Wesselman Woods partnering with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation to bring students to the preserve through the new “Sprout Initiative”

The Sprout Initiative promotes environmental stewardship and ecological leadership through a connection of education and nature at a young age, embedded into EVSC school lessons.

Evansville, IN —For over 50 years, Wesselman Woods (WW) has provided a place for people to enjoy the wonder of nature and connect to the environment. This 310-acre nature preserve in Evansville, Indiana is the largest tract of virgin forest within city limits in the United States. WW is known for its trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, its offerings of traditional environmental education opportunities, and engaging events.

In 2024, WW is broadening its horizon even further. Through a partnership with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC), WW will spearhead a new series of educational outreach for children called the “Sprout Initiative.”

The Sprout Initiative is an immersive learning experience that complements the EVSC’s English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum modules. This initiative will serve the kindergarten classes of three Title I schools: Delaware, Caze, and Evans.

Kindergartners from these three schools will experience four separate programs during their spring semester that introduce local ecological content relating to their core curriculum.

WW Director of Environmental Education, Payton Broshears, says: “The Education Department at Wesselman Woods is excited to begin the Sprout Initiative in the spring semester. This initiative not only teaches students about their local ecosystems, but it also gives students who have never explored the woods access to nature. Through this program, teachers are also given new tools to introduce local ecological content in an exciting way.”

EVSC Chief Administrative Officer, Kelsey Wright, says: “The core experiences available to students through this exciting new partnership with Wesselman Woods will bring the content of the reading curriculum to life by connecting classroom learning to our local context.”

About the Sprout Initiative

According to geographic data, maps show that the overwhelming majority of EVSC schools lack access to urban green spaces due to lack of proximity.

The Sprout Initiative encourages the younger generation to foster a deeper interest in nature and learn how their habitat is part of the global ecosystem. This program is tailored to complement EVSC curriculum. In addition to academic goals, we want to inspire the interests, attitudes, and motivations of students and teachers regarding nature, biology, ecology, and environmental stewardship – both in the short and long term.

We owe our gratitude to our generous donors who understand the importance of environmental education and the integration of children in urban settings with the forest: Koch Foundation, Mattingly Charities, and the James and Diane Igleheart Family.

Want to contribute to the continuation of the Sprout Initiative?

Donate today at wesselmanwoods.org/donate and include a note that the donation is for the “Sprout Initiative”. For larger contributions, contact WW Director of Development, Jerry Rairdon, at 812-479-0771 or via email.

Questions?

Contact WW Director of Environmental Education, Payton Broshears, at 812-479-0771 or via email.

Wesselman Woods is a 501c(3) not-for-profit, environmental organization founded in 1972 to protect the 310-acre tract in Evansville, Indiana now known as Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. Today, the Wesselman Woods Nature Society is responsible for the management and daily operations of the Nature Preserve, as well as our west side property, Howell Wetlands. Working in partnership with the city of Evansville, Wesselman Woods provides environmental education and outdoor recreation experiences designed to awaken the senses and enrich the lives of the area residents and visitors.