Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is a privately-owned member supported non-profit organization. Members help us conserve and protect the 16,137 acres of land that is home to upwards of over 3 million trees; 2,100 species of wildlife; 40 miles of hiking trails, and hosts more than 270,000 visitors each year.
In addition to year-round free admission, Bernheim members enjoy the many benefits detailed below. When you become a member, you are an active part of furthering our mission of connecting people with nature and you help provide clean air and clean water now and for generations to come.
Membership Levels
Bernheim membership levels begin at $35. Each level provides additional benefits detailed below.
At a level of $120 or more, you join Bernheim’s Giving Circles. Giving Circle members enjoy full membership rights as well as additional benefits, and invitations to exclusive Bernheim experiences.
Ways to join
- Online - Follow this link to complete the online form. Simply choose your membership level and a receipt will be emailed to you. On your next visit to Bernheim, stop by the Visitor Center to pick up your new membership cards and your welcome packet.
- By Phone - Contact the Membership Coordinator at (502) 215-7138 to assist you with membership application via phone.
- In Person - Our friendly staff at the Visitor Center or Education Center will be happy to assist with membership enrollment.
We have new membership cards! Due to recent upgrades of our system, please note the following changes to our membership process:
*Please note: due to increased number of new members (thank you!), we are experiencing delays in card printing. Thank for your patience.
- These beautiful cards have a bar code with all of your membership information. This change eliminates the need for car decals and ensures free weekend admission regardless of the car you arrive in.
- Unless specifically requested, we will not be mailing your new card. In keeping with our mission of connecting people with nature, we hope to reduce the carbon footprint of mail and use the postage costs for other important activities like conservation and education. Stop by the Visitor Center daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. to pick up your new card.
If you have any questions regarding your membership, feel free to contact our Membership Coordinator, Christine Van Ormer by email or call (502) 215-7138.
Household: $50 - $119
- Free year-round admission
- Free admission and other discounts at nearly 300 arboreta and botanical gardens throughout the U.S. as part of the Reciprocal Gardens Program
- One free admission for you and a guest to attend a Bernheim program or class*
- 20% discount in Bernheim’s Gift Shop on your first visit (Discount for one time only)
- 10% discount year-round in Bernheim’s Gift Shop
- 10% discount at participating gardens and nurseries in surrounding area
- Discounts at our Spring and Fall Plant Sales
- Discounts on Bernheim programs and classes
- Bernheim’s quarterly newsletter, the forest echo, delivered to your home
- Bernheim’s eNewsletter keeps you up to date with the latest Bernheim news
- Complimentary one-year subscription to your choice of Better Homes and Gardens or Martha Stewart Living
*limited to select programs and classes
Photography Membership: $150
- Free year-round admission
(Please note, the weekend environmental impact fee applies to all clients that are not current Bernheim members and travel in a separate vehicle from the photographer) - Bernheim’s eNewsletter keeps you up to date with the latest Bernheim news
- Photo pass lanyard (Must be visibly worn during photo sessions)
- Please check bernheim.org/events for upcoming events to ensure greatest access to Bernheim grounds for photography (see Photo Policy)
- Membership expires on the last day of the month of the following year that the membership was purchased
Senior (60+ years): $35
- Free year-round admission
- Free admission and other discounts at nearly 300 arboreta and botanical gardens throughout the U.S. as part of the Reciprocal Gardens Program
- One free admission for you and a guest to attend a Bernheim program or class*
