Wesselman Woods

What Wesselman Woods does

Wesselman Woods is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit nature preserve operated by the Wesselman Nature Society in Evansville, Indiana, founded in 1972 to manage the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States and a designated National Natural Landmark (1973). The organization stewards approximately 290+ acres of original preserve plus 90 acres added in June 2023 (including a former Par 3 golf course and a 42-acre University of Evansville property purchased for $2 million), and it manages Howell Wetlands (one of the largest urban wetlands in Indiana) on behalf of the City of Evansville.

Its core offerings fall into four categories: physical visitor access (trails, the Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, Howell Wetlands), educational programs spanning early childhood through adult certification (Little Eco-Scholars, Junior Forest League, summer camps, Indiana Master Naturalist, Environmental Studies), annual signature events (Maple Sugarbush Festival, Earth Day, Woodland Wonders, Owl Prowl), and the wildlife rehabilitation / Animal Ambassador program (non-releasable raptors, reptiles, and mammals permitted through USFWS, USDA, and IDNR used in 94% of education programs in 2025). It also operates community-science research (Wildlife Watch via camera traps and the Zooniverse platform), conservation projects including the multi-year West Meadow reforestation, and the Eco-Access Initiative removing financial barriers for Title I schools and underserved families.

The business model is a hybrid nonprofit revenue stack: transactional admissions and program fees, recurring annual and lifetime memberships, individual and corporate donations, foundation grants (AARP, Alcoa, CenterPoint, Koch, Mattingly, Igleheart-Foster, Ruder), corporate event sponsorships, and facility rentals. The customer base spans general public visitors, K-12 schools (notably Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation), adult learners, corporate partners, and academic researchers (University of Evansville, USI).

Name

Wesselman Woods

Legal name

Wesselman Nature Society

Website

https://wesselmanwoods.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Wesselman Woods is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States, a National Natural Landmark in Evansville, Indiana. It provides environmental education, outdoor recreation, and conservation programming to families, K-12 schools, adult learners, and corporate partners across the tri-state region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nature Preserve and Environmental Education

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Education & Community Programs (Junior Ranger, Citizen Science, School Programs) (THAAAGAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Environmental Interpretation & Ranger-Led Education Programs (Visitor Education) (THAAAOAJ), Nature-Based / Forest School Early Learning Programs (EDACADAD)

Keywords

• Environmental education
• Nature preserve conservation
• Wildlife rehabilitation
• Outdoor recreation programs
• Youth summer camps

Headquarters

HQ city

Evansville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Admissions: Daily admission fees for visitors to access the nature preserve, Nature Playscape, and trails. Free admission days sponsored by partners provide equitable access.
2. Memberships: Annual membership program offering free admission, discounts, and exclusive benefits. Lifetime memberships available. Members form the core donor base.
3. Donations: Individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants fund conservation, education, and accessibility initiatives.
4. Programs and Camps: Fee-based educational programs including summer camps, Indiana Master Naturalist certification, Environmental Studies series, and youth programs like Junior Forest League and Little Eco-Scholars.
5. Facility Rental and Events: Nature center and grounds available for private events, corporate functions, and community gatherings.
6. Event Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors underwrite major annual events (Maple Sugarbush Festival, Earth Day, Woodland Wonders) in exchange for visibility and brand association.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Wesselman Woods operates the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States, a National Natural Landmark spanning 220+ acres in Evansville, Indiana, offering public access for outdoor recreation, environmental education, and wildlife viewing. The organization delivers structured learning experiences including an Indiana Master Naturalist certification course, youth summer camps (Junior Forest Rangers, Wesselcraft, Camp Creepy), school field-trip programs, the Sprout Initiative for EVSC Title I schools, and Environmental Studies lectures for adults. Supporting offerings include annual community festivals (Maple Sugarbush Festival, Earth Day, Woodland Wonders, Owl Prowl), facility rentals, a Wildlife Rehabilitation program with animal ambassadors used in 94% of education sessions, and a Membership program that funds ongoing conservation research, ecological restoration (West Meadow reforestation), and free access initiatives.

