Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve |
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Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve, November 2010
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 Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve
Location in Indiana
Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve
Location in the United States
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| Location | Evansville, Indiana |
| Area | 240 acres (0.97 km2) |
| Designated: | 1973 |
Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve is a special place in Evansville, Indiana. It covers about 240 acres (nearly 1 square kilometer) and is a protected area. This preserve is so important that it's recognized as a National Natural Landmark and a State Nature Preserve. It's owned by the City of Evansville and looked after by a group called the Wesselman Nature Society.
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Exploring Wesselman Woods
Wesselman Woods is mostly made up of a very old forest. Over 190 acres of the preserve are what we call "virgin bottomland hardwood forest." This means the trees have grown naturally for hundreds of years without being cut down. The other 50 acres include younger forests, open fields, and a pond.
Amazing Trees and Plants
The forest here is home to many different kinds of trees. You'll find sweetgum, sugar maple, tuliptree, shumard oak, and green ash. What makes Wesselman Woods truly unique is that it's the largest area of ancient forest found inside any city in the United States.
Some of the oldest trees in the preserve are more than 400 years old! Imagine how much history these trees have seen. Among them are 24 "state champion" trees, which are the biggest of their kind in Indiana. There are even two "national champion" trees, meaning they are the largest of their species in the entire country. One of the tallest trees in Indiana, a tulip poplar, stands here. It's about 147 feet (45 meters) tall!
Wildlife in the Woods
Wesselman Woods is a safe home for many animals. You might spot squirrels, raccoons, and even gray foxes. Coyotes and whitetail deer also live here. The preserve is also a great place for birdwatching. Many different types of woodpeckers and owls make their homes in these old trees.
The Nature Center and Activities
When you visit Wesselman Woods, you can start at the nature center. It has fun, interactive exhibits where you can learn about the local environment. You can also see some animals up close. The center offers special events, places to watch wildlife, and educational programs. They even have canoeing trips and camps! A nature playscape was added in 2016 for younger visitors.
The preserve has many hiking trails. They vary in length, so you can choose a short walk or a longer adventure. There's also an amphitheater near Odonata Pond. This outdoor space can be rented for different activities.
Howell Wetlands
The Wesselman Nature Society also takes care of another natural area called Howell Wetlands. This 23-acre property is located in western Evansville. It's a special wetland area that provides a habitat for many different plants and animals.
