Bernheim’s dedicated 
Volunteer Naturalists help people of all ages understand and connect with the natural world in a way that fosters deep emotional and intellectual connections. This tight-knit community of volunteers offers the chance to not just share knowledge with Bernheim visitors, but also to learn from each other and Bernheim’s expert staff.
For the only time this year, you have an opportunity to take part in our Volunteer Naturalist Orientation. Join us Saturday, January 21, 1 -3 p.m.
Bernheim’s volunteer naturalists provide more than half of our public programs — leading Star Stories and Full Moon Hikes, Creatures of the Night, Bernheim Back Roads tours, and Bernheim Lunch and Learn programs, as well as our First Sunday Nature Hikes. They offer Discovery Experiences and nature hikes during our ECO Kids days and guided interpretation of Bernheim’s Fire Tower. They serve as our volunteer beekeepers, providing opportunities for visitors to see these important pollinators up close and personal. They also lovingly make costumes and props that make our faerie and bug parades come to life.
At Bernheim we’re committed to developing our naturalists at a pace that’s best for each them and affords them the greatest success. Those in our Naturalist in Training Program come from all walks of life. Many come with little prior natural history knowledge, some with advanced degrees. Regardless, interpretative training is an equalizer. In our training we stress that it isn’t just what you know, but how you share or interpret what you know that counts.
We hope that we will see you this Saturday!
Not ready to become a Naturalist in Training, but want to get involved? Take the first step in becoming a Bernheim volunteer by attending the general orientation training from 10 a.m. – Noon.
Note – Registration is free, but required for both sessions.
For Volunteer Naturalist, please contact Wren Smith at 502-955-8512 ext. or wren@bernheim.org.
For General Volunteer Orientation, please contact Amy Landon at (502) 955-8512 ext. 262 or alandon@bernheim.org.