When we tell incoming artists that Bernheim spans over 16,000 acres and features more than 40 miles of hiking trails, it’s simply to convey the vastness of the landscape—we don’t expect them to explore every corner. But 2025 Regional Artist-in-Residence Nellie Lutzwolf, from Bowling Green, Kentucky, set out to do just that.
In the first week of her residency, Nellie hiked all 40 miles of Bernheim’s trails. Along the way, she studied the flora and fauna that call each space home, immersing herself in the rhythms, magic, and biodiversity of the forest and arboretum. Her deep curiosity and dedication led to the creation of a stunning mural, Bernheim Residents, located on the exterior wall of the Visitor Center.
We’re excited to turn the rest of the story over to Nellie herself:
From the Artist
Bernheim Residents is more than a mural—it’s a learning experience, designed to guide viewers through the ecological richness of Bernheim and offer insight into the thoughtful selection process behind each species depicted.
The journey to creating the final composition included several key steps:
- Honoring the Original Proposal – My initial concept centered around imperiled species, especially bats and snails. These creatures remain an important part of the final mural, staying true to my original vision.
- Collaborating with Bernheim Experts – Before my arrival, Bernheim specialists shared a list of species to consider. Eight of those are now part of the mural, selected for their significance and storytelling potential.
- Exploring the Land – To truly connect with Bernheim, I hiked every trail, over 40 miles in total. Inspired by the unique character of each space, I selected a species to represent each of Bernheim’s 20 trails and natural areas.
- Research and Community Engagement – I pored over Bernheim’s blogs and research to better understand species that staff and volunteers highlighted. Conversations with visitors and members added personal insights that helped shape the final list.
- Aligning with Bernheim’s Mission – I chose species that support Bernheim’s annual events like BugFest and BloomFest, as well as ongoing nature-based programs—helping tie the mural to the larger story of the organization.
Featured Species
Each species in Bernheim Residents was chosen for its ecological value and potential to inspire curiosity. Here’s a glimpse at those included:
Flora
Oak (White & Georgia) – ColorFest | Forest Giants
Tulip Tree – ColorFest | Bent Twig Trail
Butternut – ColorFest | Two Ponds Loop
False Hellebore – BloomFest | Overalls Loop
Kentucky Glade Cress – BloomFest | Elm Lick Trail
Green Prairie Ladies’-tresses Orchid – BloomFest | Prairie Habitat
Spring Beauty – BloomFest | Wind Phone Installation
Insects & Amphibians
Blue Ghost Firefly – BugFest | Night Programs | Iron Ore Trail
Hercules Beetle – BugFest | Cull Hollow Loop
Cicada – BugFest | 17-year emergence | Sun & Shade Loop
Monarch Butterfly – BugFest | Bernheim Nursery
Olympic Marble – BugFest | High Point Trail
Zebra Swallowtail – BugFest | Playcosystem
American Toad – Sound Program | Lake Nevin
Cave Salamander – Bernheim Blog Feature | Rock Run Trail
Mammals, Birds, and Others
Little Brown Bat – Original Proposal | Fire Tower Loop
Whip-poor-will – Night Program | Jackson-Yoe Trail
Jack-o’-lantern Mushroom – Visitor Favorite | The Hollow
Bluff Vertigo Snail – Original Proposal | Millennium Trail
Nine-banded Armadillo – Climate Change Indicator | Knob Top Trail
The Creative Process
The mural was painted entirely freehand—no projector, over 100 hours, using LEED-compliant acrylic paints. This method allowed for artistic spontaneity while aligning with Bernheim’s sustainability values.
Looking Ahead
Now part of the Bernheim landscape, Bernheim Residents invites visitors to engage more deeply with the forest and its inhabitants, encouraging meaningful connections between art, ecology, and conservation. There is also exciting potential to expand on the trail-specific species concept in the future, further enriching the immersive experience of exploring Bernheim.
Nellie will return on August 16 for CONNECT, Bernheim’s annual celebration of art, science, and nature. She also designed this year’s Forest Lounge tote bag, commemorating the 45th anniversary of the Artist-in-Residence Program. The tote will be available exclusively to Giving Circles Members.
