Join us at Wesselman Woods to explore, learn, and experience the richness of an urban old-growth forest. From infants to our friends in retirement, our programs will engage the curiosity of every participant and offer hands-on discovery.

ON-SITE GROUP PROGRAMS

Wesselman Woods is a busy place. Please make your reservation at least two months in advance of your arrival to Wesselman Woods.

We can only accommodate groups under 50 participants for a guided program. If your group is larger than 50 participants, you must split the group up into a two-day program or consider a self-guided experience. 

• Program days are Wednesdays and Fridays during April - May, and Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays during September - November.

Each participant (students and adult chaperones) during the program is $6. Chaperones will pay at the front desk upon arrival. Teachers and bus drivers are free.

Title I schools are eligible for a sponsorship. Click here for more details.

If you have any questions about registering or payment options, please email Payton Broshears at payton@wesselmanwoods.org.

We look forward to having you on this incredible adventure with us!

OFF-SITE GROUP PROGRAMS

For an outreach program, please fill out this form at least two months in advance of your desired program date.

The cost of an outreach program is a flat rate of $150 per classroom. This includes the cost of human traveling, wildlife traveling, and up to 75 participants. If you pay by check, please ensure that the check is made out to Wesselman Woods.

Outreach programs can include animal encounters, biofact exploration, and/or guided activities. Programs can last from thirty minutes - two hours.

Title I schools are eligible for a sponsorship. Visit our Classroom Sponsorship page for more information!

Questions? Email Payton Broshears at payton@wesselmanwoods.org.

The Environmental Education Department at Wesselman Woods is equipped with highly-experienced environmental leaders who educate with the ambitious intention to ignite positive environmental, ecological and social change within the community and region.

As changemakers, we are constantly adapting and discovering our niches within the community to deliver the highest quality environmental and ecological programs in the Tri-State region.

Our goal here at Wesselman Woods is to provide you with an experience that will not only connect you to our local environment, but it will enrich your understanding of the environmental and ecological importance and integrity of Southwestern Indiana.

Our programs for children range from pop-up programs happening once a day to monthly programs focusing on environmental science for all-ages. We also host programs for parents and children to explore in the Nature Playscape together.

Junior Forest League

Igniting a mindset of environmental stewardship and encouraging community engagement for local youth.

Saturdays will be a day of forest exploration for your children. Our focus? Environmental topics specific to Southern Indiana.

Junior Forest League (JFL) is a monthly program which focuses on various environmental topics specific to Southern Indiana. League members will have the chance to engage with their local ecosystem, collaborate with like-minded Evansville peers, and (most importantly) participate in fun team building activities and games.

Each Saturday, we will focus on a new topic, incorporating animal encounters, guided hikes, citizen-science projects, and science projects/activities. We have taken into account to make specific adjustments to each session to match Indiana Academic Standards and Earth Charter principles.

Schedule

All sessions: 10 AM - 2 PM with snack included. ** Campers should pack their own lunch **

Breakdown of each session:

• 10 AM - Noon = animal encounters, guided hikes, projects, experiments, games, etc.

• Noon - 2 PM = Lunch and exploration at Nature Playscape or Bird Sanctuary

Cost

$40 per session for non-members/$30 for members. Purchase all sessions early and save even more!

Contact the Director of Environmental Education for the members-only link.

Members receive early access and discounted rates for all environmental education programs!

Need financial assistance? We can help! Please contact Director of Environmental Education for further details.

Preregister today!

By becoming a NPD, they will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, systems-based thinking, and business acumen. Ultimately, they will become advocates for ecopreneurship and environmental stewardship amongst their peers. NPDs will be asked to attend WW events and select programs. They will serve our community as the face of the Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape from Summer 2022 until Summer 2023. They will also meet seasonally with the Director of Environmental Education.

Why add this position? Adulthood may confine our minds to societal norms and pressures but children do not conform to any such ideas. They have a natural creative approach to life and offer unique perspectives that adults may overlook. Having NPDs on the Wesselman Woods team would add a new level of creativity and uniqueness to our Environmental Education Department.

For any questions about the position or application, contact our Director of Environmental Education.

2023 Summer camps