Donations support Bernheim’s continued fight against LG&E
Thanks to community support and a generous match donation, Bernheim Forest has raised significant funding to continue its fight against a proposed LG&E natural gas pipeline that would cut through its pristine forest.
In November, Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest introduced a fundraising challenge to meet a $50,000 match pledged toward Bernheim’s fight against the natural gas pipeline. This match, offered by Louisville philanthropists and longtime Bernheim supporters Gill and Augusta Holland, supports Bernheim’s fight against the pipeline that would forever disrupt the land, streams and wildlife which thrive in this natural land.
Thanks to the Hollands’ generous match of $50,000, donations from the community, as well as money raised since the fight began, Bernheim officials announced that its Land Protection and Stewardship fund has grown to $130,000. This money helps pay Bernheim’s legal fees, increase community outreach around the region, and support other land protection activities by Bernheim.
Bernheim Executive Director Mark Wourms said if LG&E were to successfully seize the land, the consequences would be dire for countless species of plants and animals, clean air and water, and conservation land at Bernheim, in Kentucky and across the country.
“We will continue to fight this pipeline because we have pledged to preserve Bernheim for future generations. But this is bigger than this beautiful habitat and bigger than Bernheim itself,” Wourms said. “ A conservation easement protects this land, and if LG&E is allowed to break that easement, that could put all land protected by conservation easements throughout the state and the country at risk.”
To learn more about the fight to #SaveBernheim, please visit ForestUnderThreat.com.