July 1 Toddler Tales (10 a.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. Interaction with nature is important in a child's early stages of learning and development. This seasonal nature story and craft class is a fun and enriching experience for parents and children up to 5 years old. Toddler Tales is held every Wednesday at 10 a.m., and it is Free; donations accepted. No reservation required.
July 1 Trails & Tales (3 p.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. This seasonal nature story and outdoor trail activity is offered every Wednesday for children in grades K—2. Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve has great trails to help kids learn about the old growth forest world, and our Nature Center and Raptor Program provides lots of opportunities for one-on-one learning with a naturalist or docent. Free; donations accepted. No reservation required. Note: outdoor activities are weather permitting; dress according to weather conditions.
July 1 Wildflower Walk (6 p.m.) at Howell Wetlands. Experience the sights and smells of wildflowers at Howell Wetlands on this guided tour. See a magnificent array of wildflowers, prairie grasses, and wildlife in the wetland, woodland and prairie…a quality show you can’t find anywhere else in the Evansville area. Led by Kate Lynch, SW IN Master Gardener, and SW IN Master Naturalist. Free; donations accepted. No reservation required.
July 5 Wildlife in the City Canoe Program (2 p.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. This safe-passage canoe trip takes you along the Pigeon Creek Greenway passage and into the heart of the city of Evansville. Learn about the geology, ecology, and the environmental implications of city water trails. Relax on this 5-mile trip, and find out how the Pigeon Creek corridor is an oasis of wildlife hidden to the public eye. Guided trips are offered throughout the season for ages 7 and up. Trips leave from Wesselman Woods Nature Center and last an average of 3 hours. Pre-registration required ($15 per person). Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.
July 8 Toddler Tales (10 a.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. Interaction with nature is important in a child's early stages of learning and development. This seasonal nature story and craft class is a fun and enriching experience for parents and children up to 5 years old. Toddler Tales is held every Wednesday at 10 a.m., and it is Free; donations accepted. No reservation required.
July 8 Trails & Tales (3 p.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. This seasonal nature story and outdoor trail activity is offered every Wednesday for children in grades K—2. Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve has great trails to help kids learn about the old growth forest world, and our Nature Center and Raptor Program provides lots of opportunities for one-on-one learning with a naturalist or docent. Free; donations accepted. No reservation required. Note: outdoor activities are weather permitting; dress according to weather conditions.
July 10 Moonlight Paddle (6 p.m.) at Blue Grass F&W Area. Join Canoe Evansville for a guided paddle under the full moon at this serene natural area north of the City. Pre-registration required ($15 per person); discount for WNS members. Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.
July 11 Recycle Saturday! (8 a.m. to Noon) at old Wal-Mart West. Support Wesselman Nature Society by bringing us your recyclable materials. We are accepting cardboard, newspaper, magazines, catalogs, phone books, mixed paper, aluminum cans, metal food cans, glass containers, #1 & #2 plastic bottles, and household batteries. Call 479-0771, ext. 101 or 436-7800 for more information.
July 11 Wildlife in the City Canoe Program (9 a.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. This safe-passage canoe trip takes you along the Pigeon Creek Greenway passage and into the heart of the city of Evansville. Learn about the geology, ecology, and the environmental implications of city water trails. Relax on this 5-mile trip, and find out how the Pigeon Creek corridor is an oasis of wildlife hidden to the public eye. Guided trips are offered throughout the season for ages 7 and up. Trips leave from Wesselman Woods Nature Center and last an average of 3 hours. Pre-registration required ($15 per person); discount for WNS members. Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.
July 11 Butterfly Buzz (9:30 a.m.) at Howell Wetlands. Experience the sights and sensations of butterflies that call Howell Wetlands home. The butterflies abound amongst the wetland and prairie plants at Howell Wetlands. Where do butterflies go for the winter? How long do they live? What is the difference between a monarch and a viceroy? Find out more….join us! Led by Debbie Goedde, SW IN Master Gardner and butterfly enthusiast. Free; donations accepted. Call 499-2952 for further information.
