Wesselman Nature Society and the City of Evansville are excited to embark on the expansion and renovation of the education building in Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. This project will enhance and improve our visitors' experience in this amazing old growth forest. It will also provide a base for research, conservation education, and Wesselman Nature Society staff/volunteers.
The WNS vision for the Wesselman Woods Nature Center includes the Phase 1 (now underway) renovation of the existing facility and expansion on the east side of the building. With additional funding, sought by WNS, Phase 2 will include a new raptor building, outdoor education/recreation areas, and more.
For a look at how this construction project is coming along, please see our facebook photo album of construction photos, architectural renderings, and concept graphics.
Wesselman Nature Society and the City of Evansville are excited to embark on the expansion and renovation of the education building in Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. This project will enhance and improve our visitors’ experience in this amazing old growth forest. It will also provide a base for research, conservation education, and Wesselman Nature Society staff/volunteers.
Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve is a one of a kind natural woodland that grows in significance each year. It is one of Indiana’s few remaining old growth bottomland hardwood forests, providing habitat for a huge diversity of woodland species, including white-tailed deer, raccoon, rare/endangered salamanders, and both resident and migratory birds. No other city in the United States with a population exceeding 100,000 has within its corporate limits, a timber stand of such acreage and sylvan qualities. It carries the prestigious designations as both a National Natural Landmark and as a State Nature Preserve.
The original nature center (building) was opened to the public in 1973. The project was funded through money raised by the Junior League and generous local support and with a matching grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund through the Federal Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. The current building project has received funding through a contribution from the City of Evansville and an additional investment from Wesselman Nature Society to support and develop this local treasure. To complete the vision for this family destination and conservation center for education and research, Wesselman Nature Society will be launching a capital campaign in 2010.
