GET INVOLVED

Wesselman Woods impacts over 30,000 people a year, but we cannot continue our work without your support. Wesselman Nature Society was established in 1972. Since then, an amazing number of people have given of their time, talent, and treasure to protect this 200-acre old growth forest so generations to come will be able to experience the wonder of nature. We ask that you show your support through a tax-deductible contribution. Please donate today!

Wesselman Woods invites you to become a partner in conservation in the greater Evansville, Indiana area. Your valuable support enables us to protect acres of unique wildlife habitat and educate visitors as to the importance of these natural treasures. Although our properties are owned by the City of Evansville, Wesselman Woods is responsible for generating nearly all operational and programming funds. This is only possible through the support of the hundreds of caring people who become members. Won’t you join us?

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Thank you for your interest in volunteer service with Wesselman Woods! Volunteers are critical to our success.

Our volunteers are a diverse group of individuals who are committed to making a difference in their community. Without their talents and dedication, we could not do what we do.  Whether you have an hour or a day, we hope you will consider joining Wesselman Woods in our mission to create experiences that connect people with nature, motivate them to lead sustainable lives and take action to protect our environment.

Learn more about our volunteering and intern program on our page and sign up today!

ECO-ACCESS INITIATIVE

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

Find out more about these sponsorships on our Eco-Access Initiative webpage.

Know a family in need? Ask them to sign up to become a sponsored family, camper, or classroom!

Community Partners

It takes more than a body of staff and volunteers to protect this special place for future generations. We rely on the support of our community and charitable organizations to help preserve and protect both Wesselman Woods and Howell Wetlands.

With donations and sponsorships from community partners like those mentioned below, Wesselman Nature Society can continue its overarching vision to connect people and nature in meaningful ways.

 

Alcoa Foundation

Alcoa Foundation’s mission is to invest where Alcoa has a presence, partnering with communities to address local needs in a sustainable manner. Their corporate giving strategy and targeted employee volunteerism efforts are focused on doing the best for those who live and work in the places we call home.

Philanthropic efforts by the Foundation are focused on support for programs that complement sustainability initiatives. Working together with our nonprofit partners, Alcoa Foundation contributes to programs that protect and preserve the environment while also promoting equitable access to education and skills-building opportunities.

Throughout the years, the Alcoa Foundation has been a consistent community partner with Wesselman Woods, providing invaluable volunteer assistance in addition to monetary donations! Most recently, they donated another $40,000 in the Summer of 2023 toward an accessibility project involving raised boardwalks. More details on this project to come!

 

Window World of Evansville

Evansville's Exterior Remodeler. Window World of Evansville installs energy-efficient windows, doors, siding, and more for homeowners throughout southeast Indianapolis, northwest Kentucky and southeast Illinois. They rank highest in Customer Satisfaction among Window and Patio Door Retailers and #1 in Price, Ordering and Delivery, Sales Staff and Service by J.D. Power.

For the second year in a row, we are proud to have ALL of our events sponsored by Joe Bush and his team at our local Window World (located right next to Wesselman Woods)! Stop by 4001 Vogel Road and show your support or visit their website to find your all of your window, siding, and roofing needs.

 

Ancient Roots Native Nursery

Ancient Roots is a small family-owned business whose adventure began with the desire to restore personal property back to nature by using native plants that have evolved with the wildlife. In doing so, they learned how devastating invasive species and forest deprivation is to the native wildlife and our planet. Out of this growing knowledge became a passion to create beautiful, natural, ecological landscapes and habitats.

Their mission is to promote the necessity of native plants to people, wildlife and the ecosystem. Ancient Roots helps create beautiful landscapes to be enjoyed for years to come that will support birds, butterflies, pollinators and more. Birds and pollinators can be invited into even the smallest yards.

Visit their website to learn more or follow them on Facebook!

Ancient Roots will be donating the cost of consultation for the massive reforestation project on the former Par 3 golf course in Wesselman Woods, as well as the cost of germinating native seeds to be planted there.

 

Methodist Temple: United Methodist Church

Methodist Temple first crossed paths with Wesselman Woods when they chose to sponsor the cost of a family membership for every family and every teacher at Harper Elementary. This incredible partnership was just the beginning!