- 20% discount in Bernheim’s Gift Shop on your first visit (Discount for one time only)
- 10% discount year-round in Bernheim’s Gift Shop
- 10% discount at participating gardens and nurseries in surrounding area
- Discounts at our Spring and Fall Plant Sales
- Discounts on Bernheim programs and classes
- Bernheim’s quarterly newsletter, the forest echo, delivered to your home
- Bernheim’s eNewsletter keeps you up to date with the latest Bernheim news
- Complimentary one-year subscription to your choice of Better Homes and Gardens or Martha Stewart Living
*limited to select programs and classes
Military: $35
- Free year-round admission
- Free admission and other discounts at nearly 300 arboreta and botanical gardens throughout the U.S. as part of the Reciprocal Gardens Program
- One free admission for you and a guest to attend a Bernheim program or class*
- 20% discount in Bernheim’s Gift Shop on your first visit (Discount for one time only)
- 10% discount year-round in Bernheim’s Gift Shop
- 10% discount at participating gardens and nurseries in surrounding area
- Discounts at our Spring and Fall Plant Sales
- Discounts on Bernheim programs and classes
- Bernheim’s quarterly newsletter, the forest echo, delivered to your home
- Bernheim’s eNewsletter keeps you up to date with the latest Bernheim news
- Complimentary one-year subscription to your choice of Better Homes and Gardens or Martha Stewart Living
*limited to select programs and classes
Orchid: $120 - $249
- Free year-round admission
- Free admission and other discounts at nearly 300 arboreta and botanical gardens throughout the U.S. as part of the Reciprocal Gardens Program
- One free admission for you and a guest to attend a Bernheim program or class*
- 20% discount in Bernheim’s Gift Shop on your first visit (Discount for one time only)
- 10% discount year-round in Bernheim’s Gift Shop
- 10% discount at participating gardens and nurseries in surrounding area
- Discounts at our Spring and Fall Plant Sales
- Discounts on Bernheim programs and classes
- Bernheim’s quarterly newsletter, the forest echo, delivered to your home
- Bernheim’s eNewsletter keeps you up to date with the latest Bernheim news
- Complimentary one-year subscription to your choice of Better Homes and Gardens or Martha Stewart Living
- (Orchid Exclusive) The History of Isaac Wolfe Bernheim, a limited edition book by Bernheim’s Founder
- (Orchid Exclusive) Special invites to exclusive spring and fall events for Orchid members only
*limited to select programs and classes
Sign Up / Renew Gift Membership
Pawpaw: $250 - $499
- Free year-round admission
- Free admission and other discounts at nearly 300 arboreta and botanical gardens throughout the U.S. as part of the Reciprocal Gardens Program
- One free admission for you and a guest to attend a Bernheim program or class*
- 20% discount in Bernheim’s Gift Shop on your first visit (Discount for one time only)
- 10% discount year-round in Bernheim’s Gift Shop
- 10% discount at participating gardens and nurseries in surrounding area
- Discounts at our Spring and Fall Plant Sales
- Discounts on Bernheim programs and classes
- Bernheim’s quarterly newsletter, the forest echo, delivered to your home
- Bernheim’s eNewsletter keeps you up to date with the latest Bernheim news
- Complimentary one-year subscription to your choice of Better Homes and Gardens or Martha Stewart Living
- Invitation to exclusive events for Giving Circles members and special Bernheim announcements
- Invitation to State of the Forest presentation and discussion with Dr. Mark Wourms, Bernheim Executive Director, and special guests
- Phantasm Autumn in the Kentucky Woods, a limited edition book by Bernheim’s 2017 Artist in Residence Irene Imfeld
*limited to select programs and classes
Sign Up / Renew Gift Membership
Redbud: $500 - $999
- Free year-round admission
- Free admission and other discounts at nearly 300 arboreta and botanical gardens throughout the U.S. as part of the Reciprocal Gardens Program
- One free admission for you and a guest to attend a Bernheim program or class*
- 20% discount in Bernheim’s Gift Shop on your first visit (Discount for one time only)
- 10% discount year-round in Bernheim’s Gift Shop
