ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Programs of Nature Discovery and Service-Learning for Adults

Embark on a journey of discovery with our engaging adult nature education courses. Immerse yourself in the beauty and intricacies of the natural world as you learn from knowledgeable instructors and fellow enthusiasts.

Engage in hands-on activities, workshops, and discussions that make learning about nature both informative and enjoyable.

Whether you're a seasoned nature lover or a curious beginner, our courses are designed to deepen your understanding and connection with the environment.

At Wesselman Woods (WW), we offer various educational courses for adults throughout the year including the Indiana Master Naturalist certification series.

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.

In addition to IMN, we offer educational courses for any adults of any background to learn about various environmental topics. No volunteer hours required for these courses. 

ENVIRONMENTAL Education SESSIONS

No prior education on any of the topics is required. We invite all curious minds to join us!

Looking for continuing education hours for Advanced Indiana Master Naturalist (AIMN)? These courses will fulfill those requirements. (AIMN requires certified individuals to volunteer 30 hours annually and complete 8 hours of education time annually.)

Fall 2024 Courses

Climate Change: Causes, Consequences, and Challenges for the Future

September 9 from 6-8 PM • Presenter: Derek Walsh • $20 for public/$15 for members and IMN Alumni

In this comprehensive presentation on climate change, we will explore the science behind this global phenomenon, examining the role of greenhouse gases and both natural and human-driven causes. We will discuss how human activities have drastically altered Earth’s climate over the past few centuries and highlight the projected future climate changes and their far-reaching global consequences. This presentation aims to equip participants with a solid understanding of the science behind climate change and the critical steps we must take to ensure a sustainable future.

Ecosystem Restoration: Healing our Hurting Planet

September 16 from 6-8 PM • Presenter: Derek Walsh • $20 for public/$15 for members and IMN Alumni

This presentation will explore the vital process behind the restoration of damaged ecosystems. We will delve into the science and methods of restoring ecosystems, with a focus on ecosystems in Indiana and the Midwest. By defining the general framework behind restoration projects and highlighting example projects, we will uncover the challenges and successes in restoring biodiversity, enhancing ecosystem services, and combating climate change. Participants will gain insights into the importance of ecosystem restoration and learn about the actions needed to support and sustain these critical efforts for a healthier planet.

Insect BioBlitz

September 23 from 6-8 PM • Presenters: Kevin Wiener and Derek Walsh • $20 for public/$15 for members and IMN Alumni

This BioBlitz will provide participants with the opportunity to survey for insects at Wesselman Woods. Participants will learn about the importance of insects and arthropods in forest ecosystems as well as the importance of inventorying species for management purposes. We will use various methods to collect, examine, and document insect and arthropod species.

Botany the Beautiful: Plant Evolution, Biology, and Ecology

September 30 from 6-8 PM • Presenter: Derek Walsh • $20 for public/$15 for members and IMN Alumni

This presentation will explore the beautiful world of botany. We will delve into the biology, ecology, and evolution of plants, tracing the planet’s first plants from hundreds of millions of years ago all the way to today’s plants in and around Wesselman Woods. We will dive into the biology of mosses, ferns, conifers, and flowering plants by examining the important biological and ecological processes and observing some native plant species.

Fish Tales: Biology and Ecology of our Freshwater Friends

October 7 from 6-8 PM • Presenter: Dr. Rex Strange  • $20 for public/$15 for members and IMN Alumni

This presentation will explore the biology and ecology of our aquatic friends, fish! Join us to dive into ichthyology (fish biology), examine specimens, and learn about fish native to the region with local fish expert Dr. Rex Strange.

Walking Through Time: The Science of Old-Growth Forests

October 14 from 6-8 PM • Presenter: Derek Walsh • $20 for public/$15 for members and IMN Alumni 

This interactive presentation will (literally) walk through an old-growth forest, highlighting the biological and ecological features that make old growth forests unique. We will learn about what “old growth” means, compare and contrast old-growth with new-growth forests, and examine some of the most important remaining tracts of old-growth forests.

About the Presenters

• Dr. Rex Strange is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Southern Indiana. His research is centered on the natural history and evolution of North American freshwater fishes. Most projects utilize the molecular techniques of population genetics and phylogenetics to better understand (and document) patterns of natural diversity. More recently, his research has shifted to the development and genome biology of the least brook lamprey (Lampetra aepyptera).

• Derek Walsh is the Director of Natural Resources and Research at Wesselman Woods, where he oversees the protection and management of over 200-acres the largest urban old-growth forest in the country along with 30-acres of urban wetlands. Prior to his work at Wesselman Woods, Derek graduated from Harvard University in 2023 with a degree in Environmental Science and Public Policy. He is passionate about forests, ecology, and environmental science education, and he aspires to protect ecosystems and educate future conservationists.

• Kevin Wiener is a local arthropod enthusiast, published macro photographer, conservationist, and environmental educator with a goal of educating, inspiring, and empowering the public to embrace conservation. Kevin’s passion for insect and spider education has led to him assisting with biological surveys and educating the public through photography, speaking engagements, and educational programs with animals. He also created an international science-based community on Facebook known as “All Bugs Go to Kevin,” which has over 210,000 members.

SPRING 2024 COURSEs

Dendrochronology (Tree Ring) 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.

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.

Dates

• Thursday, May 2, from 6 - 8:30 PM

• Saturday, May 4, from 9 AM - Noon

About the Presenter

Dr. James H. Speer is a Professor of Geography and Geology at Indiana State University. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Arizona in Geosciences and his Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee in Geography.

He is a biogeographer who uses tree rings to reconstruct environmental variables such as fire history and insect outbreaks. Through his years of studying environmental history, he has realized that humans are operating outside of the natural range of variability for most natural systems which has motivated him to give back to society by being a champion for sustainability at Indiana State University and in the Wabash Valley.

Dr. Speer is a Senior Scholar for the Institute for Community Sustainability, which was established in February 2012. He is the President for Our Green Valley Alliance for Sustainability, on the board for the Terre Foods Cooperative Market, on the Tree Advisory Board for ISU, is a past-president of the Geography Educator’s Network of Indiana, and a past-president of the Tree-Ring Society.