July 11 Moonlight Paddle (6 p.m.) at Hovey Lake. Join Canoe Evansville for a guided paddle under the full moon amidst the cypress forest at Hovey Lake (just south of Mt. Vernon, IN). Pre-registration required ($15 per person); discount for WNS members. Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.
July 15 Toddler Tales (10 a.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. Interaction with nature is important in a child's early stages of learning and development. This seasonal nature story and craft class is a fun and enriching experience for parents and children up to 5 years old. Toddler Tales is held every Wednesday at 10 a.m., and it is Free; donations accepted. No reservation required.
July 15 Trails & Tales (3 p.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. This seasonal nature story and outdoor trail activity is offered every Wednesday for children in grades K—2. Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve has great trails to help kids learn about the old growth forest world, and our Nature Center and Raptor Program provides lots of opportunities for one-on-one learning with a naturalist or docent. Free; donations accepted. No reservation required. Note: outdoor activities are weather permitting; dress according to weather conditions.
July 18 Jr. Naturalist Birders Club (9 a.m.) at Eagle Slough. Junior birders (ages 9-12) can join master birders from the Evansville Audubon Society as they hike local natural areas to discover birds in their seasonal habitats. Guides will teach about birds and their habits, plus tips and tools to help you develop your birding skills. Great experience for novice birders, and fun for experienced birders too. Bring your binoculars, field ID guides, and journals. The Club meets the third Friday of every month at 3 p.m. at a different location each month. Free; donations accepted.
July 18 Wildflower Walk (8:30 a.m.) at Howell Wetlands. Experience the sights and smells of wildflowers at Howell Wetlands on this guided tour. See a magnificent array of wildflowers, prairie grasses, and wildlife in the wetland, woodland and prairie…a quality show you can’t find anywhere else in the Evansville area. Led by Kate Lynch, SW IN Master Gardener, and SW IN Master Naturalist. Free; donations accepted. No reservation required.
July 18 Wildlife in the City Canoe Program (9 a.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. This safe-passage canoe trip takes you along the Pigeon Creek Greenway passage and into the heart of the city of Evansville. Learn about the geology, ecology, and the environmental implications of city water trails. Relax on this 5-mile trip, and find out how the Pigeon Creek corridor is an oasis of wildlife hidden to the public eye. Guided trips are offered throughout the season for ages 7 and up. Trips leave from Wesselman Woods Nature Center and last an average of 3 hours. Pre-registration required ($15 per person); discount for WNS members. Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.
July 18
Nightlife Hike (8 p.m. to 9 p.m.) at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. Embark on an exploratory adventure from dusk to dark to explore and experience the magnified senses used by creatures of the night. $4/person, $12/family, discount with family membership.
July 19 Butterfly Buzz (1 p.m.) at Howell Wetlands. Experience the sights and sensations of butterflies that call Howell Wetlands home. The butterflies abound amongst the wetland and prairie plants at Howell Wetlands. Where do butterflies go for the winter? How long do they live? What is the difference between a monarch and a viceroy? Find out more….join us! Led by Debbie Goedde, SW IN Master Gardner and butterfly enthusiast. Free; donations accepted. Call 499-2952 for further information.
July 20—24 ECO Academy Summer Camp Children enjoy playing outside, exploring, discovering, imagining, and learning. Those children active in the outdoors are healthier, more engaged in play, and more interested in learning. Why not give them a summer experience in the
outdoors that will help them explore their potential, challenge their limitations, and grow their character?
WNS is offering a unique new summer experience in an effort to get Every Child Outside….the ECO Academy! ECO Explorers will get outside to explore, discover, imagine, and learn about the natural world around them. Get your children outside this summer, and give themf lifelong memories that will foster an understanding, appreciation, and respect for their world.
