Main fundraiser photo

Saving the Salamanders at Wesselman Woods

Every spring, salamanders emerge from hibernation and begin their quest to migrate towards breeding grounds. Salamanders breed in vernal pools and travel en masse during warm rains. We at Wesselman Woods are lucky to have two vernal pools nearby, in the middle of Wesselman Park.

However, in order for these salamanders to reach their destination, they must cross at least one road. This is why we put up gates and barricades around the park loop. Without these barricades, HUNDREDS of salamanders would be killed due to human interference.

Just this season, we have recorded over 400 salamanders traveling between Wesselman Park and Wesselman Woods. As a State Nature Preserve and National Natural Landmark, it is our duty to protect all local flora and fauna. This week, we have seen increased vandalism to our wooden barricades and salamander signs.

Broken road barricade

Torn down vinyl sign

Without these conservation methods, the salamanders would be easily killed.  We have witnessed many dead salamanders due to traffic. Although closing down the park loop may be an inconvenience to some, we do it to protect our amphibian kin who do not have a voice or a choice.

We are disheartened to see our neighbors vandalize our attempts at saving precious wildlife. Want to make a difference? Help us raise money to benefit Wesselman Woods in creating better barriers to protect our local wildlife. We are asking for your support to help us purchase new metal gates and new metal signs to protect these special creatures.

Our lowest estimates for these items is already over $3000 so know that any donation will help make an impact. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us and all of Evansville's nature lovers.

Find out more about Wesselman Woods and how you can get involved with us on our website .

Donations 

  • Mesker Zoo
    • $500 (Offline)
    • 3 yrs
  • Evansville Audubon Society
    • $1,000 (Offline)
    • 3 yrs
  • Lochmueller Group
    • $2,000 (Offline)
    • 3 yrs
  • Marcia Singer
    • $400 (Offline)
    • 3 yrs
  • Henry Backes
    • $50 (Offline)
    • 3 yrs

Fundraising team: Wesselman Woods Team (4)

Wesselman Woods
Organizer
Raised $4,373 from 19 donations
Evansville, IN
Wesselman Park Nature Society Inc
 
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
Kristina Arwood
Team member
Raised $1,000 from 1 donation
Kailene Goldsberry
Team member
Raised $50 from 1 donation
Robin Johnston-Deem
Team member
This team raised $1,453 from 40 other donations.

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