In addition to year-round free admission, Bernheim members enjoy the many benefits detailed below. A Bernheim membership provides you with unlimited access to miles of hiking trails and public art, discounts on Bernheim’s unique nature-based programming, and a place where you can connect with nature and your family. We are 100% member and donor supported. 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.
- Free year-round admission
unlimited access to miles of hiking trails, public art & more - Free admission and other discounts
at 345+ arboreta and botanical gardens throughout the U.S. as part of the Reciprocal Gardens Program - Discounted member pricing
on additional programs and classes at Bernheim - 20% discount in Bernheim’s Gift Shop
on your first visit (Discount for one time use only) - NEW - a 10% reusable discount
at Plant Addicts online nursery - Bernheim’s quarterly newsletter
the forest echo, delivered to your home - Bernheim’s eNewsletter
with the latest news and events
- 10% discount year-round
in Bernheim’s Gift Shop and Isaac's Café - Free admission
for you and a guest to attend one select Bernheim program or class (contact the Membership Department to register) - 20% discount
during November and December in Bernheim’s Gift Shop - 10% discount
at participating local and regional businesses - Discounts at our Spring and Fall Plant Sales
- Complimentary one-year subscription
to Better Homes and Gardens - 20% reciprocal discount
off membership to Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL)
Membership Levels
All Bernheim memberships provide membership cards for two adults in the same household and includes their children/grandchildren.

HOUSEHOLD $75

SENIOR $50
(60+ YEARS)
MILITARY $50
(ACTIVE DUTY OR RETIRED)
MONTHLY SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP

GIFT MEMBERSHIPS

GIVING CIRCLES
Monthly Sustaining Membership
Support Bernheim all year long with a monthly sustaining membership. A monthly donation of $5 or more provides all the benefits of a Household membership. Give $10 a month or more and become an Orchid Level member as part of our Giving Circles. As a Giving Circles member, you will enjoy full membership privileges along with invitations to exclusive Bernheim experiences.
Monthly sustaining memberships can be purchased over the phone by calling (502) 215-7155 or visiting our Membership Desk in the Visitor Center, open daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. At this time, monthly sustaining memberships cannot be purchased online.
Auto-Renewing Membership
Save trees and help Bernheim save postage and time by choosing to auto-renew your Bernheim membership. Check the box for auto-renewal at checkout. Your credit card will be charged each year automatically, and your membership will never expire! Auto-renewing members save $5.00 using the code AUTORENEW at bernheim.org/membership.
Questions
Contact our Membership desk
Phone: (502) 215-7155
Open daily: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Bernheim’s membership desk, located inside the front entrance of the Visitor Center for membership renewals, gift membership, membership card pickup, and other membership information.
Giving Circles
Giving Circles »Bernheim’s Giving Circles are comprised of donors who make generous investments in Bernheim’s mission, connecting people with nature. Giving Circles donors engage with Bernheim staff, trustees, and special guests through unique events and experiences. Giving Circles donors receive a complimentary Bernheim membership and customized benefits for stewarding Bernheim Forest and helping develop the next generation of conservationists.
Membership FAQs
- Online
Follow this link to complete the online form. Choose your membership level and fill out the form along with your payment. A receipt will be emailed to you. - In-person
Stop by our Membership Desk just inside the Visitor Center, and our staff will be happy to assist with membership enrollment or other questions. This desk is staffed 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. - By Phone
Contact the Membership Department at (502) 215-7155 to assist you with your membership application via phone. - Auto-renewal
Automatic renewal ensures your membership never expires by charging your credit card once a year before your membership’s expiration date. Check the box for auto-renewal at checkout. Auto-renewing members save $5.00 on their membership using the code AUTORENEW at checkout. - Monthly Sustaining Membership
Support Bernheim all year long with a monthly sustaining membership. Monthly sustaining memberships can be purchased over the phone by calling (502) 215-7155 or by visiting our Membership Desk in the Visitor Center, open daily 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. At this time, monthly sustaining memberships cannot be purchased online.
Automatic renewal ensures your membership never expires by charging your credit card once a year before your membership’s expiration date. Check the box for auto-renewal at checkout. Auto-renewing members save $5.00 on their membership using the code AUTORENEW at checkout. With automatic renewal, you will ALWAYS be a Bernheim member (you can cancel any time).
- What if my credit card expires or changes?
If your credit card expires or changes, please call Bernheim’s Membership Department at
(502) 215-7155 or contact us via email to update your payment preferences. - How can I change or cancel my automatic renewal or monthly donation?
You can change or cancel your automatic renewal or monthly donation at any time. Contact Bernheim’s Membership Department via email or by calling (502) 215-7155.
Support Bernheim all year long with a monthly sustaining membership. A monthly donation of $5 or more provides all the benefits of a Household membership. Give $10 a month or more and become an Orchid Level member as part of our Giving Circles. As a Giving Circles member, you will enjoy full membership privileges along with invitations to exclusive Bernheim experiences.
Monthly sustaining memberships can be purchased over the phone by calling (502) 215-7155 or by visiting our Membership Desk in the Visitor Center, open daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Get in the holiday spirit with Bernheim! Each year Bernheim hosts a gift membership drive from mid-November to mid-December, where memberships can be purchased as gifts and come with an exclusive gift created especially for Bernheim. Holiday gift memberships come with a Bernheim new member welcome packet and greeting card.
To learn more about our membership drives, contact our membership department at membership@bernheim.org or 502-215-7155.
- Bernheim’s membership cards are made from 100% recycled material.
- New member cards are issued to members each year with an updated expiration date. Ensuring your card is up to date allows you to take advantage of the full member benefits, including free or reduced admission at 340+ reciprocal gardens and arboreta across North America.
- Each membership is good for two named adults, 18 years of age or older, who live in the same household and includes their children/grandchildren. Two membership cards will be issued for the named adults.
- Your membership cards will be sent via mail or available for pick up at the Visitor Center on your next visit.
- Your membership begins at the time of purchase, not when the cards are picked up.
- These beautiful cards have a bar code with your membership information. This change eliminates the need for car decals and ensures free admission regardless of the car you arrive in.
- Present your membership card at Bernheim's Gift Shop or Isaac's Café to take advantage of your 10% member discount.
If you have any questions regarding your membership, call our Membership Department (502) 215-7155.
If at any time during the term of your active membership you wish to upgrade your membership, contact our Membership Department or call (502) 215-7155.
Bernheim Giving Circles memberships start at $120.00 per year (that’s only $10/month) and include special invitations to Giving Circles member-only events and sneak peeks of special projects.
To learn more about our Giving Circles program, contact Charlotte Caldwell at charlotte.caldwell@bernheim.org or 502-547-1400.
Our membership desk, located just inside the front entrance of the Visitor Center, is open for membership renewals, gift membership and other membership information, and membership card pickup 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. If you have any questions, please contact our Membership desk or call (502) 215-7155.
Have you recently moved or had another life change? Please let us know so your membership stays up to date. Member contact information may be updated by emailing membership@bernheim.org or calling our Membership Desk at (502) 215-7155.
If you lose your membership card, we would be happy to provide a replacement for active memberships. Contact our membership department at membership@bernheim.org or 502-215-7155.
Many employers have programs that match charitable contributions made by their employees, which increase the impact of your gift. Contact your human resources department to see if your gift is eligible for a matching gift from your employer.
*All Bernheim memberships are revocable licenses and can be revoked at any time in the sole discretion of Bernheim without refund in the event of any noncompliance with or violation of any organization rule or other term or condition of membership, or for any inappropriate conduct. Memberships are non-transferable and cannot be shared persons and/or households except as specifically provided for per such membership category. Memberships are for personal use only. All membership sales are final and non-refundable. By becoming a member, you agree to adhere to the above membership terms and conditions and all organization rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all Bernheim staff and guests.