Camps are separated by the following age groups:
Discovery Camp
Ages 6–8 (entering grades 1–3)
Half day or full day: 9 a.m.–noon
and/or 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
Get outdoors and discover the world around you! Take a
hike, turn over rocks, walk on a log, splash in water, roll
down a hill, look through a magnifying glass, watch the
wildlife, create nature art, and learn and play all day as
nature intended you to.
Adventure Camp
Ages 9–12 (entering grades 4–6)
Full day: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Take an adventure in woodlands, wetlands, and
waterways! Hike a trail, romp in a swamp, paddle
down a river, navigate through the woods, build a fort,
go on a scavenger hunt, watch wildlife, design cool
science experiments, and spend all day learning new
skills and making new friends.
ECO Explorers will visit other WNS properties in the area via the WNS shuttle bus. A detailed activities schedule will be provided to registrants two weeks prior to camp. Children should bring a brown bag lunch for full day camps.
Extended care will be available from 7:30 a.m. and to 5:30 p.m. Registration is required, and space is limited. Full day: $150 nonmembers, $135 WNS members (family); Half day: $100 nonmembers, $85 WNS members (family); Extended care $25/week; 10% discount for additional siblings. Download (PDF) the registration form. Call 479-0771 for more information.
July 22 Toddler Tales (10 a.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. Interaction with nature is important in a child's early stages of learning and development. This seasonal nature story and craft class is a fun and enriching experience for parents and children up to 5 years old. Toddler Tales is held every Wednesday at 10 a.m., and it is Free; donations accepted. No reservation required.
July 22 Trails & Tales (3 p.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. This seasonal nature story and outdoor trail activity is offered every Wednesday for children in grades K—2. Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve has great trails to help kids learn about the old growth forest world, and our Nature Center and Raptor Program provides lots of opportunities for one-on-one learning with a naturalist or docent. Free; donations accepted. No reservation required. Note: outdoor activities are weather permitting; dress according to weather conditions.
July 25 Bug Hunt (8 p.m.) at Howell Wetlands. Discover the secret night life of the insect world on an exploratory adventure with an insect specialist! $4 /person, $12/family, discount with WNS membership.
July 26 Wildlife in the City Canoe Program (2 p.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. This safe-passage canoe trip takes you along the Pigeon Creek Greenway passage and into the heart of the city of Evansville. Learn about the geology, ecology, and the environmental implications of city water trails. Relax on this 5-mile trip, and find out how the Pigeon Creek corridor is an oasis of wildlife hidden to the public eye. Guided trips are offered throughout the season for ages 7 and up. Trips leave from Wesselman Woods Nature Center and last an average of 3 hours. Pre-registration required ($15 per person); discount for WNS members. Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.
July 29 Toddler Tales (10 a.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. Interaction with nature is important in a child's early stages of learning and development. This seasonal nature story and craft class is a fun and enriching experience for parents and children up to 5 years old. Toddler Tales is held every Wednesday at 10 a.m., and it is Free; donations accepted. No reservation required.
July 29 Trails & Tales (3 p.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. This seasonal nature story and outdoor trail activity is offered every Wednesday for children in grades K—2. Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve has great trails to help kids learn about the old growth forest world, and our Nature Center and Raptor Program provides lots of opportunities for one-on-one learning with a naturalist or docent. Free; donations accepted. No reservation required. Note: outdoor activities are weather permitting; dress according to weather conditions.
August 1 Recycle Saturday! (8 a.m. to Noon) at old Wal-Mart West. Support Wesselman Nature Society by bringing us your recyclable materials. We are accepting cardboard, newspaper, magazines, catalogs, phone books, mixed paper, aluminum cans, metal food cans, glass containers, #1 & #2 plastic bottles, and household batteries. Call 479-0771, ext. 101 or 436-7800 for more information.
August 5 Toddler Tales (10 a.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. Interaction with nature is important in a child's early stages of learning and development. This seasonal nature story and craft class is a fun and enriching experience for parents and children up to 5 years old. Toddler Tales is held every Wednesday at 10 a.m., and it is Free; donations accepted. No reservation required.