- 10% discount at participating gardens and nurseries in surrounding area
- Discounts at our Spring and Fall Plant Sales
- Discounts on Bernheim programs and classes
- Bernheim’s quarterly newsletter, the forest echo, delivered to your home
- Bernheim’s eNewsletter keeps you up to date with the latest Bernheim news
- Complimentary one-year subscription to your choice of Better Homes and Gardens or Martha Stewart Living
- Invitation to exclusive events for Giving Circles members and special Bernheim announcements
- Invitation to State of the Forest presentation and discussion with Dr. Mark Wourms, Bernheim Executive Director, and special guests
- Phantasm Autumn in the Kentucky Woods, a limited edition book by Bernheim’s 2017 Artist in Residence Irene Imfeld
- Special invite to exclusive behind the scenes Horticulture Tour
*limited to select programs and classes
Sign Up / Renew Gift Membership
Flowering Dogwood: $1,000 - $2,499
- Free year-round admission
- Free admission and other discounts at nearly 300 arboreta and botanical gardens throughout the U.S. as part of the Reciprocal Gardens Program
- One free admission for you and a guest to attend a Bernheim program or class*
- 20% discount in Bernheim’s Gift Shop on your first visit (Discount for one time only)
- 10% discount year-round in Bernheim’s Gift Shop
- 10% discount at participating gardens and nurseries in surrounding area
- Discounts at our Spring and Fall Plant Sales
- Discounts on Bernheim programs and classes
- Bernheim’s quarterly newsletter, the forest echo, delivered to your home
- Bernheim’s eNewsletter keeps you up to date with the latest Bernheim news
- Complimentary one-year subscription to your choice of Better Homes and Gardens or Martha Stewart Living
- Invitation to exclusive events for Giving Circles members and special Bernheim announcements
- Invitation to VIP tour of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
- Invitation to State of the Forest presentation and discussion with Dr. Mark Wourms, Bernheim Executive Director, and special guests
- Phantasm Autumn in the Kentucky Woods, a limited edition book by Bernheim’s 2017 Artist in Residence Irene Imfeld
- Special invite to exclusive behind the scenes Horticulture Tour
*limited to select programs and classes
Sign Up / Renew Gift Membership
Sugar Maple: $2,500 - $4,999
- Free year-round admission
- Free admission and other discounts at nearly 300 arboreta and botanical gardens throughout the U.S. as part of the Reciprocal Gardens Program
- One free admission for you and a guest to attend a Bernheim program or class*
- 20% discount in Bernheim’s Gift Shop on your first visit (Discount for one time only)
- 10% discount year-round in Bernheim’s Gift Shop
- 10% discount at participating gardens and nurseries in surrounding area
- Discounts at our Spring and Fall Plant Sales
- Discounts on Bernheim programs and classes
- Bernheim’s quarterly newsletter, the forest echo, delivered to your home
- Bernheim’s eNewsletter keeps you up to date with the latest Bernheim news
- Complimentary one-year subscription to your choice of Better Homes and Gardens or Martha Stewart Living
- Invitation to exclusive events for Giving Circles members and special Bernheim announcements
- Invitation to VIP tour of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
- Invitation to State of the Forest presentation and discussion with Dr. Mark Wourms, Bernheim Executive Director, and special guests
- Phantasm Autumn in the Kentucky Woods, a limited edition book by Bernheim’s 2017 Artist in Residence Irene Imfeld
- Special invite to exclusive behind the scenes Horticulture Tour
- A private lunch for six people catered by Isaac’s Café and accommodations in the Sassafras Room in Bernheim’s LEED™ Platinum certified Visitor Center
*limited to select programs and classes
Sign Up / Renew Gift Membership
Tulip Poplar: $5,000 - $9,999
- Free year-round admission
- Free admission and other discounts at nearly 300 arboreta and botanical gardens throughout the U.S. as part of the Reciprocal Gardens Program
- One free admission for you and a guest to attend a Bernheim program or class*
- 20% discount in Bernheim’s Gift Shop on your first visit (Discount for one time only)
