Quail Forever Indiana Partners with Wesselman Woods to Bring Habitat to Evansville
By Gilbert Randolph, QF Regional Communications Specialist
Wesselman Woods is a nature preserve in Evansville, Indiana, home to the largest tract of old-growth habitat in any U.S. city. Its habitat that has remained intact for more than 400 years and provides refuge for a variety of iconic American species. Now, thanks to the QF Indiana conservation delivery team and local Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever chapters, members will help establish early successional habitat on a newly purchased section of the property
"This is a jewel in southwest Indiana," says John Kinney, Indiana State Coordinator. "Our goal is to get that PF & QF brand out to the public and explain why it's so important to have these islands of refuge and connectivity in urban spaces."
The 23-acre section recently acquired by Wesselman Woods was formerly a par-3 golf course. It will soon be converted to early successional habitat. Southwest Indiana Quail Forever Chapter 3172 is contributing volunteer hours and the use of its seed drill to plant the acreage with native pollinator species.
"We're very fortunate that Wesselman Woods has decided to partner with us," says Jeff Owens, President of the Southwest Indiana Quail Forever Chapter 3172. "It allows us to bring the classroom into an urban zone. It will give us an opportunity to do a lot of education and outreach, not only to youth from this country and surrounding counties, but also to their parents."
This partnership is part of a broader effort by the Indiana Conservation Delivery Team and local chapters to provide innovative outreach and education. As urban spaces expand and development reshapes the landscape, creating natural spaces such as the West Meadow project helps maintain a community's connection to the ecosystem around it.
"It's encouraging to receive funding to improve water and soil quality, reduce emissions, and restore the area as a native habitat for wildlife and community enjoyment," said Wesselman Woods' Executive Director, Amy Rhodes. "The community's enthusiasm, along with the support from multiple donors and partners, highlights the type of collaborative efforts needed for the long-term success of West Meadow and reforestation of its 23-acres."
The West Meadow has already been treated with herbicide to prepare the site for planting. Seeding will begin soon, putting Wesselman Woods on the path to creating early successional habitat within city limits.
People interested in the work Quail Forever is doing in Indiana can connect with a local chapter
here. To contact the Southwest Indiana Quail Forever Chapter 3172 email Jeff Owens at
qfch3172@gmail.com or call at
812-568-0585. Learn more about Wesselman Woods, their nature playscape, events and more
here.