The Wesselman Nature Society is constructing a new Howell Wetlands Education Center in order to expand the educational opportunities at the wetlands. This project will begin as a basic structure providing a large classroom sheltered from the elements, sufficient restrooms, and storage for educational and property maintenance supplies.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the ground breaking ceremony for this facility on April 11th. To view pictures from this ceremony, click here.

Howell Wetlands is an urban wetland which encompasses 35 acres. It is a remnant of an old channel of the Ohio River, called an "ox-bow”. The Ohio River once flowed through this wetland area, regularly spilling floodwaters over its banks into the surrounding land. The most striking feature of this wetlands is that despite its locationin the middle of a city, it impressively showcases a diversity of wetland habitats. These habitats include a marsh, a cypress slough, an oxbow channel, as well as the surrounding prairie and bottomland hardwood forest. This area was official designated as a wetland in 1997 by the City of Evansville. Since that time there has been continous restoration and management by the Wesselman Nature Society and its partnering agencies. The goal is to conserve this unique ecosystem, and make it appealing to the community as a place to go for education and enjoyment.

Wetlands such as this one, provide ideal habitat for a large diversity of wildlife. On a visit there you may get a chance to see some of the most common inhabitants, such as beaver, frogs, turtles, snakes, great blue herons, waterfowl, songbirds and dozens of other flora and fauna associated with this unique ecosystem. This wetland is also important to the local community and ecosystem because it stores floodwaters, slows and filters pollutants and sediment from storm water runoff, and provides a natural park-like setting for recreation and enjoyment.

You can visit and enjoy this unique ecosystem year-round, as it is completely accessible via well-constructed and maintained wooden walkways and bridges. There are many opportunities to explore and learn about wetlands in this wonderful outdoor classroom, either on your own, or in one of the many naturalist-led educational programs offered there. The Howell Wetland's management and educational programs are an extension of the Wesselman Nature Society.

For more details about the Howell Wetlands, the Wesselman Nature Society or educational programs, please contact Lauren Preske, Howell Program Manager at (812) 499-2952 or lpreske@wesselmannaturesociety.org.