Isaac Wolfe Bernheim
Climate Heroes
Celebrating Local Stewards for a Healthier Planet
In 2024, Bernheim Forest and Arboretum introduced the Isaac Wolfe Bernheim Climate Hero Award during our Earth Day celebration, RESTORE: Healthy Planet, Healthy Us, recognizing eleven individuals and organizations making a tangible difference for our planet. These honorees lead by example and remind us that meaningful climate action can begin at any scale, right here in our communities.
Each year, we continue this tradition by uplifting new Climate Heroes whose work reflects care for the land, commitment to community, and belief in a more sustainable future. Sharing their stories helps cultivate hope, ease climate anxiety, and encourage others to take part in stewardship. This effort reflects Bernheim’s vision of “a world where nature is cherished, protected and restored.”
2026 Honorees
I.W. Bernheim Climate Heroes
Whitney Lewis, Dr. Libby Mims, and David Phemister were named the 2026 Isaac Wolfe Bernheim Climate Heroes and honored at RESTORE for their leadership in conservation and climate action. From grassroots cleanup efforts and environmental health advocacy to large-scale land and water protection, each is making a measurable impact across Kentucky and beyond.
We are proud to recognize these leaders for their exemplary work in environmental sustainability. They inspire us all to take climate action!
