Filtering by: Events
CLOSED for Construction
Oct
7
to Oct 14

CLOSED for Construction

Closure for Construction from October 7-14

As a part of our ongoing accessibility project at Wesselman Woods, we will be closed from October 7-14 for construction to the trails, the trail doors, and the pathway to the Nature Playscape.

This period of time (during the Fall Festival) is historically a slower period for admission, making it the best time to do this work. Construction will include pouring concrete, installing a new door, and adding more boardwalks.

This continued work toward more accessible pathways is made possible thanks to our amazing partners at Alcoa Foundation and Methodist Temple UMC! Thank you for helping us help others enjoy nature.

View Event →
Night Owls: Eastern Orthodox & Ecology
Oct
10
6:00 PM18:00

Night Owls: Eastern Orthodox & Ecology

Still happening while we are under construction!

The Wesselman Woods Night Owls Series is a platform dedicated to exploring the deep connections between society, culture, ecology, and environment.

We invite you to embark on a journey of learning, questioning, and reflecting. In 2024, Wesselman Woods is partnering with Tri-State Creation Care to focus on an overarching theme: Religion and Ecology.

Throughout 2024, the Night Owls Series will present a diverse lineup of speakers, each representing a different religious or spiritual pathway. Our aim is to foster a deeper understanding of the various beliefs and practices that shape our community and their relationship with the natural world.

By engaging with new perspectives, we hope to bridge divides and cultivate a sense of unity in our shared commitment to environmental stewardship, advocacy, and justice.

Admission: FREE | Audience: Ages 18+ | Time: 6-7 PM


2024 Topics

  • Eastern Orthodox & Ecology – October 10

  • UCC & Ecology – November 14


Find out more about Wesselman Woods After Dark on our website: wesselmanwoods.org/afterdark

View Event →
Fall Hike at Howell with ETC
Oct
13
2:00 PM14:00

Fall Hike at Howell with ETC

The Evansville Trails Coalition mission and vision is to connect people and places, to promote active lifestyles and to see a more vibrant Evansville!

They purpose to collaborate with others in our community to provide activities featuring different areas of the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage, and urban and park trails throughout Evansville.

View Event →
Trails at Twilight: Howell Wetlands
Oct
17
8:00 PM20:00

Trails at Twilight: Howell Wetlands

Embark on an enchanting adventure with a night hike through Wesselman Woods or Howell Wetlands!

As twilight fades into darkness, the forest comes alive with a symphony of nocturnal sounds. The gentle rustling of leaves, the distant call of an owl, and the soft glow of fireflies create a magical ambiance that transports you to a world far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

These guided night hikes for ages 18 and over will take place in the summer and fall during full moons.

Tickets are very limited! Only 12 spots per session to make your nighttime experience safer and more enjoyable. Register at bit.ly/trailstwilight24

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $5 DISCOUNT **

Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.


ALL DATES

  • Wesselman Woods: May 23, September 17, November 15

  • Howell Wetlands: October 17

Make sure to bring your bug spray and don’t forget those flashlights or head lamps!


PLEASE NOTE: Each guided hike will be different. WW cannot guarantee you will see or hear animals. WW cannot guarantee how wildlife will respond to human presence. Keep in mind that the trails are more difficult to navigate in the dark (under limited or zero light conditions) and this event may not be suitable for everyone.

View Event →
Wandering Owl: Twilight Tasting
Oct
19
3:00 PM15:00

Wandering Owl: Twilight Tasting

Tickets ON SALE IN AUGUST

14th Annual Wandering Owl: Twilight Tasting

Sponsored by Window World, Romain Subaru, and Environmental Management Consultants

This autumnal celebration gives our community the opportunity to come together and...

  • Celebrate this cultural and natural treasure in Evansville while savoring great food, beer, and wine in our Nature Playscape and Bird Sanctuary.

  • Enjoy special encounters with our resident wildlife.

  • Listen to live acoustic music from the local entertainment scene.

Wandering Owl will return on October 19, 2024!

*Wesselman Woods will be closed on Friday and Saturday, October 11-12th, to prepare for the event.

Members receive a $10 discount on tickets! Contact kristina@wesselmanwoods.org for the members-only link.


