Old-Growth Gazette: November 2025
The autumn colors of Wesselman Woods
Our mission is to preserve and protect Wesselman Woods and Howell Wetlands for future generations through conservation, education, research, and by providing equal access to nature.
A Word from the Executive Director
Read Amy’s reflection on her first year at Wesselman Woods.
Environmental Education
Fall and winter are full of fun in the forest! Find out why you should register your little ones for Junior Forest League or Little Eco-Scholars.
Mews News
How do shorter day-lengths impact wildlife and our own animal ambassadors?
Protect What’s Irreplaceable
A gift today can make centuries of impact. Read about our end of year campaign goal and how your investment can protect this sanctuary.
A Word from the Executive Director
Amy and family at Woodland Wonders
Next week marks my one-year anniversary at Wesselman Woods, and what an amazing first year it has been! I experienced my first Maple Sugarbush Festival standing at the entrance, welcoming nearly 1,500 smiling, hungry faces ready to enjoy delicious Indiana maple syrup with stacks of pancakes on the side.
In May, we celebrated the opening of the Odonata Accessibility Trail with a ribbon cutting, followed by a free admission week during which visitors of all ages and abilities explored the Arwood Family Treehouse and Playscape. Throughout that week—and truly, throughout the entire year—our team has had the joy of hearing from folks returning for the first time since childhood, sharing how amazed they are by everything Wesselman Woods now offers.
This year, significant steps were made in the reforestation efforts on the 23 acres of the former Par 3 golf course, now known as West Meadow. The site has been prepared for sowing over 30 species of native grasses, sedges, and wildflowers adapted to full sun and varying moisture levels. Seeds will be planted this January, and by spring we expect to see the first sprouts. We’re excited to watch this early stage of succession take hold as we plan the next phase of planting native trees and shrubs.
In September, we launched our brand-new festival, Woodland Wonders—a fantastical celebration that exceeded all expectations. The costumes, performers, vendors, food, and brews created a vibrant community gathering with something for everyone. Tickets sold out quickly, so be sure to watch for Woodland Wonders 2026!
These are just a few highlights from my first year, and I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize our small but mighty team and our dedicated volunteers who make it all possible. Their passion for connecting people to this forest shines through in every education program—from Little Eco-Scholars to the Indiana Master Naturalist course—and in the countless volunteer hours spent caring for the forest, wetlands, facilities, and nature center. It is truly an honor to work within such a knowledgeable and conservation-minded community.
Of course, passion and hard work alone aren’t enough to protect this national treasure. It also takes sustained financial support to care for this ancient forest and Howell Wetlands. As we approach the end of the year, please consider making a gift to support our work. And if you're not already a member, we invite you to join us as a steward and protector through one of our many membership levels.
Wishing you all a safe and joyful holiday season!
Sincerely,
Amy Rhodes
Executive Director, Wesselman Woods
Environmental Education
With crisp fall weather on the horizon and a cool winter ahead, Wesselman Woods is ready to welcome families back for another season of outdoor learning and exploration. Our environmental education programs are designed to spark curiosity, foster friendships, and deepen children's connection to the natural world.
Little Eco-Scholars (LES) is perfect for our youngest learners. Through hands-on games, simple projects, and exploratory play in the Nature Playscape, early learners are introduced to foundational ecological and environmental concepts. Activities like scavenger hunts and nature walks give kids a chance to experience the forest up close while learning alongside peers. It's a fun and engaging way for children to begin their journey as nature lovers.
For kids who have outgrown LES, Junior Forest League (JFL) is the next adventure! Designed for ages 6 to 12, JFL encourages children to build confidence in the outdoors while exploring their role as stewards of the environment. Each Saturday brings a new theme, with activities ranging from animal encounters and guided hikes to creative nature-based games and projects. This drop-off program is a favorite among families and our educators, offering kids a safe, supportive space to learn, play, and connect with their local ecosystem.
Whether your child is just beginning to explore nature of is ready for a deeper dive into environmental discovery, Wesselman Woods has a program to help them grow, play, and thrive this fall and winter.
Mews News
Izzy, the peregrine falcon, with one of her toys
How do shorter days affect animals?
Daylength changes sets off many behavioral and physiological changes throughout the forest. Birds feel a restlessness, an urge to move, to go somewhere. Zugunruhe is the perfect word to describe this feeling. The word comes from the German zug which means "move, migrate," and unruhe “anxiety, restlessness”. The feeling is deeply instinctual and can even be observed in nonmigratory birds.
Anxiety goes up and sleep patterns can be disrupted since many birds migrate at night. This is why turning off exterior lights at night, especially during migration season is so important!
Some of our ambassador birds experience zugunruhe too, although their disabilities prevent them from making successful migrations. They get antsy, they don’t want to play (with us), but they want all the food. Enrichment objects and food puzzles can help redirect some of that extra energy. Those activities can be accomplished on their own, too.
We give the birds the time, space, and support they need until they feel like their usual selves again. Until spring migration that is!
Protect What's Irreplaceable
Help us create more fond memories at Howell Wetlands and Wesselman Woods when you donate today!
This forest is ancient — but it is not invincible.
As the year draws to a close, we’re calling on our community to help preserve a national natural landmark unlike any other (Wesselman Woods) and one of the largest urban wetlands in the state of Indiana (Howell Wetlands).
These rare ecosystems don’t just provide beauty and refuge — they clean our air and water, protect biodiversity, and connect people to the natural world.
Sanctuaries like Wesselman Woods or Howell Wetlands can’t protect themselves. Now is the moment to stand up for these vital lands. With your year-end gift, you’ll help us:
Safeguard ancient trees and fragile wetland habitats
Maintain miles of trails and public access to nature in the city
Educate the next generation of environmental stewards
Preserve a legacy that will outlast us all
Our 2025 goal is to raise $70,000 by year’s end to sustain this vital work.
Your gift — whether $25, $250, $2,500, or beyond — helps us safeguard this ancient forest, support our educators, and keep Wesselman Woods open and thriving.
Your donation today shapes the story of tomorrow’s forests and wetlands. Will you join us in protecting these irreplaceable natural treasures?