Tree Ring Science (Dendrochronology) Workshop - May 2 and 4

Ever wanted to know how old your trees are? Ever thought that the size of a tree indicates its age? Wonder what it is like to core a tree? Discover the answers to these questions when you join Wesselman Woods (WW) for a dendrochronology workshop happening in May 2024.

In each one-day workshop, participants will learn about the fundamentals of tree ring science, the importance of understanding tree ages for forest management, how to physically core a tree, and how to age trees in your own backyard.

Dates

• Thursday, May 2, from 6 - 8:30 PM

• Saturday, May 4, from 9 AM - Noon

We welcome Dr. Jim Speer – dendrochronologist (tree-ring scientist) and professor at Indiana State University to guide guests on this educational journey.

This course is open to the public and no prior education on the topic is required. Guests should wear pants, long sleeve shirts and boots or shoes that can get dirty. Headlamps are recommended for the Thursday evening attendees. Seating is limited for each session.

$25 for the public and $20 for Wesselman Woods members or individuals who have completed IMN.

[ Email us for the discount link. ]

Questions? Contact our Director of Natural Resources and Research, Derek Walsh, at 812-479-0771 or derek@wesselmanwoods.org.

You’re Invited!

Wesselman Woods will open its gates for FREE in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day.

Tuesday, April 23 - Sunday, April 28

during regular operating hours
Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM

Save the date, grab the sunscreen, and pack your water bottle for a week full of outdoor enjoyment.

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.

You’re Invited!

Wesselman Woods will open its gates for FREE in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day.

Tuesday, April 23 - Sunday, April 28

during regular operating hours
Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM

Save the date, grab the sunscreen, and pack your water bottle for a week full of outdoor enjoyment.

You’re Invited!

Wesselman Woods will open its gates for FREE in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day.

Tuesday, April 23 - Sunday, April 28

during regular operating hours
Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM

Save the date, grab the sunscreen, and pack your water bottle for a week full of outdoor enjoyment.

You’re Invited!

Wesselman Woods will open its gates for FREE in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day.

Tuesday, April 23 - Sunday, April 28

during regular operating hours
Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM

Save the date, grab the sunscreen, and pack your water bottle for a week full of outdoor enjoyment.

You’re Invited!

Wesselman Woods will open its gates for FREE in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day.

Tuesday, April 23 - Sunday, April 28

during regular operating hours
Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM

Save the date, grab the sunscreen, and pack your water bottle for a week full of outdoor enjoyment.

You’re Invited!

Wesselman Woods will open its gates for FREE in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day.

Tuesday, April 23 - Sunday, April 28

during regular operating hours
Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM

Save the date, grab the sunscreen, and pack your water bottle for a week full of outdoor enjoyment.

Earth Day at Wesselman Woods

Saturday, April 20 from 10 AM to 2 PM

Together, we can Change Culture for the Climate!

Each year, Wesselman Woods celebrates Earth Day with a free community event centered around how individuals can make a difference in their personal lives and in the community at-large. This multi-organization day celebrates nature and promotes sustainability, environmental, and ecological education.

Earth Day 2024 will take place at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center on Saturday, April 20 with free guided activities at tables from 10 AM to 2 PM

(Wesselman Woods trails and the Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape will be available for free from 9 AM to 5 PM.)  

Local food trucks will be available outside of the gates of WW from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Over 25 organizations who are also passionate about the future of our planet will join us this year to enhance this celebration with their own activities and information. With their help, we can begin to “change culture for the climate.”

We are so fortunate to have the largest tract of urban old-growth forest right here in Evansville so experience this ecological and cultural treasure by joining us at Wesselman Woods to celebrate all things EARTH!

Questions? Contact us at 812-479-0771 or via email.

