By Bernheim
The 11th Annual CONNECT@Bernheim returns with live music, food, and festivities
Bernheim is celebrating the 11th anniversary of CONNECT, the annual summer celebration, on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 6:23 – 10:23 p.m. During CONNECT, Bernheim’s Lake Nevin comes alive with live musical performances, spontaneous art displays, the Forest Giants illuminated under the night sky and hands-on experiences for adults and families. Musical performances this year include Opal Fly and KAPOW!; The Kentucky Cowhands; and Ben Sollee and the Hot Sauce Brass Band with a fun, interactive performance.
The mud play zone returns for visitors who want to get “down and dirty.” Guests planning to get muddy are encouraged to wear their favorite ‘play’ clothes and bring a towel. Food truck favorites, Louisville craft beer and local wines add flavor to Bernheim’s premiere evening event. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children, and Bernheim members and are FREE!
August is jam-packed with events for all ages. Please see below for more event information:
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.
On Saturday, Aug. 3, children and caregivers are invited to Crypto Animal Safari. Children and their families will discover how many crypto, or “hidden,” animals they can find in nature using the On Your Own Challenge data-sheet.
On Saturday, Aug. 17, children and caregivers are invited to Sky Observations, to learn how clouds can help us make weather predictions by using the On Your Own Challenge sheet to observe and read the sky.
The day also includes hands-on Discovery Stations and the Hike of the Day during the afternoon:
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.
For details on ECO Kids Discovery Days, call (502) 955-8512.
ECO Kids Pollywog Play Party
Pollywogs (infants to five-year-olds) are invited to the Education Center, on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 10:30 a.m. – noon for Sun, Shade and Shadows. Early learners will experiment with light properties by playing shadow tag, making sun catchers, bringing shadow puppets to life and much more. The party includes a song and story circle, nature-based adventures and a variety of art, science and play activities. Pollywog Play Parties combine music, art, language and outside play to encourage children to learn about nature.
Registration is required by 4 p.m. on the day prior to the program at Bernheim.org or by calling (502) 955-8512. The cost is $10 for Bernheim members and $15 for non-members. There is no fee for adults, but an adult must accompany children.
Field Recording Workshop with Kentuckiana Sounds
Bernheim is full of unique sounds, and participants can collect and re-purpose them for art, music, science and more in a special program on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 9 – 11 a.m. at the Visitor Center. Kentuckiana Sounds and SONICBernheim curator Aaron Rosenblum will offer a primer on field recording techniques, practices that includes hands-on experience with recording equipment and an exploration of the arboretum in search of sounds.
No prior experience is necessary. Recording equipment is provided, but feel free to bring your smartphone and a pair of headphones, as they can be used for recording too.
This program is presented by Kentuckiana Sounds and SONICBernheim and is made possible by Louisville Metro Government in partnership with Fund for the Arts.
The cost is $5 for Bernheim members and $10 for non-members. This program is recommended for ages 16 and up, or ages 12-15 with an accompanying adult. Please call 502-955-8512 or visit bernheim.org to register.
First Sunday Nature Hike
Meet a Volunteer Naturalist at the Visitor Center on Sunday, Aug. 4, from 2 – 3 p.m. for an engaging 45 to 60-minute nature walk. Registration is not required for this free event, and all ages are welcome. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Summer Habitat Hike
Join Bernheim’s Volunteer Naturalists on a summer adventure on Wednesday, Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. – noon through the Bernheim ecosystem! Young explorers and their families will discover plants, animals, and the amazing habitats they call home. This program is geared toward ages 5-13, but all visitors are welcome. Adults must accompany children, and strollers are not recommended. Meet at the Garden Pavilion.
Lunch and Learn: Rock Run Ramble
Escape the summer heat during a Rock Run Ramble on Wednesday, Aug. 7, from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. along the forested banks and flowing waters of Rock Run Creek. Participants will discover aquatic and terrestrial life thriving in a wooded wonderland. Bernheim Lunch & Learn programs are designed for adults who enjoy spending time outdoors with others and celebrating the natural world.