- 10% discount year-round in Bernheim’s Gift Shop
- 10% discount at participating gardens and nurseries in surrounding area
- Discounts at our Spring and Fall Plant Sales
- Discounts on Bernheim programs and classes
- Bernheim’s quarterly newsletter, the forest echo, delivered to your home
- Bernheim’s eNewsletter keeps you up to date with the latest Bernheim news
- Complimentary one-year subscription to your choice of Better Homes and Gardens or Martha Stewart Living
- Invitation to exclusive events for Giving Circles members and special Bernheim announcements
- Invitation to VIP tour of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
- Invitation to State of the Forest presentation and discussion with Dr. Mark Wourms, Bernheim Executive Director, and special guests
- Phantasm Autumn in the Kentucky Woods, a limited edition book by Bernheim’s 2017 Artist in Residence Irene Imfeld
- Special invite to exclusive behind the scenes Horticulture Tour
- A private lunch for six people catered by Isaac’s Café and accommodations in the Sassafras Room in Bernheim’s LEED™ Platinum certified Visitor Center
- Private tour and meeting with Artist in Residence
*limited to select programs and classes
Sign Up / Renew Gift Membership
White Oak: $10,000 - $24,999
- Free year-round admission
- Free admission and other discounts at nearly 300 arboreta and botanical gardens throughout the U.S. as part of the Reciprocal Gardens Program
- One free admission for you and a guest to attend a Bernheim program or class*
- 20% discount in Bernheim’s Gift Shop on your first visit (Discount for one time only)
- 10% discount year-round in Bernheim’s Gift Shop
- 10% discount at participating gardens and nurseries in surrounding area
- Discounts at our Spring and Fall Plant Sales
- Discounts on Bernheim programs and classes
- Bernheim’s quarterly newsletter, the forest echo, delivered to your home
- Bernheim’s eNewsletter keeps you up to date with the latest Bernheim news
- Complimentary one-year subscription to your choice of Better Homes and Gardens or Martha Stewart Living
- Invitation to exclusive events for Giving Circles members and special Bernheim announcements
- Invitation to VIP tour of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
- Invitation to State of the Forest presentation and discussion with Dr. Mark Wourms, Bernheim Executive Director, and special guests
- Phantasm Autumn in the Kentucky Woods, a limited edition book by Bernheim’s 2017 Artist in Residence Irene Imfeld
- Special invite to exclusive behind the scenes Horticulture Tour
- A private lunch for six people catered by Isaac’s Café and accommodations in the Sassafras Room in Bernheim’s LEED™ Platinum certified Visitor Center
- Private tour and meeting with Artist in Residence
- An overnight stay in Bernheim Forest at our historic Lodge (sleeps 4)
*limited to select programs and classes
Sign Up / Renew Gift Membership
American Elm: $25,000+
- Free year-round admission
- Free admission and other discounts at nearly 300 arboreta and botanical gardens throughout the U.S. as part of the Reciprocal Gardens Program
- One free admission for you and a guest to attend a Bernheim program or class*
- 20% discount in Bernheim’s Gift Shop on your first visit (Discount for one time only)
- 10% discount year-round in Bernheim’s Gift Shop
- 10% discount at participating gardens and nurseries in surrounding area
- Discounts at our Spring and Fall Plant Sales
- Discounts on Bernheim programs and classes
- Bernheim’s quarterly newsletter, the forest echo, delivered to your home
- Bernheim’s eNewsletter keeps you up to date with the latest Bernheim news
- Complimentary one-year subscription to your choice of Better Homes and Gardens or Martha Stewart Living
- Invitation to exclusive events for Giving Circles members and special Bernheim announcements
- Invitation to VIP tour of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
- Invitation to State of the Forest presentation and discussion with Dr. Mark Wourms, Bernheim Executive Director, and special guests
- Phantasm Autumn in the Kentucky Woods, a limited edition book by Bernheim’s 2017 Artist in Residence Irene Imfeld
- Special invite to exclusive behind the scenes Horticulture Tour
