Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve

Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve is a 240acre nature preserve located in Evansville, Indiana. It is a National Natural Landmark and a State Nature Preserve owned by the City of Evansville and operated by the non-profit Wesselman Nature Society.The preserve consists of over 190acre of virgin bottomland hardwood forest complemented by an additional 50acre of younger forest, field, and pond. The woods consist of sweetgum, sugar maple, tuliptree, shumard oak, and green ash throughout. It is the largest tract of virgin forest located inside any city limits in the United States.The oldest trees are over 400 years old. Among the largest of their species are 24 state champions and two national champion trees. One of the tallest trees in the state is a tulip poplar located within the park. It is 147ft tall with a 13.2ft circumference and 81ft canopy.Animal species include squirrels, raccoons, gray foxes, coyote, and whitetail deer. The woods also serves as a refuge for a variety of woodpeckers and owls.