By Bernheim
Grab a fishing pole and bring the whole family to Family Fishing Days at Bernheim on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2. In the spirit of the KY Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Free Fishing Days, all of Bernheim’s arboretum lakes are open for fishing (no license required) from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a day of family fun. Can’t make it the first weekend in June? Fish with a license in Lake Nevin anytime Bernheim is open.
Saturday, June 1 is also National Trails Day. To celebrate, Bernheim is hosting a Millennium Trail Section Hike from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join Tony Cecil and other Volunteer Naturalists to hike nine miles of Bernheim’s 14-mile Millennium Trail. Much of this trail section is deeply wooded and includes portions of the Jackson-Yoe and Guerilla Hollow trails. Participants should wear sturdy shoes, bring lunch and pack plenty of water. Due to rough terrain and steep hills, some participants may wish to bring hiking sticks. While the hike includes stops for rest and interpretation, it is open to experienced hikers only. The cost is $10 for Bernheim members and $15 for non-members. Registration and payment are required by 4 p.m. on the day prior to the program. Call (502) 955-8512 or visit Bernheim.org to reserve a spot.
These are just two of the many activities happening at Bernheim this June. Here are details on a month full of fun in nature:
Pollywog Play Party: Take a Hike
The youngest hikers can Take a Hike at the Pollywog Play Party on National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Education Center. Pollywogs will explore the world of outdoor recreation by hiking through the forest, playing at our campsite, decorating trail gear and much more.
Pollywog Play Parties combine music, art, language and play to encourage children (5 and under) and their families to learn about nature. Every play party includes a song and story circle, outdoor exploration, and a variety of art projects, science investigations, role-playing challenges and opportunities for play.
Registration is required by 4 p.m. on the day prior to program by calling (502) 955-8512 or visiting Bernheim.org. The cost is $10 for Bernheim members and $15 for non-members. The fee covers one caregiver and one child.
ECO Kids Discovery Days
The E-C-O stands for Every Child Outside, and that’s exactly where kids can be found during ECO Kids Discovery Days. Discovery Days take place the first and third Saturday of each month at Bernheim’s Visitor Center and include:
On Your Own Challenge from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Discovery Stations from 1 – 4 p.m.
Hike of the Day led by a Bernheim guide, starts at the Visitor Center at 2 p.m. and runs 45 – 60 minutes.
On Saturday, June 1, kids can identify trees by Looking at Leaves, and using the On Your Own Challenge page to recognize leaf form, arrangement and shape.
On Saturday, June 15, kids will discover a Tiny Universe while they learn about the universe under their feet. Children will enjoy taking a close look at the tiny universes that surround people every day.
For details on ECO Kids Discovery Days, call (502) 955-8512.
First Sunday Nature Hike
Join a Bernheim Volunteer Naturalist at the Visitor Center on Sunday, June 2, from 2 to 3 p.m. for an engaging nature walk. Registration is not required for this free event and all ages are welcome. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Lunch & Learn: Green Heritage
Many plants growing in our yards, neighborhoods and gardens connect us with history, tradition and lore. Join us on Wednesday, June 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to uncover forgotten bits from our green heritage. A short neighborhood stroll may never be the same!
Bernheim Lunch & Learn programs are designed for adults who enjoy spending time outdoors with others and celebrating the natural world. Hosted by Volunteer Naturalist Corinne Mastey, each program includes group introductions, a short hike and lunch at Isaac’s Café.
The cost is $15 for Bernheim members and $20 for non-members. Visit Bernheim.org for the Lunch & Learn menu. Registration and payment are due by 4 p.m. on the day prior to the program. Call (502) 955-8512 or visit Bernheim.org to register.
Soft Walking
Join Interpretive Programs Manager Wren Smith on Saturday, June 8, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for a reflective and sensory-rich experience. Early in her naturalist career, Wren’s unique Soft Walk was her most requested program. With rising interest in “forest bathing” and other attentive opportunities, the time is right to offer it again. The program is ideal for adults who lead nature hikes, or for those looking for new ways to connect with nature. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and shoes they don’t mind getting dirty and bring their childlike sense of wonder.
Family Hike: Bent Twig Hike
School is out for summer, but nature is always in session! This family hike on Wednesday, June 12, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. will exercise participants’ bodies and minds as they journey along the Bent Twig Trail to explore all of the wonders that nature has to offer. Come join Bernheim educators for this family-friendly exploration of one of Bernheim’s most popular hiking trails. Appropriate for all ages. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children (4 and under free). Registration and payment are required by 4 p.m. on the day prior to the program. Call (502) 955-8512 or visit Bernheim.org to reserve a spot.
Volunteer Orientation
Volunteers can give a few hours or several hundred hours, providing support to Bernheim and its visitors. Have fun in the great outdoors by participating in a variety of activities. Take the first step in becoming a Bernheim volunteer on Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to noon by attending this general orientation.Visit Bernheim.org to register or to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Four Seasons of Wild Edible Plants
Learn about delicious wild plant foods that can be found and harvested in every season. Join Interpretive Programs Manager Wren Smith on Saturday, June 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. to investigate four seasons of wild edible plants. The workshop includes an indoor presentation, foraging expedition, recipes and a few samples from each season. Wren is a wild food enthusiast with over 30 years of leading workshops and hikes on this subject.
The cost for Bernheim members is $20 and for non-members is $30.Registration and payment are due by 4 p.m. on the day prior to start of program. Call (502) 955-8512 or visit Bernheim.org to register or for more information.
Bernheim at Night
Bernheim at Night programs provide opportunities to celebrate the heavens and Earth. Join us as we marvel at the moon, ponder distant planets, and explore the mysteries of creatures and features in our world and beyond.
Laser Guided Star Tour
Join Bernheim on Saturday, June 1, from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. in a Laser Guided Star Tour. Enjoy an evening stroll around Lake Nevin with Volunteer Naturalist and “Star Captain” Don Spain, who uses laser pointers to highlight celestial happenings in the night sky.
Creatures of the Night: Expedition Fireflies
Experience sights and sounds that often go unnoticed! Journey with Volunteer Naturalists on Friday, June 7, from 9 to 11:30 p.m. on a driving tour into sections of Bernheim where crepuscular and nocturnal creatures are most active. Program includes a small amount of hiking through easy terrain.
Full “Strawberry” Moon Hike
The Full Moon Hike on Monday, June 17, from 9 to 11 p.m. includes a walk around Lake Nevin, with plenty of stops to observe the night sky, discuss nocturnal happenings, and consider our cosmic connections.
Summer Star Stories & Night Watch
On Saturday, June 22, from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m., Join Volunteer Naturalists and the Louisville Astronomical Society (LAS) to observe brilliant stars and constellations of early summer through telescopes provided by LAS. If overcast, a virtual astronomy program will be presented in the Garden Pavilion.
All Bernheim at Night programs are $10 for members and $12 for non-members. Groups meet at the Garden Pavilion unless otherwise noted. Registration and payment are required by 4 p.m. on the day prior to the program. Call (502) 955-8512 or visit Bernheim.org to reserve a spot. Space is limited for events and pets are not allowed.
Fire Tower
Throughout the month of June, experience spring’s beauty from atop Bernheim’s historical fire tower. The tower will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in June, weather permitting.
Please call (502) 955-8512 or check at the Visitor Center or Education Center to confirm if the tower is open.
A $10 per-car donation is suggested for non-members.