By Bernheim
Heaven Hill Brands Supports Expansion of Bernheim Forest’s Nursery Program
Advancing Education, Sustainability, and Their Commitment to Plant 5,000 Trees in 10 Years
Bernheim Forest and Arboretum and Heaven Hill Brands are proud to announce a new partnership to advance sustainability, biodiversity, education, and community well-being through the expansion of Bernheim’s Nursery Program and Edible Garden. This collaboration strengthens both organizations’ shared commitment to environmental stewardship while supporting Heaven Hill’s ambitious goal to plant 5,000 trees in 10 years.
“At Heaven Hill, we understand that our craft depends on the bounty of the land — from the water and grains that go into our spirits to the forests that provide the barrels for aging them,” said Rachel Nally, Associate Vice President of Environment & Sustainability at Heaven Hill Brands. “That’s why it’s so important for us to cherish and protect these natural resources. Our partnership with Bernheim Forest is an investment not only in trees, but in education, biodiversity, and the communities we serve. By working together, we can help ensure a healthier, more resilient environment that reflects our shared values of stewardship and sustainability.”
At the heart of this partnership is the construction of a new commercial high tunnel greenhouse at Bernheim. With a $15,000 contribution from Heaven Hill Brands, Bernheim has engaged Grow Appalachia – a nonprofit program of Berea College to lead the installation. The greenhouse expands Bernheim’s growing capacity, including dedicated space for native tree propagation. Each high tunnel has the potential to house up to 250 one-gallon trees, directly supporting Heaven Hill’s reforestation initiative and Bernheim’s initiative to support biodiversity both on-site and beyond its borders.
“With incredible partners like Heaven Hill and Grow Appalachia, Bernheim’s nursery program is poised to grow by leaps and bounds,” said Casey Hammett, Nursery Program Manager at Bernheim Forest. “Our new greenhouse will play a vital role in preserving regional plant genetics by propagating species uniquely adapted to our local climate, soils, and ecosystems. Beyond conservation, our nursery program serves as a classroom, teaching the value of native plants while connecting people to nature, ecology, and sustainability.”
In addition, Heaven Hill has contributed $5,000 to enhance the 2.4-acre Edible Garden at Bernheim. This investment will increase fruit tree production – including pawpaw and serviceberry—while also replacing aging peach, apple, and plum trees. These improvements will strengthen Bernheim’s capacity to provide fresh, healthy food for Isaac’s Café, its on-site café, donate produce to food justice partners, and demonstrate what’s possible when communities reimagine access to nutritious, locally grown food.
Each year, more than 10,000 students visit Bernheim, many experiencing the Edible Garden firsthand. These programs provide hands-on lessons in sustainable growing practices, food systems, and conservation. Key partnerships, such as the Nelson County Agriculture Collaborative, give high school students real-world science experience and leadership development. Bernheim’s Nursery and Edible Garden serve as a central learning hub for these students.
Gracie Bell, a graduate of Thomas Nelson High School who participated in the program, shared, “Bernheim has helped me grow as a leader… and see the real-world importance of native plants and conservation.”
“With Heaven Hill’s investments and support, these expansions are being witnessed by the community – showing students that industry is actively invested in the vitality of their outdoor classroom and the health of the ecosystems they are helping to care for,” added Lindsay Duncan, Corporate Partners Manager at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum.
With deep regional roots and a shared commitment to stewardship, Bernheim and Heaven Hill are planting seeds for a more resilient and sustainable future – together.
ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS
Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is one of the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits producers and marketers, as well as the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill has been named a Best Managed Company in both 2024 and 2025 by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes the Heaven Hill family of brands, Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Widow Jane, Larceny, Old Fitzgerald, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye and FEW Whisky; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul and Ocho Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; and Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur.
