Group Registrations
Want to learn about local biodiversity? Join us at Wesselman Woods or Howell Wetlands for a program! We offer group programming for schools, scout groups, retirement communities, and more. Participants can learn about many topics including pollination, raptors, reptiles, and lifecycles. If you can’t make it out to see us, we also offer off-site programs. Check out our program offerings below and the Program and Rental Add-Ons Pricing document for quick reference.
ON-SITE GROUP PROGRAMS
We are fully booked for summer 2026. Check out our self-guided field trip below or contact our Director of Environmental Education for options.
Our education team provides on-site programming at Wessleman Woods (WW) or Howell Wetlands (HW).
At WW, our guided program entails a guided hike, animal encounter, and free play in our Nature Playscape - our 5-acre natural play area for children. In the Playscape, your group will be allowed to explore and follow their own interests within a fully enclosed wooded area. The Playscape is also home to our Arwood Family Treehouse.
At HW, our guided program entails a guided hike, animal encounter, and, if weather allows, macroinvertebrate fishing.
*Our education team can tailor the program to what your students are learning in class, ie. pollination, trees, raptors, reptiles, and lifecycles.
*Please make your program reservation at least three months in advance for the best chance at securing your desired program date.
Questions? Email Payton Broshears at payton@wesselmanwoods.org.
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We offer programs on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
The cost per participant is $7 (students and adult chaperones).
There is a limit of one chaperone for every ten students. Teachers and bus drivers are free.
At Wesselman Woods, we can accommodate groups of 20 to 90 participants. At Howell Wetlands, we can accommodate groups of 20 to 75 participants. If your group is outside of these parameters, please email the Director of Education for guidance.
Title I schools are eligible for a sponsorship. Visit our Classroom Sponsorship page for more information!
Wesselman Woods will invoice your group after the program to ensure accurate billing based on the number of participants present on the day of your visit.
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Due to the outdoor nature of our programming and limited indoor space, Wesselman Woods reserves the right to cancel field trips in the event of inclement weather. If we have to cancel due to weather, we will work with schools and offer off-site programming in lieu of on-site programming.
Our staff will assess the forecast from [Weather.com / National Weather Service] and make a decision by 2:00 PM the day before your scheduled trip. Field trips will be canceled if any of the following conditions are forecasted during program hours:
70% or greater chance of rain
Windchill of 32°F or below
Sustained winds over 30 mph
We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize safety and aim to provide the highest quality experience for your students.
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Wesselman Woods offers educational programming for all ages, with a particular focus on kindergarten through fifth-grade students and supporting their science learning standards. We collaborate directly with schools to ensure that each field trip aligns with Indiana State Science Standards while providing students with hands-on, engaging experiences in local ecosystems. Our guided programs integrate state standards with EL Education modules, combining curriculum-driven learning with immersive, nature-based exploration.
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This information sheet answers additional questions groups or teachers might have.
OFF-SITE GROUP PROGRAMS
We are fully booked for summer 2026. Check out our self-guided field trip below or contact our Director of Environmental Education for options.
Off-site programs can include animal encounters, biofact exploration, and/or guided activities. Programs can last from thirty minutes to two hours depending on the number of classrooms or participants.
*Our education team can tailor the program to what your students are learning in class, ie. pollination, trees, raptors, reptiles, and lifecycles.
*For an off-site program, please make your reservation at least three months in advance for the best chance at securing your desired program date.
Questions? Email Payton Broshears at payton@wesselmanwoods.org.
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Pricing
$100 for 30-45 minutes - 1 classroom
$150 for 1 hour - 2 classrooms
$200 for 1.5 hours - 3 classrooms
$225 for 2 hours - 4 classrooms
*Each classroom usually averages 30 minutes for an animal encounter, biofact exploration, and/or guided activity.
Other Information
If your school/group is located outside of Vanderburgh or Warrick County, there is an additional fee for travel time and gas. We will add a $30 fee for off-site requests in Posey County. We will add a $45 fee for off-site requests in Gibson and Spencer county.
Wesselman Woods will invoice your group after the program to ensure accurate billing based on the length of your off-site program.
Title I schools are eligible for a sponsorship. Visit our Classroom Sponsorship page for more information!
Self-Guided Field Trip
We are fully booked for June 2026. July registrations are almost full - reach out ASAP to schedule your self-guided field trip.
Planning a visit to Wesselman Woods with your group, organization, or class? A self-guided visit allows your group to explore the Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape at your own pace. We also have activity sheets available at the front desk, offering engaging exploration of topics related to the local ecosystem.
If your group is larger than 20, you must register to schedule your self-guided visit.
For the safety of the forest and guests, we have a group maximum of 45 for self-guided visits. If your group is larger than 45, please contact the Director of Environmental Education for guidance.
Don’t forget to bring water, bug spray, and sunscreen during the warmer months.
Questions? Email Payton Broshears at payton@wesselmanwood.org.
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Pricing for self-guided field trips is the same as our general admission rates:
Adults - $6
Children (ages 3 -12) - $4
Children under 3 are free.
*We will not accept requests that do not come at least two weeks prior to the date requested.
For more information about your visit, check out the Self-Guided Field Trip Information Sheet.