August 5 Trails & Tales (4 p.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. This seasonal nature story and outdoor trail activity is offered every Wednesday for children in grades K—2. Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve has great trails to help kids learn about the old growth forest world, and our Nature Center and Raptor Program provides lots of opportunities for one-on-one learning with a naturalist or docent. Free; donations accepted. No reservation required. Note: outdoor activities are weather permitting; dress according to weather conditions.
August 7 Moonlight Paddle (6 p.m.) at Blue Grass F&W Area. Join Canoe Evansville for a guided paddle under the full moon at this serene natural area north of the City. Pre-registration required ($15 per person); discount for WNS members. Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.
August 8 Wildlife in the City Canoe Program (9 a.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. This safe-passage canoe trip takes you along the Pigeon Creek Greenway passage and into the heart of the city of Evansville. Learn about the geology, ecology, and the environmental implications of city water trails. Relax on this 5-mile trip, and find out how the Pigeon Creek corridor is an oasis of wildlife hidden to the public eye. Guided trips are offered throughout the season for ages 7 and up. Trips leave from Wesselman Woods Nature Center and last an average of 3 hours. Pre-registration required ($15 per person); discount for WNS members. Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.
August 8 Butterfly Buzz (9:30 a.m.) at Howell Wetlands. Experience the sights and sensations of butterflies that call Howell Wetlands home. The butterflies abound amongst the wetland and prairie plants at Howell Wetlands. Where do butterflies go for the winter? How long do they live? What is the difference between a monarch and a viceroy? Find out more….join us! Led by Debbie Goedde, SW IN Master Gardner and butterfly enthusiast. Free; donations accepted. Call 499-2952 for further information.
August 8 Moonlight Paddle (6 p.m.) at Hovey Lake. Join Canoe Evansville for a guided paddle under the full moon amidst the cypress forest at Hovey Lake (just south of Mt. Vernon, IN). Pre-registration required ($15 per person); discount for WNS members. Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.
August 12 Toddler Tales (10 a.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. Interaction with nature is important in a child's early stages of learning and development. This seasonal nature story and craft class is a fun and enriching experience for parents and children up to 5 years old. Toddler Tales is held every Wednesday at 10 a.m., and it is Free; donations accepted. No reservation required.
August 12 Trails & Tales (4 p.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. This seasonal nature story and outdoor trail activity is offered every Wednesday for children in grades K—2. Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve has great trails to help kids learn about the old growth forest world, and our Nature Center and Raptor Program provides lots of opportunities for one-on-one learning with a naturalist or docent. Free; donations accepted. No reservation required. Note: outdoor activities are weather permitting; dress according to weather conditions.
August 15 Wildflower Walk (8:30 a.m.) at Howell Wetlands. Experience the sights and smells of wildflowers at Howell Wetlands on this guided tour. See a magnificent array of wildflowers, prairie grasses, and wildlife in the wetland, woodland and prairie…a quality show you can’t find anywhere else in the Evansville area. Led by Kate Lynch, SW IN Master Gardener, and SW IN Master Naturalist. Free; donations accepted. No reservation required.
August 16 Wildlife in the City Canoe Program (2 p.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. This safe-passage canoe trip takes you along the Pigeon Creek Greenway passage and into the heart of the city of Evansville. Learn about the geology, ecology, and the environmental implications of city water trails. Relax on this 5-mile trip, and find out how the Pigeon Creek corridor is an oasis of wildlife hidden to the public eye. Guided trips are offered throughout the season for ages 7 and up. Trips leave from Wesselman Woods Nature Center and last an average of 3 hours. Pre-registration required ($15 per person); discount for WNS members. Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.
August 16 Butterfly Buzz (1 p.m.) at Howell Wetlands. Experience the sights and sensations of butterflies that call Howell Wetlands home. The butterflies abound amongst the wetland and prairie plants at Howell Wetlands. Where do butterflies go for the winter? How long do they live? What is the difference between a monarch and a viceroy? Find out more….join us! Led by Debbie Goedde, SW IN Master Gardner and butterfly enthusiast. Free; donations accepted. Call 499-2952 for further information.
