Programs for Kids
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 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.
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 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 make specific adjustments to each session to match Indiana Academic Standards and Earth Charter principles.
Saturdays will be a day of forest exploration for your children!
Schedule
JFL Tulip League: Ages 6-8
Registration for the 2024-25 Junior Forest League season will open in August 2024.
September 7 | October 5 | November 2 | December 7 | January 11 | February 1 | March 8 | April 5
JFL Maple League: Ages 9-12
Registration for the 2024-25 Junior Forest League season will open in August 2024.
September 14 | October 12 | November 9 | December 14 | January 18 | February 8 | March 15 | April 12
All sessions: 10 am - 2 pm with snack included. ** Participants are required to bring 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. Purchase all sessions early and save even more!
Members receive early access and a 12% discount! Contact the Director of Environmental Education for the members-only discount code.
Need financial assistance? We can help! Please contact the Director of Environmental Education for further details.
Little eco-scholars
A stimulating nature immersion experience for
early learners to develop mind, body, and soul
Tailored to children ages 3 to 5, Little Eco-Scholars introduces early learners to environmental and ecological principles through exciting and thoughtful games, simple projects, and exploratory play in the Nature Playscape.
Our program, aligned with Indiana’s Early Learning Foundation, is designed to build on imaginative skills through playing in the local ecosystem. Some of our problem-solving activity topics include invention, memory, new experiences, decision-making, empathy, and many more! We encourage parents/guardians to participate with their toddlers during this program.
By attending Little Eco-Scholars, you consent to being photographed and to the possible release, publication, or reproduction of the photos for any purpose in connection with Wesselman Woods and its initiatives (including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news and advertising). For the full terms of this release, please request a copy from the instructors. If you do not agree to these terms, please inform the instructors.