ECO-ACCESS Initiative

People need nature. With this belief in mind, Wesselman Woods created the “Eco-Access Initiative” (EAI) - a program that harnesses the support of our local communities to further establish and ensure equal access to the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States: Wesselman Woods.

If you are seeking sponsorship, scroll below to view available opportunities and complete an application. Please note: sponsorships are limited and dependent on community generosity. Availability will be listed in the sponsorship section.

Know a family, child, or classroom in need? Send them to this page to learn more about the Eco-Access Initiative.

Want to donate to the Eco-Access Initiative? Donors can contribute in various ways to help ensure equal access to Wesselman Woods for all. Sponsorships are used to assist in covering the cost incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature. With your generosity, children and families can experience the forest, create lasting memories, and grow into stronger environmental stewards.

Sponsorship Opportunities For individuals or Families

Criteria for Individual Eligibility:

To receive sponsorships, you must apply using one of the forms within the drop down section. To be eligible for EAI assistance for our programs or memberships, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Currently receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits

• Participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

• Enrolled in Medicaid

• Eligible for free or reduced-price school lunch

• Household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) - https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/federal-poverty-guidelines/

Sponsorship Opportunities FoR Groups

Criteria for Schools or Group Programming Eligibility:

To receive sponsorship, you must apply using the form within the drop down section. To be eligible for EAI assistance for our programs, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• A school classified as Title I

• A school or program where 50% or more of enrolled students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch

• A school or program that demonstrates a focus on serving economically underserved or historically marginalized youth

Other Ways We Provide Access

Wilderness Weekends

Wesselman Woods is a living artifact - our priority is to protect this space at all costs. Given the rarity and importance of this ecosystem, we want to provide FREE days for our constituents so we can share this treasure.

Thanks to a generous donor, Wesselman Woods offers free admission on the last weekend of every month. Your free admission includes over four miles of trails in the Nature Preserve, access to the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

For the Wilderness Weekend dates, visit our calendar.

Eco-Access SPONSORS