Program Guide: Available Programs for 2010-2011
Thank you for considering Wesselman Nature Society for the educational enrichment of your students! We offer a wide variety of learning opportunities for students of all ages.
All of our programs are designed to broaden student experiences beyond the usual textbook knowledge. We invite you to explore the natural world in our outdoor classrooms where hands-on discovery is the key to learning.
Below are downloadable versions (PDF) of WNS Program Guide, outlining available programs for the season, and the Program Registration Form.
Pricing for School Programs: $4.50 per student
Full Program Guide: (PDF Download)
Program Registration Form (PDF Download)
Note: PDF downloads on the WNS site require Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 5 or later); some pop up blockers may also prevent the file from opening. If you are not able to download these items from our site, please request an emailed copy from [email protected]
Nature Explore Workshops
Click here to view more information on this upcoming workshop, held May 11 & 12, 2012 at Wesselman Woods. 
Traveling Nature Trunks
These themed, environmental resource kits can be borrowed for use in the classroom to enhance any curriculum. Beginning January 1, 2012, a $15 nonrefundable fee and a $50 refundable deposit will be required to reserve a trunk. Payments are to be issued as two seperate checks or cash amounts.
Trunk materials and activities can be used to satisfy Indiana Academic Standards. Each Trunk is designed to encompass multiple age levels, so activities can be picked to fit the needs of individual students. They also make great pre- or post- studies for field trips taken at any of the WNS properties.
A typical Trunk might include: field guides, informational books, storybooks, posters, videos, specimens, models, puppets, craft ideas, nets, magnifying glasses, bug boxes, teacher’s resource guides, reproducible worksheets, lesson plans, picture files, puzzles, games, coloring pages and MORE…
To reserve one of the following Traveling Nature Trunks for your classroom please refer to the Traveling Nature Trunks brochure (PDF), then call (812) 479-0771, ext. 103
Choose from the following Nature Trunks:
*All About Birds
*Eggs & Nests
*Butterflies and Moths
*Insects
*Geology Rocks!
*Nature Detectives
*Raptors Rule!
*Arachnids and their Kin
*Water Quality
*Wetlands
*Rivers and Creeks
Project WILD
Project WILD is a supplementary environmental/conservation education program emphasizing wildlife. The program's innovative, hands-on activities are designed for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Materials are correlated with and easily integrated into all subject areas or programs.
Project WILD assists learners of any age in developing the awareness, knowledge, skills and commitment to make informed decisions and act responsibly concerning wildlife and the environment.
In Indiana, the Department of Natural Resources' Division of Fish and Wildlife sponsors Project WILD. Trained volunteer facilitators conduct local workshops for anyone interested in using the materials for youth education. After attending a six-hour workshop, participants will receive a copy of the curriculum guides at no charge. College credit is also available for attending a workshop.
For more information about Project WILD contact [email protected] or visit http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/about/edcenter/projectwild.htm
Project Learning Tree
Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award-winning internationally recognized environmental education program that provides ready-made lessons and activities for educators. PLT can integrate easily into an existing curriculum and can be used to supplement all subject areas. PLT uses the forest as a "window to the world," helping young people gain an awareness and knowledge of the world around them and their place within it. Students develop skills in creative problem solving, critical thinking, evaluation and research while having fun.
For more information about Project Learning Tree contact [email protected] or visit http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/index.html?
http://www.state.in.us/dnr/forestry/education/plt/plt.html&2
Project WET
Project WET is a program of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Soil Conservation. Project WET believes that informed people are more likely to participate in the decision making process and to make a difference through their actions. Project WET invites educators, resource managers, community leaders, and concerned citizens to join Project WET in educating people about one of the most precious resources on the planet - water.
Project WET activities are designed to satisfy the goals of educational programs by complementing existing curricula rather than displacing or adding more concepts. Project WET activities provide many opportunities to address curricula objectives and educational standards. These interdisciplinary activities designed for students in grades K-12 are perfect for use in formal and non-formal education settings.
For more information about Project WET contact [email protected] or visit http://www.in.gov/dnr/soilcons/wet/
Hoosier Riverwatch
Hoosier Riverwatch is a state-sponsored water quality monitoring initiative. The program was started in 1994 to increase public awareness of water quality issues and concerns by training volunteers to monitor stream water quality. Hoosier Riverwatch collaborates with agencies and volunteers to:
Increase public involvement in water quality issues through hands-on training of volunteers in stream monitoring and cleanup activities.
Educate local communities about the relationship between land use and water quality.
Provide water quality information to citizens and governmental agencies working to protect Indiana's rivers and streams.
Hoosier Riverwatch is sponsored by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife. Funding is provided in part by the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Fund.
For more information about Project WILD contact Lyn Crighton, Hoosier Riverwatch Coordinator or Jan Hosier, Riverwatch Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator or visit http://www.in.gov/dnr/soilcons/riverwatch/vsm/contact.html
Indiana Amphibian Monitoring Program
There is growing concern that the population of frogs and toads are declining at record numbers. Whole species of amphibians have literally vanished, and scientists are baffled about the reason. To monitor this trend, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking volunteers to participate in the Indiana Amphibian Monitoring Program. Volunteers must be 18 and attend a training session sponsored by the IDNR.
The Indiana program is a part of the National American Amphibian Monitoring Program administrated by the U.S. Geological Survey. Two survey methods will be utilized: national routes and stationary sites. Surveys are repeated three times during the breeding season and the average driving route will take one to two hours to complete.
For more information visit: http://www.IN.gov/dnr/fishwild/endangered/naamp/nindex.htm