Additional Activities Schedule:

10 a.m. – Guided Hikes

10:30 a.m. – Animal Encounter

11 a.m. – Storytime

11:30 a.m. – Guided Hikes

Noon – Animal Encounter

1 p.m. – Storytime

1:30 p.m. – Guided Hikes

2 p.m. – Animal Encounter

Community Partners

• Ancient Roots Native Nursery

• Vanderburgh County CISMA

• Climate Collaborative

• Indiana Department of Natural Resources

• Evansville Audubon Society

• Evansville Jr. Rockhounds

• EVPL

• Faith, Hope, Action

• Fly Fishing Club

• Indiana Native Plant Society

• International Crane Foundation

• Second Nature

• Seton Harvest

• Solar United Neighbors

• Susan Fowler

• Southwestern Indiana Master Gardeners Association

• Sycamore Land Trust

• Evansville Trails Coalition

• Tristate Creation Care

• University of Evansville

• Urban Seeds 

• Wild Birds Unlimited

• Woods & Stems

• Wessleman Woods Book by Meghan Reffett

• Ziliak Books

FOOD VENDORS

Food trucks will be available outside of the Wesselman Woods gates from 11 AM to 2 PM

• Bodine’s Newsstand

• Brisket Biscuit

• Cinia's Salvadorian Kitchen

• Little Jimmy’s Italian Ices of Southern Indiana

• Nathan’s Famous Food Truck

• Nicholson’s Old Fashioned

• Sabor Colombia

• Zia Smoke BBQ LLC

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Window World | Methodist Temple UMC | Torian Insurance | Romain Subaru | Schnucks | Ancient Roots Native Nursery

The Wesselman Woods Night Owls Series is a platform dedicated to exploring the deep connections between society, culture, ecology, and environment. This series embodies our deep connection to the Earth. It offers practical insights and encourages responsible actions, fostering a deeper understanding of the interrelationships between these interconnected facets of life.

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.

Seats are limited! RSVP today.

Admission: FREE

Audience: Ages 18+

Cap: 30 people

Time: 6-7 PM

2024 Topics

• Methodists & Ecology – April 11

• Judaism & Ecology – May 9

• Islam & Ecology – June 13

• Hinduism & Ecology – July 11

• Catholicism & Ecology – September 12

• Eastern Orthodox & Ecology – October 10

• UCC & Ecology – November 14

JOIN US FOR NATURE’S GREATEST SIGHT: THE 2024 TOTAL ECLIPSE!

Monday, April 8, 2024 beginning at 11 AM

Event Mission: To bring together diverse communities in a safe space to enjoy nature's greatest sight as well as food, performances, and music. Commune with the eclipse; enjoy as one.

• Located on the former “Par 3” golf course in Wesselman Park

• Festival begins at 11 AM

• Hard stop on all festival activities at 1:45 PM to prepare for 2:00 PM total eclipse

• Partial phase of the eclipse will last about an hour and the total eclipse will last 3-4 minutes.

You are invited to witness the total solar eclipse happening on Monday, April 8th, 2024 at the former “Par 3” Golf Course in Wesselman Park. The festival will begin at 11 AM and it will feature activities, musical performances, food trucks, and more!

COME PREPARED!

• Don’t forget your safety eyewear and sunscreen! We will have a limited number of eclipse glasses for sale.

• Internet signal and cell phone strength may be shaky! Come prepared to make purchases with cash, just in case.

• Make sure to arrive early to secure a parking space in the former Robert’s Stadium parking lot.

  • The Boeke Road entrance to Wesselman Park parking will be CLOSED with limited space inside the park reserved for volunteers, entertainment, and food trucks.

• Feel free to bring along your picnic blankets and chairs. You can pack a lunch, too!

• Food trucks will be available. See the list below.

• We kindly ask that if you pack it in, please pack it out. Which means, please take all your items and all of your trash with you – let's leave the area as beautiful as we found it!

Partnering organizations include:

• African American Museum (EAAM) - Kori Miller, RheAnn Driskell, Art McDonald

• Centro Latino + Americano and FIESTA Evansville - represented by Abraham Brown

• Haitian Center of Evansville - represented by Gelina Mascoe

• Indiana Evansville Marshallese Community, Inc. - represented by Enos Junior Tibnol

• Wesselman Woods

• Zero Waste Evansville

By supporting the work of each of these organizations, you are helping us strengthen our bond as one community. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event, so don’t miss out!

