Education has always been a pillar of Bernheim Forest and Arboretum’s mission of connecting people to nature. From traditional field trips to art programs to guided hikes, there is a multitude of educational programming at Bernheim!
A Wide Variety of Engaging Topics
There are opportunities for every interest level, along with a wide range of engaging topics, from learning how to propagate plants to understanding the solar system. Learning about nature not only teaches us about science, biology, and ecology, but also the history of the land and its many uses throughout time. We strive to offer a holistic approach to education and work to balance traditional and non-traditional learning opportunities.
Our amazing staff curates learning to any age, interest level, and background. Bernheim’s award-winning education team has been recognized for our commitment to educating the public by the National Association of Interpretation and the Kentucky Association of Environment Educators. Through a culture of collaboration, staff from different Bernheim departments contribute to our vast array of educational programs.
Playcosystem offers free play opportunities to young children (and adults) through our Children at Play Network. Our research team informs us about bats, fireflies, and golden eagles. Horticulture teaches propagation techniques, offers accessible arboretum tours, and vegetable production. Traditional field trips offer hands-on learning to over 10,000 students through our nature-based education.
Our programming is successful due to our Volunteer Naturalists who lead, assist, and plan many of our programs. In 2025, they volunteered 5,313 hours and led 194 public programs at Bernheim.
Opportunities for Homeschooled Children
Our partnership with Forest Pals, a nature-based and arts-inspired program that caters to homeschooled children. On Mondays and Wednesdays, you can find them in the Hollow, enjoying Playcosystem, or hiking around the forest. Once a month, staff present different nature topics to Forest Pals. We also offer Forest Homeschool Hikes once a month, that incorporate hiking with nature lessons.
Partnerships with Schools
Outside of Bernheim’s borders, our education team works with local schools to bring nature into the classroom. Through generous grants from the Sierra Club, our staff visits two Jefferson County schools, Hazelwood Elementary and Olmstead Academy South Middle School. The year-long Restoring Nature’s Classroom program blends classroom learning with seasonal visits to the forest. Classroom lessons build into immersive field experiences where students can engage directly with the concepts they’ve been learning.
Nelson County High Schools’ Rooted in Ag program allows students to present agriculture projects to Bernheim staff members in a Shark-Tank format. The theme for 2025-26 was food insecurity, which made students think about providing food to people living in food deserts. Budgets, maintenance plans, and timelines are created by students to learn different aspects of the agriculture and business industry. Approximately 70 students participate annually, with many earning college credits through Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. The next time you are in the Edible Garden, check out their finished projects.
Bullitt County Advanced Math and Science (BAMS) is an academically rigorous, STEM-focused program that has multi-faceted authentic learning experiences built into the curriculum. The students have opportunities to delve into advanced topics while being mentored by professionals through partnerships with organizations. At Bernheim, BAMS is here Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the school year testing water quality, assisting our bee team, and helping restore wetlands.
Bethlehem High School students from Bardstown take part in a two-week period of non-traditional learning focused on hands-on, immersive experiences. In January, Bernheim hosted 24 students for Forest School. Students experienced many sides of the forest and the work that supports everything visitors enjoy at Bernheim. Working in small groups, students designed activities that any visitor can enjoy, each shaped by a unique perspective. One project invites visitors to compare the bark of trees along the trail. Another encourages guests to create their own art during their visit. Each project reflects a small piece of what the students came to love during their time here.
Learn Something New
In the future, we aim to add even more educational programming with diverse topics that intersect the humanities with nature. We invite you to sign up for a program that you’ve always wanted to learn more about. Chat up a horticulturalist the next time you’re at the forest, and ask them what they are working on that day. Better yet, recommend Bernheim to a friend (or many friends) so we can continue to connect people with nature for another 97 years! Visit the events calendar to see a complete list of upcoming programs.
Caitlin Eckard is Director of Education and Interpretation at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum.
This article was originally published in the Spring 2026 issue of the Forest Echo, Bernheim’s quarterly publication for members. Learn more about the benefits of a Bernheim membership.