August 19 Toddler Tales (10 a.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. Interaction with nature is important in a child's early stages of learning and development. This seasonal nature story and craft class is a fun and enriching experience for parents and children up to 5 years old. Toddler Tales is held every Wednesday at 10 a.m., and it is Free; donations accepted. No reservation required.
August 19 Trails & Tales (4 p.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. This seasonal nature story and outdoor trail activity is offered every Wednesday for children in grades K—2. Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve has great trails to help kids learn about the old growth forest world, and our Nature Center and Raptor Program provides lots of opportunities for one-on-one learning with a naturalist or docent. Free; donations accepted. No reservation required. Note: outdoor activities are weather permitting; dress according to weather conditions.
August 22 Recycle Saturday! (8 a.m. to Noon) at 4-H Center. Support Wesselman Nature Society by bringing us your recyclable materials. We are accepting cardboard, newspaper, magazines, catalogs, phone books, mixed paper, aluminum cans, metal food cans, glass containers, #1 & #2 plastic bottles, and household batteries. Call 479-0771, ext. 101 or 436-7800 for more information.
August 22 Wildlife in the City Canoe Program (9 a.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. This safe-passage canoe trip takes you along the Pigeon Creek Greenway passage and into the heart of the city of Evansville. Learn about the geology, ecology, and the environmental implications of city water trails. Relax on this 5-mile trip, and find out how the Pigeon Creek corridor is an oasis of wildlife hidden to the public eye. Guided trips are offered throughout the season for ages 7 and up. Trips leave from Wesselman Woods Nature Center and last an average of 3 hours. Pre-registration required ($15 per person); discount for WNS members. Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.
August 22 Jr. Naturalist Birders Club (9 a.m.) at Eagle Slough. Junior birders (ages 9-12) can join master birders from the Evansville Audubon Society as they hike local natural areas to discover birds in their seasonal habitats. Guides will teach about birds and their habits, plus tips and tools to help you develop your birding skills. Great experience for novice birders, and fun for experienced birders too. Bring your binoculars, field ID guides, and journals. The Club meets the third Friday of every month at 3 p.m. at a different location each month. Free; donations accepted.
August 26 Toddler Tales (10 a.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. Interaction with nature is important in a child's early stages of learning and development. This seasonal nature story and craft class is a fun and enriching experience for parents and children up to 5 years old. Toddler Tales is held every Wednesday at 10 a.m., and it is Free; donations accepted. No reservation required.
August 26 Trails & Tales (4 p.m.) at the Wesselman Woods Nature Center. This seasonal nature story and outdoor trail activity is offered every Wednesday for children in grades K—2. Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve has great trails to help kids learn about the old growth forest world, and our Nature Center and Raptor Program provides lots of opportunities for one-on-one learning with a naturalist or docent. Free; donations accepted. No reservation required. Note: outdoor activities are weather permitting; dress according to weather conditions.
August 29 Bug Hunt (7 p.m.) at Howell Wetlands. Discover the secret night life of the insect world on an exploratory adventure with an insect specialist! $4 /person, $12/family, discount with WNS membership.
August 30 Wildlife in the City Canoe Program (2 p.m.) Join Canoe Evansville for an alternative look at Evansville, via Pigeon Creek. This safe-passage canoe trip takes you along the Pigeon Creek Greenway passage and into the heart of the city of Evansville. Learn about the geology, ecology, and the environmental implications of city water trails. Relax on this 5-mile trip, and find out how the Pigeon Creek corridor is an oasis of wildlife hidden to the public eye. Guided trips are offered throughout the season for ages 7 and up. Trips leave from Wesselman Woods Nature Center and last an average of 3 hours. Pre-registration required ($15 per person); discount for WNS members. Call 479-0771 ext. 105 for more information.
oxbow lake.These scenic trips are limited to two per month, coinciding with the weekend closest to the full moon. They last about 3 hours, and the cost is $15 per person.