Alcoa Foundation grant supports Wesselman Woods boardwalk expansion, protection of rare ecosystem

An Alcoa Foundation grant is helping more people access nature and protect the natural species and the integrity of one of the rarest ecosystems east of the Mississippi river.

In late 2022, installation began on an elevated, American Disabilities Act-compliant boardwalk on the Southwest Trail. This project is one component of Wesselman Woods’ Eco-Access Initiative , which seeks to broaden the preserve’s accessibility so visitors can enjoy and appreciate nature, while keeping the paths of migratory species safe.

“We thank you for making all this possible,” said Jerry Rairdon, Wesselman Director of Development. “I was able to traverse a section of Wesselman Woods that would have been impossible to travel today without the boardwalk in place.”

Wesselman’s Facilities Manager George Fleming said that work will continue into 2023 to complete several separate sections from other trails at the facility to cover sporadic wet spots that remain.

Wesselman Nature Society, Inc., the 501(c )3 that operates and manages Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve and Howell Wetlands in Evansville, Indiana, was awarded a $40,000 Alcoa Foundation grant in 2022, with $40,000 earmarked in 2023 to complete the boardwalk project.