Product overview

Wesselman Woods operates as a unified nature preserve organization offering environmental education and outdoor recreation experiences. The core offerings include access to Wesselman Woods (220+ acre urban old-growth forest and National Natural Landmark) and Howell Wetlands (largest urban wetland in Indiana), supplemented by the 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape featuring the Arwood Family Treehouse. Educational programs span from early childhood (Little Eco-Scholars, ages 3-5) through youth (Junior Forest League, Junior Forest Rangers summer camp, Wesselcraft Camp, Camp Creepy) to adults (Indiana Master Naturalist certification, Environmental Studies series). The organization runs signature annual events including Maple Sugarbush Festival, Earth Day, Woodland Wonders, and Owl Prowl, complemented by volunteer Weed Wrangles and the Eco-Access Initiative for equitable access. Wildlife education features live animal ambassadors used in 94% of education programs. Recent initiatives include the West Meadow restoration project and the Education Ambassador volunteer program launched in 2025.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Howell Wetlands: A wetland preserve managed by Wesselman Woods, one of the largest urban wetlands in Indiana, located on Evansville's west side.
• Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape
• West Meadow

Products and services

• Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve A 220+ acre urban old-growth forest and National Natural Landmark offering visitor access, environmental education, and conservation programs for individuals, families, and school groups.
• Howell Wetlands One of the largest urban wetlands in Indiana, owned by the City of Evansville and managed by Wesselman Woods, offering wetland ecosystem access, prairie and cypress slough preservation, and restoration programs.
• Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape A 5-acre nature playscape designed for unstructured child play and exploration using natural landscapes, vegetation, and materials—one of the largest playscapes of its kind in the United States.
• Indiana Master Naturalist Certification Program Ten-week certification course covering southern Indiana bioregion components including plants, water, soils, and wildlife, taught through video coursework and in-person sessions for adult learners. Priced at $140 for members and $150 for the public.
• Junior Forest Rangers Summer Camp Week-long summer camp teaching outdoor skills, tree identification, and survival skills for children in grades 1st through 7th.
• Wesselcraft Camp Minecraft-inspired week-long camp where children explore the woods and build shelters while learning about natural-world biomes and materials.
• Camp Creepy Week-long camp exploring odd topics from arachnids and insects to skeletons and scary stories for children in grades 1st through 7th.
• Junior Forest League Monthly program for children ages 6-12 focusing on environmental topics specific to Southern Indiana, with team-building activities and games.
• Little Eco-Scholars Early learner program introducing children ages 3-5 to environmental and ecological principles through games, simple projects, and exploratory play.
• Environmental Studies Series Educational sessions covering topics such as local stream fishes, woodlore, and tree identification taught by expert presenters. Standard sessions included with membership; special Woodlore session priced at $25 members / $30 public.
• Sprout Initiative Pilot program partnering with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation to serve first-grade students at Caze, Delaware, and Evans Elementary Schools with immersive environmental experiences aligned to English Language Arts curriculum.
• Maple Sugarbush Festival Annual spring event celebrating maple syrup production with educational activities and community engagement.
• Earth Day Celebration Annual community event bringing together local organizations with hands-on activities showcasing environmental stewardship.
• Woodland Wonders Festival All-ages fall celebration featuring fairy and forest folk themes with immersive nature experiences.
• Owl Prowl Annual fundraiser hosted by University of Evansville chapters featuring educational booths, forest exploration, and walk-a-thon for animal ambassador care.
• Animal Ambassadors Program Non-releasable wildlife education program featuring raptors, reptiles, and mammals used in teaching the public about species, biology, ecology, and conservation. Permitted through USFWS, USDA, and IDNR.
• Eco-Access Initiative Program ensuring equal access to Wesselman Woods by sponsoring family memberships, youth program fees, camp admissions, and free admission days for underserved families and Title I schools.
• Wildlife Watch Citizen Science Project Community science project utilizing camera traps throughout the forest with photos analyzed on the Zooniverse platform for wildlife identification and ecological research.
• West Meadow Restoration Project Multi-year reforestation project converting a former Par 3 golf course to meadow and eventually secondary forest through native plant introduction and pollinator habitat creation.
• Annual Membership Program Annual membership offering free admission, discounts on programs, and exclusive access to Wesselman Woods and Howell Wetlands, plus lifetime membership options.
• Facility Rental Service Rental of Wesselman Woods nature center facilities and grounds for private events, weddings, corporate functions, and community gatherings.
• Arwood Family Treehouse A 12-foot elevated treehouse within the Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape featuring ramps, rock walls, rope bridges, and climbing ropes with views of Odonata Pond.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 150 salamanders observed during 3 surveys in March 2025 (more than double 2024 due to wet spring)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Window World of EvansvilleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal exterior remodeler (4001 Vogel Road) has sponsored all major events for three consecutive years under Joe Bush's leadership. Sponsors Maple Sugarbush Festival, Earth Day, Woodland Wonders, and Owl Prowl. Located next to Wesselman Woods property.
• Romain SubarucoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLong-established relationship supporting major events. In 2026, sponsored Maple Sugarbush Festival, admission-free weekend, and became Title Sponsor for Earth Day. Part of Subaru Loves the Earth initiative.
• Ancient Roots Native NurserycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSmall family-owned native plant nursery donating consultation cost for the massive reforestation project on former Par 3 golf course, plus cost of germinating native seeds to be planted there. Critical partner in West Meadow restoration.
• Methodist Temple United Methodist ChurchcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsored all major events (Maple Sugarbush Festival, Earth Day, Woodland Wonders) from 2023-2025. In 2026, sponsoring Earth Day and admission-free weekend. Also donated funding for accessible pathway from Nature Center to Playscape. Initially sponsored family memberships and teacher memberships for Harper Elementary.
• Velocity FitnessminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDamien Burge's company offered free yoga sessions 2023-2025. Hosts annual Mindfulness Retreat, Fitness Fair, and Zombie Run 5K in Wesselman Park supporting Wesselman Woods mission.
• Wild Birds UnlimitedminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocally owned and operated bird seed store provides bird seed for Wesselman Woods bird viewing area.
• University of EvansvillecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Cris Hochwender (University of Evansville) led decades of research on deer overpopulation and tree regeneration. Donated $10,000 in deer cages and rebar in 2025. Also provided ChangeLab native prairie plants for West Meadow. Sold 42-acre property adjacent to preserve for $2 million in 2023 expansion.
• Eco Logic LLCminorOthersContracted for late February 2025 prescribed burn of 1.4-acre southern tract at Howell Wetlands. Also contracted to treat 2.4 acres of canopy gaps by removing pawpaw and spicebush.
• Davey Resource GroupminorOthersConducted mid-December 2025 prescribed burn of 2.2-acre northern tract at Howell Wetlands prairie.
• Evansville Audubon SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of Ohio Valley Birding Festival with Wesselman Woods and John James Audubon State Park in Henderson, KY. Brings birding enthusiasts to the preserve for guided hikes and raptor encounters.
• Pheasants Forever and Quail ForeverminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered in establishment of 23-acre West Meadow restoration. Contributed to prairie establishment and pollinator habitat creation.
• Soil and Water Conservation DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered in West Meadow establishment alongside Ancient Roots Native Nursery and Evansville Levee Authority.
• Evansville Vanderburgh Public LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing Library Day collaboration: library cardholders receive free admission to Wesselman Woods. EVPL outreach team on-site to issue library cards. Combines literature with outdoor nature experiences.
• University of Southern IndianaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. James Bandoli (Professor Emeritus of Biology) presents Environmental Studies sessions on local stream fishes. Dr. Alex Champagne serves on board of directors.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Newfields (Indianapolis Museum of Art): Indianapolis-based 501(c)(3) operating a major art museum plus the 100-acre Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park with environmental education programming; relevant given its central Indiana location and shared statewide donor pool, even though its core focus is art rather than ecological preservation.