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS!

Window World | CenterPoint Energy Foundation | Romain Subaru | Hampton Inn East | Green River Kiwanis Club | Methodist Temple UMC | 104.1 WIKY | WABX 107.5 | Republic Services | Sixth and Zero | Keep Evansville Beautiful | CRS OneSource

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.

¡Disfruta de los senderos gratis hoy!

Wesselman Woods estará abierto de forma gratuita el último sábado de cada mes en 2024.

Visítenos y disfrute de más de 4 millas de senderos, el parque natural de 5 acres de la Fundación Bautista Welborn, la casa del árbol de la familia Arwood y el santuario de aves de la familia Bernhardt.

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last Saturday 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.

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.

Multicultural Community Days

We’ll be hosting our event partners for special community days in honor of our 2024 Total Eclipse Festival—Nature’s Greatest Sight.

• January 27 - Marshallese Community Day in partnership with Indiana Evansville Marshallese Community, Inc.

• February 24 - African American Museum and Haitian Community Day in partnership with the Haitian Center of Evansville

• March 30 - Latino Community Day in partnership with Centro Latino + Americano and FIESTA Evansville

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.

Wesselman Woods offices and trails are closed today due to preparations for the Maple Sugarbush Festival.

Guests can purchase tickets for the event online or in-person at the Nature Center.

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 Saturday 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.

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.

Multicultural Community Days

We’ll be hosting our event partners for special community days in honor of our 2024 Total Eclipse Festival—Nature’s Greatest Sight.

• February 24 - African American Museum and Haitian Community Day in partnership with the Haitian Center of Evansville

• March 30 - Latino Community Day in partnership with Centro Latino + Americano and FIESTA Evansville

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.

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $5 DISCOUNT ** Please email us for the discount link.

Everyone loves a game night. So join us for Sips at Sunset: Boards & Brews on Saturday, February 17 at 5:30 PM!

Sips at Sunset: Boards & Brews at Wesselman Woods features nature-based board games and charcuterie boards, paired with a selection of beer and wine. Come out to play and learn something new about nature. Guests also have the chance to win one of our door prizes.

Spots are limited to 50 attendees, so don’t miss out! Get your $30 tickets today at bit.ly/sipsboard2024. Members receive a $5 discount!

Thank you to our sponsors The Gaming Guild, CenterPoint Energy, and Atlas Van Lines ❤️

A “thank you” hike for our members!

In honor of members like you, we are hosting a series of hikes with staff members to ring in the new year with a breath of fresh air.

Join Zach Garcia on Friday, February 2, or Derek Walsh on Saturday, February 3, for one of their 45-minute guided hikes.

All ages are welcome! Each 45-minute session will be limited to 20 signups. These hikes will be hosted rain or shine (but, in case of more severe weather, this event will be rescheduled).

Are you a new member? Didn’t see the email with the RSVP? Reach out to us via email and we’ll get you the proper link!

Two Time Options: 11 AM hike or Noon hike

Lead: Derek Walsh, Director of Natural Resources and Research

Size: Each time slot is limited to 20 people, so sign up today!

A “thank you” hike for our members!

In honor of members like you, we are hosting a series of hikes with staff members to ring in the new year with a breath of fresh air.

Join Zach Garcia on Friday, February 2, or Derek Walsh on Saturday, February 3, for one of their 45-minute guided hikes.

All ages are welcome! Each 45-minute session will be limited to 20 signups. These hikes will be hosted rain or shine (but, in case of more severe weather, this event will be rescheduled).

Are you a new member? Didn’t see the email with the RSVP? Reach out to us via email and we’ll get you the proper link!

Two Time Options: 11 AM hike or Noon hike

Lead: Zach Garcia, Executive Director

Size: Each time slot is limited to 20 people, so sign up today!

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 Saturday 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.

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.