Vendors and Sponsors

Wesselman Woods is looking for local vendors and sponsors like you to help us make this signature autumn event a success! Corporate sponsors can support our mission and be associated with an event that has become very popular in our community. Sponsors will have a significant presence in all communications leading up to the event and at the event itself.

For more details,
call Wesselman Woods at 812-479-0771

Please note that the sponsorship packages can be modified and enhanced to provide the desired benefits to your organization.

View Event →
Wilderness Weekend
Oct
26
9:00 AM09:00

Wilderness Weekend

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

  • October 26-27

  • November 30 - December 1

  • December 28-29


NEW for 2024!

Free Yoga Sessions at Free Saturdays

Brought to us by Velocity Fitness. Enjoy a 45-minute session of yoga for free each Family Free Day beginning at 11 AM.


This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness 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.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

View Event →
Owl Prowl 2024
Oct
26
10:00 AM10:00

Owl Prowl 2024

Sorority Chi Omega and Fraternity FIJI are teaming up to fundraise for Wesselman Woods!

Together, they will host a family friendly event with a variety of fall activities. Their goal? To raise funds and awareness for the preservation and care of owls!

If you give a “hoot”, come out on October 26 between 10 AM to 3 PM for a day full of fun.

View Event →
Fall Hike at Wesselman Woods with ETC
Oct
26
10:00 AM10:00

Fall Hike at Wesselman Woods with ETC

The Evansville Trails Coalition mission and vision is to connect people and places, to promote active lifestyles and to see a more vibrant Evansville!

They purpose to collaborate with others in our community to provide activities featuring different areas of the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage, and urban and park trails throughout Evansville.

View Event →
NAMIWalks Your Way
Oct
26
10:00 AM10:00

NAMIWalks Your Way

Opening Up to a New Day

On your feet, participants! Join us as we step into NAMIWalks Your Way 2024, which promises to be a meaningful event. It’s a new day for mental health and we will embrace it together on…

October 26, 2024 at Wesselman Woods

You won’t want to miss it — a vibrant gathering where inspiration can shine on all of us.

We’ll cheer each other on while raising our voices to be heard, united in our commitment to raise awareness of our cause, funds to drive NAMI’s free, top-rated programs, and build community in every sense of the word.

NAMIWalks Your Way will be here before you know it, so register today! Let's open up doors for everyone from every walk of life to have access to the mental health resources and community they deserve.

Mental Health for All — and Always

#Together4MH

View Event →
Wilderness Weekend
Oct
27
12:00 PM12:00

Wilderness Weekend

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

  • October 26-27

  • November 30 - December 1

  • December 28-29


This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness 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.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

View Event →
Night Owls: UCC & Ecology
Nov
14
6:00 PM18:00

Night Owls: UCC & Ecology

The Wesselman Woods Night Owls Series is a platform dedicated to exploring the deep connections between society, culture, ecology, and environment.

We invite you to embark on a journey of learning, questioning, and reflecting. In 2024, Wesselman Woods is partnering with Tri-State Creation Care to focus on an overarching theme: Religion and Ecology.

Throughout 2024, the Night Owls Series will present a diverse lineup of speakers, each representing a different religious or spiritual pathway. Our aim is to foster a deeper understanding of the various beliefs and practices that shape our community and their relationship with the natural world.

By engaging with new perspectives, we hope to bridge divides and cultivate a sense of unity in our shared commitment to environmental stewardship, advocacy, and justice.

Admission: FREE | Audience: Ages 18+ | Time: 6-7 PM

View Event →
Wilderness Weekend
Nov
30
9:00 AM09:00

Wilderness Weekend

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

  • October 26-27

  • November 30 - December 1

  • December 28-29


NEW for 2024!

Free Yoga Sessions at Free Saturdays

Brought to us by Velocity Fitness. Enjoy a 45-minute session of yoga for free each Family Free Day beginning at 11 AM.


This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness 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.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

View Event →
Yoga by Velocity Fitness
Nov
30
11:00 AM11:00

Yoga by Velocity Fitness

Dust off your yoga mats because Velocity Fitness is bringing yoga to Wesselman Woods again this year!

Lined up with our Family Free Days, Damien Burge will host a 45-minute session of yoga for FREE at 11 AM on the last Saturday of each month.

Yoga sessions will be hosted indoors but, weather-permitting, sessions will be held outside. No RSVP necessary.

