Louisville, Ky. (February 3, 2022) — The Forecastle Foundation, the nonprofit environmental activism arm of Forecastle Festival, has expanded by adding Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest as an official partner.
Bernheim Forest’s work focuses on stewarding land, providing clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and biological diversity. Their conservation initiatives protect endangered species, improves ecosystems, increases climate resilience, and provides health benefits to their surrounding communities and beyond. Bernheim Forest has grown to be 16,140 acres, the largest privately held forest block in the Eastern United States, with a mission of environmental education and conservation and they are uniquely positioned to directly impact over 500,000 visitors worldwide through nature-based education and art in nature, generating positive actions towards environmental stewardship, sustainability, and climate awareness.
“Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest’s engagement with the Forecastle Foundation will allow both organizations to connect more people with nature. Bernheim is especially excited about this strong relationship at a time when people, particularly young people, are actively searching for and demanding solutions to the climate crisis. Together we can work to provide a healthy and sustainable future for all species, including humans” said Dr. Mark Wourms, Executive Director.
The Forecastle Foundation will focus its efforts on Bernheim Forest’s “Bernheim Under Threat” project located in the Bernheim Cedar Wildlife Corridor in Clermont, KY. The project’s goal is to successfully defeat LG&E’s proposed pipeline and condemnation lawsuit of Cedar Groves Wildlife Corridor, ensuring Bernheim’s conservation land remains protected and preserving an important precedent for protecting conservation easements everywhere. To do so, Bernheim is working to educate and inspire action by the public in conservation issues. Since July 2019, Bernheim has educated the local community about conservation easements and the value of land conservation.
The Forecastle Foundation’s commitment to environmental activism, and social responsibility strongly aligns with Bernheim’s commitment to conservation in partnership with the community. With the help of The Forecastle Foundation, Bernheim can reach wider demographics to share our experience with other private lands who are also challenged with condemnation
“Our new partnership with Bernheim Forest reflects a shared commitment to environmental activism and social responsibility. As we continue our work of protecting and connecting the world’s most biologically diverse and highly-threatened hot spots, this alliance allows us to collectively make a naturally awesome impact for future generations,” said Forecastle Foundation Board Chair David Nichols.
Founded in 2011, The Forecastle Foundation’s mission is to protect and connect the world’s natural awesome by funding and supporting projects that help protect the world’s natural resources with a focus on biodiversity hotspots. They make an impact by partnering with, and supporting like-minded organizations. To maximize the impact of that support, The Forecastle Foundation proactively identifies and assesses environmental conservation efforts between long-term strategic projects and short-term priority needs.
The Forecastle Foundation is active across three continents and five countries. They have contributed over $715,000 to its conservation partners and helped protect and preserve more than 51,000 acres of land and over 300 miles of waterway since its inception.
The Forecastle Foundation’s other five official beneficiary partners include:
- Kentucky Natural Land Trust (Eastern Kentucky)
- Guayaki Foundation (Argentina, Brazil)
- Friends for Conservation and Development (Belize)
- The Nature Conservancy (Central Kentucky)
- Future Fund Land Trust (Kentucky)
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About The Forecastle Foundation
The Forecastle Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization working to protect and connect the world’s natural awesome by educating the public and funding projects that help protect the world’s natural resources with a focus on biodiversity hotspots. To raise awareness and fundrise, Forecastle Foundation partners with conservation organizations that are taking great strides to safeguard biologically-rich areas across the globe. These fragile areas play a vital role in regulating world temperatures and provide a number of necessities most Americans use on a regular basis, including food, medicine, paper, detergents, cosmetics, and countless other household products. For more information about The Forecastle Foundation, please visit www.forecastlefoundation.org.
About Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
Bernheim’s mission is to connect people with nature. Bernheim is the largest privately held contiguous forest block in the eastern United States dedicated to conservation and education. Bourbon maker Isaac Wolfe Bernheim established the arboretum and forest in 1929 as a gift to the people of Kentucky. A recent land acquisition brought the total acreage of land that Bernheim protects to 16,140. Fun, educational programs, diverse tree collections, 40 miles of hiking trails and varied landscapes are available every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. A $10 per car donation is suggested for non-members.
Bernheim is in Clermont, Ky., about 20 minutes south of the Louisville airport. From I-65 take exit 112 and follow the signs. Bernheim is a non-profit organization that relies on memberships, grants and donations for support. Come visit and enjoy the beauty of nature. For more information, please visit bernheim.org.