- A private lunch for six people catered by Isaac’s Café and accommodations in the Sassafras Room in Bernheim’s LEED™ Platinum certified Visitor Center
- Private tour and meeting with Artist in Residence
- An overnight stay in Bernheim Forest at our historic Lodge (sleeps 4)
- A weekend stay in Bernheim Forest at our historic Lake House (sleeps 8)
*limited to select programs and classes
Sign Up / Renew Gift Membership
Household: $50 - $119
- Free year-round admission
- Free admission and other discounts at nearly 300 arboreta and botanical gardens throughout the U.S. as part of the Reciprocal Gardens Program
- One free admission for you and a guest to attend a Bernheim program or class*
- 20% discount in Bernheim’s Gift Shop on your first visit (Discount for one time only)
- 10% discount year-round in Bernheim’s Gift Shop
- 10% discount at participating gardens and nurseries in surrounding area
- Discounts at our Spring and Fall Plant Sales
- Discounts on Bernheim programs and classes
- Bernheim’s quarterly newsletter, the forest echo, delivered to your home
- Bernheim’s eNewsletter keeps you up to date with the latest Bernheim news
- Complimentary one-year subscription to your choice of Better Homes and Gardens or Martha Stewart Living
*limited to select programs and classes
Sign Up Gift Membership
Photography Membership: $150
- Free year-round admission (Please note, the weekend environmental impact fee applies to all clients that are not current Bernheim members and travel in a separate vehicle from the photographer)
- Bernheim’s eNewsletter keeps you up to date with the latest Bernheim news
- Photo pass lanyard (Must be visibly worn during photo sessions)
- Please check bernheim.org/events for upcoming events to ensure greatest access to Bernheim grounds for photography (see Photo Policy)
- Membership expires on the last day of the month of the following year that the membership was purchased
Photography Day Pass: $30
- Free admission for day of photo session (Please note, the weekend environmental impact fee applies to all clients that are not current Bernheim members and travel in a separate vehicle from the photographer)
- Print Day Pass receipt and have available during photo session
- Please check bernheim.org/events for upcoming events to ensure greatest access to Bernheim grounds for photography (see Photo Policy)
- Membership expires on the date the photo session Day Pass is purchased
Senior (60+ years): $35
- Free year-round admission
- Free admission and other discounts at nearly 300 arboreta and botanical gardens throughout the U.S. as part of the Reciprocal Gardens Program
- One free admission for you and a guest to attend a Bernheim program or class*
- 20% discount in Bernheim’s Gift Shop on your first visit (Discount for one time only)
- 10% discount year-round in Bernheim’s Gift Shop
- 10% discount at participating gardens and nurseries in surrounding area
- Discounts at our Spring and Fall Plant Sales
- Discounts on Bernheim programs and classes
- Bernheim’s quarterly newsletter, the forest echo, delivered to your home
- Bernheim’s eNewsletter keeps you up to date with the latest Bernheim news
- Complimentary one-year subscription to your choice of Better Homes and Gardens or Martha Stewart Living
*limited to select programs and classes
Sign Up Gift Membership
Military: $35
- Free year-round admission
- Free admission and other discounts at nearly 300 arboreta and botanical gardens throughout the U.S. as part of the Reciprocal Gardens Program
- One free admission for you and a guest to attend a Bernheim program or class*
- 20% discount in Bernheim’s Gift Shop on your first visit (Discount for one time only)
- 10% discount year-round in Bernheim’s Gift Shop
- 10% discount at participating gardens and nurseries in surrounding area
- Discounts at our Spring and Fall Plant Sales
- Discounts on Bernheim programs and classes
- Bernheim’s quarterly newsletter, the forest echo, delivered to your home
- Bernheim’s eNewsletter keeps you up to date with the latest Bernheim news
- Complimentary one-year subscription to your choice of Better Homes and Gardens or Martha Stewart Living
*limited to select programs and classes