After your session with Damien, you can hit the trails in the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States for a refreshing walk.

View Event →
Wilderness Weekend
Dec
1
12:00 PM12:00

Wilderness Weekend

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

  • November 30 - December 1

  • December 28-29


This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness 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.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

View Event →
Wilderness Weekend
Dec
28
9:00 AM09:00

Wilderness Weekend

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

  • December 28-29


NEW for 2024!

Free Yoga Sessions at Free Saturdays

Brought to us by Velocity Fitness. Enjoy a 45-minute session of yoga for free each Family Free Day beginning at 11 AM.


This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness 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.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

View Event →
Yoga by Velocity Fitness
Dec
28
11:00 AM11:00

Yoga by Velocity Fitness

Dust off your yoga mats because Velocity Fitness is bringing yoga to Wesselman Woods again this year!

Lined up with our Family Free Days, Damien Burge will host a 45-minute session of yoga for FREE at 11 AM on the last Saturday of each month.

Yoga sessions will be hosted indoors but, weather-permitting, sessions will be held outside. No RSVP necessary.

After your session with Damien, you can hit the trails in the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States for a refreshing walk.

View Event →
Wilderness Weekend
Dec
29
12:00 PM12:00

Wilderness Weekend

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

  • November 30 - December 1

  • December 28-29


This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness 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.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

View Event →

Wilderness Weekend
Sep
29
12:00 PM12:00

Wilderness Weekend

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

  • September 28-29

  • October 26-27

  • November 30 - December 1

  • December 28-29


This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness 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.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

View Event →
Yoga by Velocity Fitness
Sep
28
11:00 AM11:00

Yoga by Velocity Fitness

Dust off your yoga mats because Velocity Fitness is bringing yoga to Wesselman Woods again this year!

Lined up with our Family Free Days, Damien Burge will host a 45-minute session of yoga for FREE at 11 AM on the last Saturday of each month.

Yoga sessions will be hosted indoors but, weather-permitting, sessions will be held outside. No RSVP necessary.

After your session with Damien, you can hit the trails in the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States for a refreshing walk.

View Event →
Wilderness Weekend
Sep
28
9:00 AM09:00

Wilderness Weekend

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

  • September 28-29

  • October 26-27

  • November 30 - December 1

  • December 28-29


NEW for 2024!

Free Yoga Sessions at Free Saturdays

Brought to us by Velocity Fitness. Enjoy a 45-minute session of yoga for free each Family Free Day beginning at 11 AM.


This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness 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.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

View Event →
Trails at Twilight: Wesselman Woods
Sep
17
8:00 PM20:00

Trails at Twilight: Wesselman Woods

Embark on an enchanting adventure with a night hike through Wesselman Woods or Howell Wetlands!

As twilight fades into darkness, the forest comes alive with a symphony of nocturnal sounds. The gentle rustling of leaves, the distant call of an owl, and the soft glow of fireflies create a magical ambiance that transports you to a world far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

These guided night hikes for ages 18 and over will take place in the summer and fall during full moons.

Tickets are very limited! Only 12 spots per session to make your nighttime experience safer and more enjoyable. Register at bit.ly/trailstwilight24

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $5 DISCOUNT **

Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.


ALL DATES

  • Wesselman Woods: May 23, September 17, November 15

  • Howell Wetlands: October 17

Make sure to bring your bug spray and don’t forget those flashlights or head lamps!


PLEASE NOTE: Each guided hike will be different. WW cannot guarantee you will see or hear animals. WW cannot guarantee how wildlife will respond to human presence. Keep in mind that the trails are more difficult to navigate in the dark (under limited or zero light conditions) and this event may not be suitable for everyone.

View Event →
Night Owls: Catholicism & Ecology
Sep
12
6:00 PM18:00

Night Owls: Catholicism & Ecology

The Wesselman Woods Night Owls Series is a platform dedicated to exploring the deep connections between society, culture, ecology, and environment.

We invite you to embark on a journey of learning, questioning, and reflecting. In 2024, Wesselman Woods is partnering with Tri-State Creation Care to focus on an overarching theme: Religion and Ecology.

Throughout 2024, the Night Owls Series will present a diverse lineup of speakers, each representing a different religious or spiritual pathway. Our aim is to foster a deeper understanding of the various beliefs and practices that shape our community and their relationship with the natural world.

