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.

Learn more about the Wesselman Woods Sprout Initiative to understand the importance of equal access to nature.

Donate to EAI
Partnering Organizations
Eco-Access Sponsors

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)

  • Be enrolled in Medicaid

  • Eligible for free or reduced-price school lunch

  • Household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)

  • Wesselman Woods receives names of interested families from local partners. WW pairs those families with available sponsorships. A sponsored membership covers all individuals that reside in the same household; may include nanny or caregiver.

    Apply Now

  • Our Junior Forest League program offers nature-based activities for children ages 6 - 12 interested in the environment. League members will have the chance to engage with their local ecosystem, collaborate with like-minded peers, and participate in fun team building activities and games.

    Apply Now

    Or learn more about Junior Forest League on our website.

  • Wesselman Woods camps create experiences for children to explore the largest urban old-growth forest. Our camps are educationally and experientially impactful. We offer weekly summer camps that include Wesselman Woods favorites like animal encounter, guided hikes, and Nature Playscape exploration.

    Learn more about Wesselman Woods camps on our Summer Camps webpage.

    Apply Now

Sponsorship Opportunities FoR Group Registration

Criteria for Schools or Group Registration 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

  • Wesselman Woods wants to ensure everyone has the opportunity to receive quality environmental education and has the opportunity to explore this rare ecosystem.

    What will the sponsored classroom/group receive?

    • One on-site or off-site program that connects classroom curriculum to the local environment.

      • The classroom/group will have the option of choosing between Wesselman Woods or Howell Wetlands for an on-site program.

    Apply Now

Other Ways We Provide Access

Eco-Access Initiative Partners

Wesselman Woods recognizes these organizations as Eco-Access partners through their dedication to education and promotion of environmentally sustainable practices and conservation.

  • Evansville Audubon Society

  • Indiana Native Plant Society Southwest Chapter

  • Vanderburgh County Soil and Water Conservation District

Library Family Passes

With the Wesselman Woods Family Pass, you and your family can explore this ancient forest for free and attend any free-with-admission programs by checking out a pass from partner libraries.

View the list of partnering libraries below to see which location near you checks out the Library Family Pass.

    • Alexandrian Public Library (Mount Vernon, IN)

    • Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (EVPL)

    • Henderson County Public Library (HCPL)

    • Jasper-Dubois County Public Library

    • Lincoln Heritage Public Library

    • Newburgh Chandler Public Library

    • Oakland City Columbia Township Public Library

    • Owensville Carnegie Library

    • Poseyville Carnegie Library

    • Spencer County Public Library (SCPL)

    • Working Men's Institute Museum & Library (WMI)

Eco-Access SPONSORS

Thank you to our sponsors and donors for further establishing equal access to nature and environmental education.

  • James R. & Adelaide H. Duncan Foundation