ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Programs of Nature Discovery and Service-Learning for Adults

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 a seasoned nature lover or a curious beginner, our courses are designed to deepen your understanding and connection with the environment.

At Wesselman Woods (WW), we offer various educational courses for adults throughout the year including the Indiana Master Naturalist certification series.

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.

In addition to IMN, we offer educational courses for any adults of any background to learn about various environmental topics. No volunteer hours required for these courses. 

2024 ENVIRONMENTAL Education SESSIONS

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.)

SPRING COURSEs

Dendrochronology (Tree Ring) Workshop - May 2 and 4

Ever wanted to know how old your trees are? Ever thought that the size of a tree indicates its age? Wonder what it is like to core a tree? Discover the answers to these questions when you join Wesselman Woods (WW) for a dendrochronology workshop happening in May 2024.

In each one-day workshop, participants will learn about the fundamentals of tree ring science, the importance of understanding tree ages for forest management, how to physically core a tree, and how to age trees in your own backyard.

We welcome Dr. Jim Speer – dendrochronologist (tree-ring scientist) and professor at Indiana State University to guide guests on this educational journey.

This course is open to the public and no prior education on the topic is required. Guests should wear pants, long sleeve shirts and boots or shoes that can get dirty. Headlamps are recommended for the Thursday evening attendees. Seating is limited for each session.

$25 for the public and $20 for Wesselman Woods members or individuals who have completed IMN. [ Email us for the discount link. ]

Questions? Contact our Director of Natural Resources and Research, Derek Walsh, at 812-479-0771 or derek@wesselmanwoods.org.

Dates

• Thursday, May 2, from 6 - 8:30 PM

• Saturday, May 4, from 9 AM - Noon

About the Presenter

Dr. James H. Speer is a Professor of Geography and Geology at Indiana State University. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Arizona in Geosciences and his Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee in Geography.

He is a biogeographer who uses tree rings to reconstruct environmental variables such as fire history and insect outbreaks. Through his years of studying environmental history, he has realized that humans are operating outside of the natural range of variability for most natural systems which has motivated him to give back to society by being a champion for sustainability at Indiana State University and in the Wabash Valley.

Dr. Speer is a Senior Scholar for the Institute for Community Sustainability, which was established in February 2012. He is the President for Our Green Valley Alliance for Sustainability, on the board for the Terre Foods Cooperative Market, on the Tree Advisory Board for ISU, is a past-president of the Geography Educator’s Network of Indiana, and a past-president of the Tree-Ring Society.

FALL COURSEs

Schedule Coming Soon

September courses cost $25 for the public and $10 for members or individuals who have completed IMN. [ Email us for the discount link. ]