By engaging with new perspectives, we hope to bridge divides and cultivate a sense of unity in our shared commitment to environmental stewardship, advocacy, and justice.

Admission: FREE | Audience: Ages 18+ | Time: 6-7 PM


2024 Topics

  • Catholicism & Ecology – September 12

  • Eastern Orthodox & Ecology – October 10

  • UCC & Ecology – November 14


Find out more about Wesselman Woods After Dark on our website: wesselmanwoods.org/afterdark

View Event →
Wilderness Weekend
Sep
1
12:00 PM12:00

Wilderness Weekend

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

  • August 31 - September 1

  • September 28-29

  • October 26-27

  • November 30 - December 1

  • December 28-29


This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness 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.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

View Event →
For the Sake of the Song
Aug
31
2:00 PM14:00

For the Sake of the Song

Do you remember the first time you ever connected with a song?

Do you have songs that bring you to core moment — a kiss, a funeral, a birthday, a goodbye? For the Sake of the Song is music festival celebrating that tie.

Join us for the second annual For the Sake of the Song music festival at Odonata Lake Amphitheater at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve in Evansville, Indiana.

The full lineup is coming soon!

There will also be food trucks and the Bokeh Lounge Beer Garden. Admission to the event is free and open to all.

Admission to the event is 100 percent free and open to all ages.

Lineup

  • Coming Soon

Roundtable Performances

  • Coming Soon

View Event →
Zumba Fundraiser
Aug
31
12:30 PM12:30

Zumba Fundraiser

Let's Dance!

Velocity Fitness instructor, Lonita Bennett, will guide attendees in a Zumba lesson at Wesselman Woods.

Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance-based fitness program that combines aerobic training with choreographed dance moves to burn calories and tone muscles. We welcome newbies and seasoned pros alike! Proceeds from the $8 admission fee go directly to Wesselman Woods.

This session will take place following the free yoga session provided by Damien Burge of Velocity Fitness. Come for one or both activities! Because this event takes place on a "Wilderness Weekend", you can explore the trails and Nature Playscape after your workout.

RSVPs are required and space is limited so sign up today.


Reminder: due to construction, there is currently an alternate route into Wesselman Woods. This route is accessible in two ways:

  • Option 1: Access via East Franklin Street (the road BEHIND Swonder Ice Arena). Turn left onto the new connector road.

  • Option 2: Access via the Lloyd Expressway. Go north on Vann and turn left on Division Street. Follow the road back and turn right onto the new connector road.

View Event →
Yoga by Velocity Fitness
Aug
31
11:00 AM11:00

Yoga by Velocity Fitness

Dust off your yoga mats because Velocity Fitness is bringing yoga to Wesselman Woods again this year!

Lined up with our Family Free Days, Damien Burge will host a 45-minute session of yoga for FREE at 11 AM on the last Saturday of each month.

Yoga sessions will be hosted indoors but, weather-permitting, sessions will be held outside. No RSVP necessary.

After your session with Damien, you can hit the trails in the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States for a refreshing walk.

View Event →
Wilderness Weekend
Aug
31
9:00 AM09:00

Wilderness Weekend

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

  • August 31 - September 1

  • September 28-29

  • October 26-27

  • November 30 - December 1

  • December 28-29


NEW for 2024!

Free Yoga Sessions at Free Saturdays

Brought to us by Velocity Fitness. Enjoy a 45-minute session of yoga for free each Family Free Day beginning at 11 AM.


This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness 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.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

View Event →
Library Day at Wesselman Woods
Aug
3
10:00 AM10:00

Library Day at Wesselman Woods

HOO is ready for Library Day? We are!

Calling all bookworms and nature enthusiasts!

Join us for a magical collaboration between the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library and Wesselman Woods as we embark on a journey that combines the wonder of literature with the beauty of the great outdoors on Saturday, August 3.


Come to Wesselman Woods on this day and flash any regional library card at the front desk to get into the Nature Center for free. Once you're inside the gates, you and your family can enjoy a day of hikes, story time, and animal encounters.

No library card? No problem!

Vanderburgh County residents can sign up for a library card with the EVPL Outreach Team from 10 AM to 2 PM.