The program includes group introductions, a short hike, and lunch from Isaac’s Café. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes for creek crossing and uneven terrain.
The cost is $15 for Bernheim members and $20 for non-members. Registration is required by 4 p.m. the day prior to the program. Please call (502) 955-8512 or visit bernheim.org to register.
How Does Nature Move? Stop-Motion Animation Workshop
Join Bernheim’s 2019 Artist in Residence Kathleen Lolley at this Stop-Motion Animation Workshop on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and learn the art of stop-motion animation from one of the region’s best! This fun and informative workshop will start with a walk in the arboretum for observing nature’s movements and gathering of natural materials for art making.
Back in the studio, participants will transfer their observations about movement in a collaborative stop-motion animation film using those found objects with provided iPads and smartphones. The completed animation video will be shown on the Lake Nevin loop during CONNECT at Bernheim on Saturday, Aug. 24.
The cost is $35 for Bernheim members and $45 for non-members. Registration and payment due by 4 p.m. the day prior to the program by visiting bernheim.org or by calling (502) 955- 8512. Space is limited, and the program is intended for ages 12 and up only.
Family Campout Night
In celebration of our 90thAnniversary, we’re hosting a unique overnight program on Saturday, Aug. 10, at Bernheim’s Earth Measure, filled with star-gazing, s’more-making over a bonfire, and other nocturnal activities. Volunteer Naturalists will share stories of the constellations, and lead night hikes, as the Louisville Astronomy Society provides telescopes for viewing the moon, planets and stars.
Small tents can be set up, and chairs or blankets are recommended for viewing the cosmos. Participants are expected to clean up and leave no trace. Food, beverages and acoustic instruments are welcome, but alcohol, fires, generators and pets are strictly prohibited.
The campout starts at 7 p.m. Aug. 10 and runs until 7 a.m. Aug. 11. The cost is $20 for Bernheim members and $30 for non-members, and children (12 and under) are $10. All participants must register by 4 p.m. on Friday, August 9 — no exceptions! Visit bernheim.org or call (502) 955-8512 to register.
Forest Homeschool Hike
Bernheim is offering an opportunity on Wednesday, Aug. 14, from 1 – 2 p.m. for homeschool families and co-ops to join Bernheim educators for an afternoon of learning, exercise and adventure. Appropriate for grades K-5, each month’s Forest Homeschool Hike: Nature Superpowers includes a short lesson followed by a hike or activity that brings the lesson to life.
The cost is $5 per student for Bernheim members and $7 per student for non-members. There is no fee for adults, but they must accompany children. Registration is required by 4 p.m. the day prior to the program, and space is limited. Please call (502) 955-8512 or visit bernheim.org to register.
Volunteer Orientation
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 orientation in the Research Center on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. To learn more, visit bernheim.org or call 502-955-8512.
Bernheim at Night
Bernheim’s night programs add mystery and magic to make memorable experiences. Exploring Bernheim at night provides opportunities to observe and celebrate seasonal and nocturnal changes in our surroundings.
Full “Grain” Moon Hike
Join Bernheim on Thursday, Aug. 15, from 8:30 – 10:30 p.m. for a Full “Grain” Moon Hike. Full Moon programs weave together stories about night ecology, moon lore, history and the magic of nature at night.
Creatures of the Night: Crickets and Katydids
The Creatures of the Night series provides opportunities to experience the sights and sounds of nature that often go unnoticed. On Friday, Aug. 23, from 8:30 – 11 p.m. participants will journey via van into sections of the forest where crepuscular and nocturnal creatures are most active. Led by Bill Napper, with assistance from fellow Volunteer Naturalists, the program will include a small amount of hiking through easy terrain. Participants should be age 8 or older.
All Bernheim at Night programs are $10 for members and $12 for non-members. Groups meet at the Garden Pavilion unless otherwise noted in the event description. 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.
A $10 per car donation at the front gate is suggested for non-members.