Multicultural Community Days

We’ll be hosting our event partners for special community days in honor of our 2024 Total Eclipse Festival—Nature’s Greatest Sight.

• January 27 - Marshallese Community Day in partnership with Indiana Evansville Marshallese Community, Inc.

• February 24 - African American Museum and Haitian Community Day in partnership with the Haitian Center of Evansville

• March 30 - Latino Community Day in partnership with Centro Latino + Americano and FIESTA Evansville

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.

Wesselman Woods Nature Center • Tuesday, December 19 at 6 PM

Join us for a discussion about the science behind eclipses with our guest, Dr. Kent Scheller!

This is a free event for ages 18+. Register today to save your seat!

Come to Wesselman Woods for our new “After Dark Series”! This includes Night Owls, Sips at Sunset, and Trails at Twilight.

Sharing wisdom through science and stories. Join us for chill, scientific discussions of various topics in ecological, environmental, and social research.

Night Owls is an hour-long program where a scholarly article is discussed. These meetups will take place outside (weather willing; otherwise, discussions may take place inside the Nature Center).

This is a free program, open to the public, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of every other month. Dates are listed below. Topics include Climate Change and the Future of Maple Tapping, Carbon Neutral Indiana, Playful Animal Behavior, Importance of Old-Growth Forests, Eco-Queer Theory, and Environmental Justice. Guests are welcome to bring drinks and snacks!

Admission: FREE!

Audience: Ages 18+

Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Cap: 30 people

Dates: Last Thursday, every other month.

TOPICS

• November 30: Environmental Justice

Wesselman Woods will be CLOSED on both Thursday and Friday (11/23 and 24) so our staff can enjoy Thanksgiving with their families and friends.

We will see you back in the forest on Saturday, 11/25, which is also a FREE DAY

Wesselman Woods will be CLOSED on both Thursday and Friday (11/23 and 24) so our staff can enjoy Thanksgiving with their families and friends.

We will see you back in the forest on Saturday, 11/25, which is also a FREE DAY

The International Crane Foundation returns to Wesselman Woods to teach us more about the “Cranes Over" Indiana” program.

Sign-up today!

Opening Up to a New Day

On your feet, participants! Join us as we step into NAMIWalks Your Way 2023, which promises to be our most meaningful event ever. It’s a new day for mental health and we will embrace it together on…

October 21, 2023 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

This Week’s Location: Wesselman Woods

Ever wondered what happens in the forest and wetlands at night? Let’s explore the nocturnal ecology of Wesselman Woods and Howell Wetlands!

These hikes will take place in the summer and fall. Guests will have the chance to see what happens at night at Wesselman Woods and Howell Wetlands. Make sure to bring your bug spray and don’t forget those flashlights or head lamps!

Members receive a $5 discount on tickets! Contact info@wesselmanwoods.org for the members-only link.

Grab your spot today! 

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 may not be suitable for everyone.

Admission: $15 Non-Members/$10 Members

Audience: 18+

Program length: 2-hour hike

Time: 8:30-10 p.m.

2023 Dates

• Wesselman Woods: July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20

• Howell Wetlands: August 25, September 22

UPDATE: Due to the likelihood of inclement weather (cold temp, possible light rains, and gusts of wind), we're moving the party to the Nature Center!

13th Annual Wandering Owl: Twilight Tasting

Each year, Wesselman Woods brings the community together for the Wandering Owl Twilight Tasting. This autumnal celebration gives us the opportunity to appreciate this cultural and natural treasure in Evansville while savoring great food, beer, and wine in our nature preserve. Guests can also enjoy special encounters with our resident wildlife.

All proceeds from this event help fund our future projects and programming so raise a glass with us each October!

—— PLEASE NOTE: Wesselman Woods nature center and trails will be closed on Friday and Saturday, October 13-14, to prepare for the event. ——

Learn more about our sponsors online: Window World | Old National Bank | Romain Subaru | Atlas World Group | Environmental Management Consultants | Envive Healthcare of Evansville

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.