beliefs and practices that shape our community and their relationship with the natural world.

By engaging with new perspectives, we hope to bridge divides and cultivate a sense of unity in our shared commitment to environmental stewardship, advocacy, and justice.

Admission: FREE | Audience: Ages 18+ | Time: 6-7 PM

2024 Topics

• Hinduism & Ecology – July 11

• Catholicism & Ecology – September 12

• Eastern Orthodox & Ecology – October 10

• UCC & Ecology – November 14

Find out more about Wesselman Woods After Dark on our website: wesselmanwoods.org/afterdark