In 2024, Methodist Temple becomes an event sponsor for ALL of our major events — the Maple Sugarbush Festival, Earth Day, and Wandering Owl. Their support makes a huge difference.

You can learn more about the great work of Methodist Temple when you visit their website.

Follow them on Facebook to keep up with their latest news and events!

 

Schnucks Cares.

Nourishing people's lives is at the heart of everything Schnucks does. In addition to serving their customers and their families, they believe they have an important responsibility to nourish communities.

Find out more about the community work of Schnucks on their website.

Our local Schnucks Grocery Stores will support Wesselman Woods throughout 2024 and 2025 with volunteers and food donations for some of our most popular events (like Maple Sugarbush Festival and Earth Day)!

 

Tomahawk Services, LLC

The work of Tomahawk Services is found throughout the forest of Wesselman Woods! From the newly boardwalked trails to the Arwood Family Treehouse, Shane Wolsey and his crew have provided their construction expertise to some of our recent large-scale projects.

Schedule your projects with them today by visiting their website or contacting them on Facebook.

 

Old National Bank

Old National is a regional bank with the heart, culture and DNA of a small community bank. Since their founding in 1834, they have had an unwavering commitment to being a trusted financial and community partner.

Year after year, Old National has supported Wesselman Woods in various ways. In 2023, they sponsored three projects, including two of our most popular events: Earth Day and Wandering Owl.

 

Atlas World Group

Global Relocation, Moving, Transportation and Logistics. Atlas World Group, Inc. is a holding company of a family of companies that deliver transportation and related services globally and the parent of Atlas Van Lines, Inc., its largest subsidiary. Since 1948, customers have trusted Atlas to go new places® in household moving.

Atlas supports Wesselman Woods through event sponsorship in additional to sponsoring family memberships as a part of our Eco-Access Initiative!

 

AARP

Wesselman Woods was selected to receive a 2023 AARP Community Challenge grant. We were one of only 310 grantees selected (out of over 3,600 applications) from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands!

With this quick-action grant, we improved the 0.12-mile Mini-Loop Trail for persons with limited mobility.

About the Community Challenge

The AARP Community Challenge grant program funds innovative, quick-action projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; diversity, equity, and inclusion; digital connections; community resilience; and more. With additional funding support from Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its investment in projects that improve mobility innovation and transportation options.

This is all part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities, and counties across the country to become great places for all. AARP believes that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life.

To learn more about the projects being funded by the AARP Community Challenge across the nation, including all 310 granted projects this year, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of all Community Challenge projects and AARP’s Livable Communities work at aarp.org/livable.

 

Wild Birds Unlimited

Wild Birds Unlimited provides bird seed to Wesselman Woods for our bird viewing area.

Their store is locally owned and operated by folks living right here in the community. Your MyWBU order is handled by the same staff you see when you shop our Wild Birds Unlimited retail location. 

They are proud to provide the highest quality bird feeding products available anywhere...backed with expert advice to help you bring the joy of bird feeding into your backyard.

 

ExtremeTerrain’s Clean Trail Grant Program

At ExtremeTerrain, they respect the integrity of the landscape we live, drive and play on, and strive to leave the trails we enjoy better than we found them.

For this reason, they launched the Clean Trail Grant program which provides eligible groups the opportunity to apply for a grant to fund their next trail improvement related project, which could range from trail clean-up, trail restoration, or trail expansion.

Wesselman Woods was lucky enough to receive one of their grants for trail upkeep in the Fall 2022.

Co-VENTURES

By committing to donate a portion of your sales or revenue, you can help support our environmental mission while also promoting your own brand or products. This mutually beneficial arrangement allows you to make a positive impact on the environment, while also achieving your business or organizational goals.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, small business owner, a non-profit organization, or an individual with a passion for conservation, a co-venture with Wesselman Woods can provide a meaningful way to connect people and nature.

Velocity Fitness

Damien Burge has offered free yoga sessions at Wesselman Woods since the beginning of 2023.

In 2024, Damien will host these 45-minute free sessions at our Family Free Days on the last Saturday of each month! So grab your yoga mat and come out to enjoy both a yoga session and the trails of Wesselman Woods for free. See our calendar for all the dates.

His company, Velocity Fitness, offers many fitness courses and they host an annual Zombie Run 5K in Wesselman Park.