ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Programs of Nature Discovery and Service-Learning for Adults
Learning about aquatic macroinvertebrates at Howell Wetlands
Embark on a journey of discovery with our engaging adult nature education courses. Immerse yourself in the beauty and intricacies of the natural world as you learn from knowledgeable instructors and fellow enthusiasts.
Engage in hands-on activities, workshops, and discussions that make learning about nature both informative and enjoyable.
Whether you're walking through an ancient forest, examining plants and animals, or participating in a seed collection, these classes offer unique opportunities to deepen your understanding of our natural world and its challenges. Join us in supporting the Wesselman Woods mission to protect and educate – your participation not only enriches your own knowledge but also contributes to the preservation of our invaluable urban old-growth forest.
No prior education on any of the topics is required. We invite all curious minds to join us!
Looking for continuing education hours for Advanced Indiana Master Naturalist (AIMN)? These courses will fulfill those requirements. (AIMN requires certified individuals to volunteer 30 hours annually and complete 8 hours of education time annually.)
2026 CourseS
*Pricing for the special Environmental Studies sessions in May are $30 for the public and $25 for members and Indiana Master Naturalist Alumni. Email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the promo code.
Meet Your Neighbors: Tree Identification Hike
Saturday, May 9 from 10 AM - Noon • Presenter: Levi O’Brien, Tree Educator and Arborist • Audience: Ages 18+
Levi O’Brien specializes in tree identification, ecology, and biology through hands-on, field-based learning. In this session, he guides participants in tree identification through observation and exploration in the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States.
Sponsored by the Evansville Forest Alliance and Thomas A & Sharon K Ruder Foundation
Woodlore: Cultural History of Trees
Saturday, May 9 from 1-3 PM • Presenter: Levi O’Brien, Tree Educator and Arborist • Audience: Ages 18+
Levi O’Brien blends storytelling with his expertise to explore the cultural and historical relationships between people and trees. In this session, he shares how trees have shaped human history and invites participants to see them through a richer, more connected lens.
Local Stream Fishes: Diversity, Ecology, and Behavior
Thursday, July 23 from 6-8 PM • Presenter: Dr. James Bandoli, Professor Emeritus of Biology at the University of Southern Indiana • Audience: Ages 18+
Cost: $20 for public / $15 for members and Indiana Master Naturalist Alumni
Email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the promo code.
PAST Courses
Secrets of Salamanders
Know Your Trees: ID and Seed Collection
Climate Change: Causes, Consequences, and Challenges for the Future
Ecosystem Restoration: Healing our Hurting Planet
Botany the Beautiful: Plant Evolution, Biology, and Ecology
Fish Tales: Biology and Ecology of our Freshwater Friends
Walking Through Time: The Science of Old-Growth Forests
Sugar Maple Tapping
Radiation and Radon: What You Need to Know
Bryophyte Workshop
Tree Ring Science
"What is Climate Change?"
Fungi Hike
Interpretation Workshop
Environmental Chemistry