Schedule

WESSELMAN WOODS IS OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM | ACTIVITIES = 10 AM TO 2 PM

We will take free admission with library cards during all eight hours that we are open!

  • Throughout Event (10 AM to 2 PM): Self-Guided Hikes, Nature Playscape and Treehouse Free-Play, and Themed-Crafts with EVPL

  • 10 AM = Storytime with EVPL

  • 10:30 AM = Animal Encounter

  • 11 AM = Storytime with EVPL

  • 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM = Lunch Break

    • Good time for self-guided hikes with field guides at the front desk or venturing out to the Nature Playscape!

  • 12:45 PM = Animal Encounter

  • 1:15 PM = Storytime with EVPL

View Event →
Wilderness Weekend
Jul
28
12:00 PM12:00

Wilderness Weekend

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

  • July 27-28

  • August 31 - September 1

  • September 28-29

  • October 26-27

  • November 30 - December 1

  • December 28-29


This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness 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.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

View Event →
Yoga by Velocity Fitness
Jul
27
11:00 AM11:00

Yoga by Velocity Fitness

Dust off your yoga mats because Velocity Fitness is bringing yoga to Wesselman Woods again this year!

Lined up with our Family Free Days, Damien Burge will host a 45-minute session of yoga for FREE at 11 AM on the last Saturday of each month.

Yoga sessions will be hosted indoors but, weather-permitting, sessions will be held outside. No RSVP necessary.

After your session with Damien, you can hit the trails in the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States for a refreshing walk.

View Event →
Wilderness Weekend
Jul
27
9:00 AM09:00

Wilderness Weekend

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Dates

  • July 27-28

  • August 31 - September 1

  • September 28-29

  • October 26-27

  • November 30 - December 1

  • December 28-29


NEW for 2024!

Free Yoga Sessions at Free Saturdays

Brought to us by Velocity Fitness. Enjoy a 45-minute session of yoga for free each Family Free Day beginning at 11 AM.


This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness 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.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

View Event →
Night Owls: Hinduism & Ecology
Jul
11
6:00 PM18:00

Night Owls: Hinduism & Ecology

The Wesselman Woods Night Owls Series is a platform dedicated to exploring the deep connections between society, culture, ecology, and environment.

We invite you to embark on a journey of learning, questioning, and reflecting. In 2024, Wesselman Woods is partnering with Tri-State Creation Care to focus on an overarching theme: Religion and Ecology.

Throughout 2024, the Night Owls Series will present a diverse lineup of speakers, each representing a different religious or spiritual pathway. Our aim is to foster a deeper understanding of the various beliefs and practices that shape our community and their relationship with the natural world.

By engaging with new perspectives, we hope to bridge divides and cultivate a sense of unity in our shared commitment to environmental stewardship, advocacy, and justice.

Admission: FREE | Audience: Ages 18+ | Time: 6-7 PM


2024 Topics

  • Hinduism & Ecology – July 11

  • Catholicism & Ecology – September 12

  • Eastern Orthodox & Ecology – October 10

  • UCC & Ecology – November 14


Find out more about Wesselman Woods After Dark on our website: wesselmanwoods.org/afterdark

View Event →
Yoga by Velocity Fitness
Jun
29
11:00 AM11:00

Yoga by Velocity Fitness

Dust off your yoga mats because Velocity Fitness is bringing yoga to Wesselman Woods again this year!

Lined up with our Family Free Days, Damien Burge will host a 45-minute session of yoga for FREE at 11 AM on the last Saturday of each month.

Yoga sessions will be hosted indoors but, weather-permitting, sessions will be held outside. No RSVP necessary.

After your session with Damien, you can hit the trails in the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States for a refreshing walk.

View Event →
Family Free Day
Jun
29
9:00 AM09:00

Family Free Day

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last Saturday of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.


NEW for 2024!

Free Yoga Sessions at Free Saturdays

Brought to us by Velocity Fitness. Enjoy a 45-minute session of yoga for free each Family Free Day beginning at 11 AM.


This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness 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.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

View Event →
Arwood Family Treehouse Grand Opening
Jun
28
9:00 AM09:00

Arwood Family Treehouse Grand Opening

Photo by Andrew Layer

The Arwood Family Treehouse officially opens today!
(Friday, June 28)


This is the newest addition to the Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape and a project 10 years in the making! The Treehouse reaches its highest elevation at 12 feet, allowing guests to climb to new heights in the forest and capture new views of the mid-canopy.

