March into spring with hikes at Bernheim

By bernheim

CLERMONT, Ky (February 24, 2022) – As the weather warms up, there are several hikes at Bernheim to get your feet moving again after the long winter. From the first Sunday Nature Hike to night hikes and explorations of different trails, there is something for everyone in March at Bernheim. 

 

First Sunday Nature Hike

Meet a Volunteer Naturalist at the Visitor Center on Sunday, March 6, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. for an engaging nature hike on the first Sunday of each month. These hikes are longer than our ECO Kids Hikes of the Day and are aimed primarily at adults, but children six years and up are welcome. Registration is not required for this free event. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes. 

 

Bernheim at Night

Bernheim at Night programs provide ample opportunities to marvel at the moon, ponder distant planets, and be awed by the vastness of space. Something new yet ancient appears in the heavens and on earth with each turn of the season. 

 

Creatures of the Night: Dance of the Timberdoodle

Join Bernheim Volunteer Naturalists on Friday, March 11, from 6:15 to 8 p.m. for this unique opportunity to enjoy the crisp, clear skies that sparkle bright on winter nights. Late winter and early spring provide opportunities to glimpse crepuscular creatures such as the American woodcock, also known as the timberdoodle.

 

Full “Worm” Moon Night Hike

Take a Full Moon Hike around Lake Nevin Loop on Friday, March 18, from 8 to 10 p.m., with plenty of stops to observe the night sky, discuss nocturnal happenings, and consider our cosmic connections.

 

 

 

 

 

Trail Discovery Hikes

Explore miles of Bernheim hiking trails with our Volunteer Naturalists on our Trail Discovery Hikes.

 

These longer guided hikes will help visitors become more familiar with Bernheim and its trails. The time frame for each guided hike is three hours, although these trails can typically be hiked in under an hour and a half. The guides will be taking a leisurely pace that allows participants to rest and enjoy the unique features each trail offers. 

 

Trail Discovery Hike: Guerilla Hollow Loop on Saturday, March 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. and the  Trail Discovery Hike: Jackson Yoe Loop on Sunday, March 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. 

 

Make reservations early as space is limited. Please bring a mask in case social distancing is not possible throughout the hike. 

 

The cost is $12 for Bernheim members and $15 for non-members. Please register by 4 p.m. the day prior to the program by calling (502) 955-8512 or visiting Bernheim.org.

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 near Bernheim’s Visitor Center and may include:

 

Hands-On Discovery Stations from 1 to 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.

 

Pop-Up Story Circles because everything and everyone has a story. Watch for our storytelling and story-sharing circles near Spirit Nest.

 

ECO Kids Discovery Days are weather dependent and may be canceled. Please call (502) 955-8512 on the day of the event for weather-related updates. Masks and social distancing are required when interacting with the Volunteer Naturalists. For details on ECO Kids Discovery Days, call (502) 955-8512 or visit Bernheim.org. No registration is necessary.

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Signs of Spring Wildflower Walk

 

A great way to learn about spring wildflowers is to follow their progression from bud to blossom over several weeks. This stroll on Saturday, March 26, from 1 to 2 p.m. provides engaging stories on wildflower adaptation, ecology, folklore and history.

 

The cost is $8 for Bernheim members and $10 for non-members.

 

Registration and payment are due by 4 p.m. on the day prior to the start of the program. Call (502) 955-8512 or visit Bernheim.org to register.

 

Space is limited for safety, so register early. Social distancing and masks are required. No pets, please.

 

Opportunities to Volunteer at Bernheim

Volunteers can give a few hours or several hundred hours, providing support to Bernheim and our visitors. Have fun in the great outdoors by participating in a variety of activities. Take the first step in becoming a Bernheim volunteer by attending this general Volunteer Orientation held virtually on Saturday, March 12, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. or Saturday, March 26, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Register at bernheim.volunteerhub.com. 

 

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About Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest 

Bernheim’s mission is to connect people with nature. Bernheim is the largest privately held contiguous forest block in the eastern United States dedicated to conservation and education. Bourbon maker Isaac Wolfe Bernheim established the arboretum and forest in 1929 as a gift to the people of Kentucky. A recent land acquisition brought the total acreage of land that Bernheim protects to 16,140. Fun, educational programs, diverse tree collections, 40 miles of hiking trails and varied landscapes are available every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. A $10 per car donation is suggested for non-members. 

 

Bernheim is in Clermont, Ky., about 20 minutes south of the Louisville airport. From I-65 take exit 112 and follow the signs. Bernheim is a non-profit organization that relies on memberships, grants and donations for support. Come visit and enjoy the beauty of nature. For more information, please visit bernheim.org.

 

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