Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Published Feb 11, 2009
With approximately 200 acres of wilderness, Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve in Evansville is a nature-lover’s delight.
A National Natural Landmark and a State Nature Preserve, the woods is the largest tract of virgin bottomland hardwood forest inside a city limits of 100,000 population anywhere in the United States.
Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve offers trails, environmental education programs and family events throughout the year.
Exhibits, observation areas and a gift shop are among the features at the interpretive center.
The woods boast an array of native plants and trees, some which have stood undisturbed for more than 400 years.
“Explorers like Lewis and Clark went through areas just like this, and it hasn’t changed,” says Kim Meadors, executive director and CEO of Wesselman Nature Society Inc. “It’s important to understand the value of these treasures.”
The raptor recovery center cares for birds of prey unable to return to the wild. Visitors can participate in a host of annual activities, such as banding of migratory birds, and learn from several resident “teaching animals.”
The not-for-profit Wesselman Nature Society oversees the nature preserve as well as Howell Wetlands, Indiana’s largest urban wetlands, and Canoe Evansville, offering wild rides on Pigeon Creek. Conservation, preservation, research and education are the four central themes for program and event planning.
Whether it’s a butterfly hike, a moonlight paddle or an owl prowl, there’s always something new to do and learn.
“We want people to see and understand what we are trying to preserve,” Meadors says. “If we take care of our resources, they will continue to be able to give back to us.”
Story by Claire Ratliff-Sears
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