West Meadow

Wesselman Woods is transforming the former par 3 golf course in Wesselman Park into a new habitat.

This installation of a low-stature native meadow is an exciting and meaningful step in our long-term vision to ecologically restore the 23-acres next to the nation’s largest old-growth forest. Our carefully planned meadow will not only add beauty, habitat, and trails, but it will also serve as an essential early phase in the natural process of ecological succession.

Once a manicured golf course (Par 3), the land will be on a journey from disturbance toward regeneration. The meadow mimics nature’s first response to open, disturbed ground—it initiates the way for soil health improvement, pollinator habitat creation, and increased native plant diversity. Over time, and with thoughtful stewardship, this landscape will continue its transformation toward a secondary forest, and eventually, we hope, into a thriving part of the old-growth ecosystem.

This will be more than planting a meadow—it's a promise to the land and future generations.

The process of installing a native meadow is one that requires patience. We are challenged to shift our human expectations for immediate results to nature’s slower pace. Join us in observing, tending, and enjoying the transformation of what has been an ecological desert into a habitat that will be rich with biodiversity.

First Steps

Summer to Fall 2025

A low-stature native pollinator seed mix will be installed on this 23-acre site in late 2025/early 2026. It is vital for this to be a clean weed-free site in order for the new grasses and wildflowers to become established. To eradicate the weeds, 3-4 herbicide applications will be made over the 2025 growing season. 

We want to assure the public that all necessary precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of people, wildlife, and the old-growth forest here at WW. The applicator will follow all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including the strict guidelines set by the Office of the Indiana State Chemist. Application will occur under appropriate weather conditions to minimize drift, and all equipment will be operated and maintained to the highest professional standards.

Clear signage will be posted before, during, and after application to ensure awareness. We ask that the public avoid entering the treatment area during this time.

This short-term step is an essential part of a long-term ecological restoration plan that will support pollinators, improve soil and water quality, and establish a diverse, resilient native plant community.

We appreciate your understanding and support of this important restoration work.

NOTE: The pesticide section of Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) regulates the distribution and application of pesticides in the State of Indiana. The pesticide section is charged with the administration and enforcement of Indiana pesticide laws (I.C. 15-16-4 and I.C. 15-16-5) and also represents the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Indiana for the purpose of enforcing many provisions of federal pesticide law.

The mission of the Office of Indiana State Chemist Pesticide Section is to protect the public and the environment by ensuring that pesticide products distributed within the state are properly formulated and labeled and that individuals who apply pesticides have met minimum competency standards, when required, and apply those pesticides without causing harm to people or property. 

The licensed applicator assisting the West Meadow installation project meets all of the OISC standards and requirements for application.

Winter 2025-2026

We are fortunate to have the support of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF) on the West Meadow project! Quail Forever Local Chapter 3172 will contribute the use of a no-till seed drill and labor to install the native seed in the winter of 2025-2026. Many native plant species require cold-moist stratification in order to germinate. Sowing the seed in December or January will allow the seed time to go through the process and break dormancy in spring of 2026.

The native seed will be purchased from Spence Restoration Nursery (Muncie, IN), one of the premiere wholesale native plant and seed nurseries in the Midwest. Native species in the seed mix were selected for their ability to grow in full sun and withstand both dry and wet conditions.

What Are We Planting?

West Meadow Low-Stature Seed Mix

What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Meadow

Year 1: 2026

After the native seed is sown, it is vital to give the emerging seedlings optimal growing conditions for successful recruitment and establishment. This requires discouraging weed growth by mowing the entire meadow when it reaches no more than 10-inches. Mowing down to 4 to 6 inches throughout the first growing season will keep annual plant species from spreading seed and also allows more sunlight to reach the slower growing perennial native species just beginning to grow.

Year 2: 2027

Mowing once in the spring will help remove any remaining annual or biennial plant species coming up from the seed bank. The meadow should then be allowed to grow for the rest of the season unless there are areas of perennial weeds such as sweet clover, Queen Ann’s Lace, Canada Thistle. Patches of these types of weedy species will be mowed monthly, as needed.

Year 3: 2028

By the third year, the meadow should be established well enough that it will not need to be mowed. If areas of weedy species persist, they can be spot treated with selective herbicides.

Year 4 and Beyond

West Meadow will be considered mature by 2029, but will continue to evolve as the long-term plans for reforestation and the surrounding Wesselman Park are developed. 

Community Collaboration

Wesselman Woods is partnering with several organizations to bring West Meadow to life, including:

• Vanderburgh County SWCD

• City of Evansville Parks and Recreation Department

• Posey County Co-Op

• Ancient Roots Native Nursery

• Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever

• Bower-Suhrheinrich Foundation

• University of Evansville ChangeLab