Introducing: West Meadow

Artemis, our Eastern Screech Owl Ambassador, visits West Meadow

Wesselman Woods (WW) Executive Director Amy Rhodes announced plans to move forward with the reforestation of the 23-acre former Par 3 golf course, now named Wesselman Woods West Meadow. In 2023, Wesselman Nature Society accepted the agreement to manage these additional 23-acres, just west of the nature preserve, in partnership with the City of Evansville’s Parks and Recreation Department.

This multi-year ecological restoration initiative aims to transform the disturbed land into a thriving bottomland forest, beginning with a native Indiana meadow. These efforts are being funded in part by a $29,450 grant from the Vanderburgh County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD), through the Lower Pigeon Creek Watershed Initiative. The grant requires a 25% match, which WW will provide through financial and in-kind contributions, in collaboration with local partners.

"It’s encouraging to have strong financial support for improving water and soil quality, reducing emissions, and restoring greenspace for community enjoyment,” said Rhodes. “We are thrilled by the enthusiasm and collaboration from our donors and local partners.”

Reforestation Phases & Timeline

The ecological restoration will begin with the careful removal of invasive turf grass using herbicides, followed by the dormant season sowing of native seed. The meadow will include grasses, sedges, and wildflowers indigenous to Indiana. While the full establishment of the perennial plants may take up to three years, the transformation will begin immediately in 2025.

“We’re inviting the Evansville community to join us in transforming what is now an ecological desert into a habitat rich with biodiversity,” Rhodes added. “It’s a process that requires patience, as we shift from a human timeline to nature’s pace.”

West Meadow Timeline

  • Summer 2025: Eradicate turf grass with 3-4 herbicide applications

  • Winter 2025–26: Sow native seed using no-till seed drill during dormant season

  • Spring–Fall 2026: Mow to 4-6 inches to suppress weeds and support perennial growth

  • Spring & Fall 2027: Mow twice (May & November) to manage weed pressure

  • Summer 2028: Established meadow requires minimal maintenance; spot-treat invasive species as needed

Community Collaboration

Wesselman Woods is partnering with several organizations to bring West Meadow to life, including:

  • Vanderburgh County SWCD

  • City of Evansville Parks and Recreation Department

  • Posey County Co-Op

  • Ancient Roots Native Nursery

  • Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever

  • Bower-Suhrheinrich Foundation

  • University of Evansville ChangeLab

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF) will contribute labor and equipment, including the use of a no-till seed drill. “Team Indiana is proud to support the conservation efforts of Wesselman Woods and honored to assist in rewilding the Par 3 golf course into a nature-based successional pathway,” said John Kinney, Indiana State Coordinator for PFQF.  The native seed for the low-stature meadow will be purchased from Spence Restoration Nursery (Muncie, IN) and installed this winter.

Paul Bouseman, Deputy Director of Evansville’s Parks and Recreation Department, praised the initiative:

“We are thrilled to partner with Wesselman Nature Society in the establishment of Wesselman Woods West Meadow. This transition from high maintenance turf grass into a lower maintenance meadow at Wesselman Park is an action item from the 2023 Parks Masterplan. This move will decrease air pollution and increase pollinator habitat while providing residents with natural trails in a beautiful setting.”

You can find out additional details and stay updated about the Wesselman Woods West Meadow project by visiting the dedicated webpage.

Conservation, EducationKristina Arwoodwest meadow, meadow, prairie, native, native species, native pollinators, flowers, timeline