• Home
  • About
  • Calendar
  • Plant Database
  • Contact
  • Careers
  • Board of Trustees Login

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

Become a Member Donate
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Trails and Maps
  • Programs and Events
  • Learn
  • Get Involved
You are here: Home / 90th / Cedar and Holly Ponds are now the Olmsted Ponds

June 5, 2019 by Amy Joseph Landon

Cedar and Holly Ponds are now the Olmsted Ponds

The two Arboretum ponds, known as Cedar and Holly Ponds are getting a new name as a tribute to our history. The ponds were designed by the Olmsted Brothers in 1939 as part of the original Bernheim Master Plan. The firm’s involvement continued the legacy of their father, renowned Landscape Architect, Frederick Law Olmsted. The Olmsted family has played an important role in designing many of our nation’s notable destinations, including the White House grounds, New York’s Central Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and many of the prominent parks and parkways of Louisville, including Cherokee and Iroquois Parks.

These ponds are a highlight of the Arboretum, especially with the addition of Little Nis and his reflection. They’re also a great spot for spotting Canada geese, and even the occasional blue heron.  The two ponds open on the first weekend each June as part of Bernheim’s Family Fishing Days. One of our most popular trails, Two Ponds Loop crosses the dam between the two lakes. Be sure to stop by in spring to see the stunning pinks, purples and whites of dogwood and redbud blooms that line the banks. Come by in the fall for the rich hues of the changing color around the surrounding knobs.

The ponds are a wonderful part of the Bernheim Arboretum landscape and we’re thrilled to honor the renowned design that’s woven into our history.

 

In 2019, Bernheim celebrates 90 years of connecting people with nature. At over 25 square miles, Bernheim is the largest privately held forest dedicated to conservation and education in the region. Our arboretum is home to plant collections of over 8,000 varieties, public art, and educational programming for thousands of students.  Our pristine forest hosts hikers and outdoor adventures alongside research and conservation projects which will serve to protect the environment for future generations.

As a 100% member and donor supported organization, we could not fulfill this important mission without you. We hope you’ll continue to support our efforts throughout the next 90 years.  Join or donate by clicking here.

Filed Under: 90th, Bernheim at 90, Homepage Blog Feed Tagged With: Fishing, Landscape Design, Olmested, Ponds, water

  • Let There Be Light, George Grey Bernard

Thank you to our Corporate Partners!


Thank you to our Corporate Partners!

  • Patagonia
  • Westrock
  • GE Appliances
  • Delta Dental KY
  • Luckett & Farley
  • Brown Forman
  • Beam Suntory
  • WMB
  • Quest Outdoors

Sign up for our newsletter

  • Sign up and receive special information about our programs and events.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

FOLLOW US

Copyright © 2019 Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest    |   Bernheim is an Arbnet level 4 certified garden
Privacy Policy | Policies and Guidelines | Research | Press Room  | Site Map

Forest Hill Drive and Guerilla Hollow trails are closed on Thursday, February 9 due to high winds. The Arboretum, including the Visitor Center, Playcosystem, and the Forest Giants Trail, will remain open.