The ramps, rock walls, rope bridges, and climbing ropes give people of all ages many ways to adventure. With the overlook at Odonata Pond, you may even catch a glimpse of the local turtle population.

So, grab your hiking shoes and put on your outdoor attire – it’s time to play!


Reminder: The Nature Playscape will close one hour prior to the Nature Center.

View Event →
Sips at Sunset: Trivia in the Treehouse
Jun
22
6:00 PM18:00

Sips at Sunset: Trivia in the Treehouse

Trivia in the Treehouse

June 22, 2024 beginning at 6 PM

$25 for non-members / $20 for members
Members: please email us for the discount code.


Our Sips at Sunset event, for ages 21+, invites you to test your knowledge of the great outdoors in a one-of-a-kind setting: a charming wooden treehouse! Compete for glory and prizes amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the forest canopy. From towering trees and elusive wildlife to pop culture, you’re bound to learn something new about nature!

Included with your ticket, we will showcase an array of beer, wines, and food. Sip and savor to your heart's content as you mingle with fellow nature enthusiasts and unwind amidst the tranquility of the trees.

About the Trivia

  • Teams: Attendees can form teams of up to four individuals - you can also go it solo! When you submit registration, you can share your team name with us.
     

  • Theme: Nature! We'll include everything from general nature and wildlife trivia to pop culture. Start studying!

Learn more about our sponsors online: Atlas World Group | CenterPoint Energy

View Event →
Yoga by Velocity Fitness
May
25
11:00 AM11:00

Yoga by Velocity Fitness

Dust off your yoga mats because Velocity Fitness is bringing yoga to Wesselman Woods again this year!

Lined up with our Family Free Days, Damien Burge will host a 45-minute session of yoga for FREE at 11 AM on the last Saturday of each month.

Yoga sessions will be hosted indoors but, weather-permitting, sessions will be held outside. No RSVP necessary.

After your session with Damien, you can hit the trails in the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States for a refreshing walk.

View Event →
Library Day at Wesselman Woods
May
25
10:00 AM10:00

Library Day at Wesselman Woods

HOO is ready for this year's first Library Day? We are!

Calling all bookworms and nature enthusiasts! Join us for a magical collaboration between the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library and Wesselman Woods as we embark on a journey that combines the wonder of literature with the beauty of the great outdoors on Saturday, May 25 from 10 AM to 2 PM


Use your library card to check out nature-themed books and storytime kits from the EVPL Outreach Vehicle. No library card? No problem! Sign up for a FREE card with EVPL on-site.

These FREE activities happen as part of our May Family Free Day On Free Days, you and your friends and family can enter Wesselman Woods and enjoy the trails and Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape without worrying about admission!


Schedule

All Day (9 AM to 5 PM) – Self-Guided Hikes and Nature Playscape Free-Play

  • 10 AM = Storytime with EVPL

    • Storytime not your kids’ jam? Sign up for “Families of a Feather: Bird Anatomy” from 10-11 AM. This is a free activity for ages 8 and up but pre-registration is required.

  • 10:30 AM = Themed Craft with EVPL

  • 11 AM = Storytime with EVPL and Yoga with Velocity Fitness

  • 11:30 AM = Animal Encounter

  • 1 PM = Storytime with EVPL

  • 1:30 PM = Themed Craft with EVPL

  • 2 PM = Animal Encounter

View Event →
Family Free Day
May
25
9:00 AM09:00

Family Free Day

Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!

Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last Saturday of each month in 2024.

Visit us and enjoy over 4 miles of trails, the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.


NEW for 2024!

Free Yoga Sessions at Free Saturdays

Brought to us by Velocity Fitness. Enjoy a 45-minute session of yoga for free each Family Free Day beginning at 11 AM.


This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness 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.

People need nature.

Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.

Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.

View Event →
Trails at Twilight: Wesselman Woods
May
23
8:00 PM20:00

Trails at Twilight: Wesselman Woods

Embark on an enchanting adventure with a night hike through Wesselman Woods or Howell Wetlands!