Broad incumbents

• The Morton Arboretum: 1,700-acre research-focused arboretum near Chicago; substantially larger but operates the same school programs, Master Naturalist-style certification, membership tiers, and conservation research model that Wesselman Woods pursues in Evansville.
• Holden Forests and Gardens: Northeast Ohio nonprofit combining the Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden; runs comparable early-childhood through adult environmental education, summer camps, school partnerships, and signature events with a membership/donation revenue base.

Direct peers

• Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest: 15,000+ acre nonprofit arboretum and research forest in Clermont, Kentucky with similar conservation, environmental education, citizen-science, and event-based revenue model; comparable governance profile (501(c)(3), donations, grants, programming) and Kentucky/Southern Indiana regional proximity makes it a close operating analog.
• Tyler Arboretum: Pennsylvania-based 650-acre nonprofit arboretum with old-growth trees, formal gardens, school-age environmental programs, summer camps, festivals, and member-supported revenue model; tightly aligned in mission, organizational scale, and programming breadth.
• Cincinnati Nature Center: Regional 501(c)(3) nature preserve operating Rowe Woods and Long Branch Farm within the Cincinnati metro; runs a near-identical mix of preschool through adult environmental education, summer camps, citizen science, school field-trip programs, and signature festivals — the closest scale-and-activities comparable to Wesselman Woods in the Midwest.
• Shaw Nature Reserve: 2,400-acre nature reserve operated by Missouri Botanical Garden near Gray Summit, MO with forest/prairie restoration, K-12 environmental education, public programs, and outreach similar to Wesselman's mix; comparable land stewardship, prescribed-burn, and reforestation practices (West Meadow has parallel framing).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wesselman-woods-nature-preserve
• Facebookfacebook.com/wesselmanwoods
• Xx.com/wesselmanwoods

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Wesselman Woods