As twilight fades into darkness, the forest comes alive with a symphony of nocturnal sounds. The gentle rustling of leaves, the distant call of an owl, and the soft glow of fireflies create a magical ambiance that transports you to a world far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

These guided night hikes for ages 18 and over will take place in the summer and fall during full moons.

Tickets are very limited! Only 12 spots per session to make your nighttime experience safer and more enjoyable. Register at bit.ly/trailstwilight24

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $5 DISCOUNT **

Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount link.


ALL DATES

  • Wesselman Woods: May 23, September 17, November 15

  • Howell Wetlands: October 17

Make sure to bring your bug spray and don’t forget those flashlights or head lamps!


PLEASE NOTE: Each guided hike will be different. WW cannot guarantee you will see or hear animals. WW cannot guarantee how wildlife will respond to human presence. Keep in mind that the trails are more difficult to navigate in the dark (under limited or zero light conditions) and this event may not be suitable for everyone.

View Event →
Art Exhibition Entries Due!
May
10
11:30 PM23:30

Art Exhibition Entries Due!

The connections between the arts and nature are numerous.

The shapes, the textures, the colors… all aspects of nature can be inspiring. With this in mind, Wesselman Woods sought a new way to connect our community with the ecology of our region and it resulted in the creation of the Annual Juried Art Exhibition.

Each year, we put out a call for artists to submit work that showcases what they love or what they are concerned about within our bioregion through a visual medium.

In 2024, entries for this exhibit will be open to ages 18 and older. One “Best in Show” winner will be selected from the selected entries as well as at least four Honorable Mentions (per the Juror’s discretion).

Selected artwork will be on display at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center during three of our busiest months (mid-June to September).

In addition to the physical display, images of artwork and links to the artist portfolios are shared online through our newsletter, website, and social media (artists are not required to have an online portfolio to enter the contest or be considered for an award).

  • Themes: Wildlife, nature, and environmental issues of the Ohio River Valley bioregion.

  • Accepted Media: 2-D (photography, painting, drawing, printmaking, graphic design) and 3-D (sculpture, fiber, and mixed media)

Please read the full prospectus (guidelines) for the show before you apply.

Awards

We are grateful to our friends at Inman’s Picture Framing for sponsoring the awards and reception for 2024!

  • Inman Award for Best in Show: This winner will receive a monetary prize ($350) and a one-year individual membership to Wesselman Woods (WW).

  • Honorable Mentions will also receive a monetary prize ($50 each) and a one-year individual membership to Wesselman Woods (WW).

View Event →
Tree Ring Science Workshop
May
4
9:00 AM09:00

Tree Ring Science Workshop

Tree Ring Science (Dendrochronology) 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.

Dates

  • Thursday, May 2, from 6 - 8:30 PM

  • Saturday, May 4, from 9 AM - Noon

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.

View Event →
Tree Ring Science Workshop
May
2
6:00 PM18:00

Tree Ring Science Workshop

Tree Ring Science (Dendrochronology) 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.

Dates

  • Thursday, May 2, from 6 - 8:30 PM

  • Saturday, May 4, from 9 AM - Noon

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.

View Event →
Free Week at Wesselman Woods
Apr
28
12:00 PM12:00

Free Week at Wesselman Woods

You’re Invited!

Wesselman Woods will open its gates for FREE in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day.

Tuesday, April 23 - Sunday, April 28

during regular operating hours
Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM

Save the date, grab the sunscreen, and pack your water bottle for a week full of outdoor enjoyment.

View Event →
Yoga by Velocity Fitness
Apr
27
11:00 AM11:00

Yoga by Velocity Fitness

Dust off your yoga mats because Velocity Fitness is bringing yoga to Wesselman Woods again this year!

Lined up with our Family Free Days, Damien Burge will host a 45-minute session of yoga for FREE at 11 AM on the last Saturday of each month.

Yoga sessions will be hosted indoors but, weather-permitting, sessions will be held outside. No RSVP necessary.

After your session with Damien, you can hit the trails in the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States for a refreshing walk.

View Event →
Free Week at Wesselman Woods
Apr
27
9:00 AM09:00

Free Week at Wesselman Woods

You’re Invited!

Wesselman Woods will open its gates for FREE in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day.

Tuesday, April 23 - Sunday, April 28

during regular operating hours
Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM

Save the date, grab the sunscreen, and pack your water bottle for a week full of outdoor enjoyment.

View Event →