Central Kentucky Knap-In features flint-knapping and prehistoric artifacts
Learn to make tools and arrowheads with “rock stars” from the region at the annual 2019 Central Kentucky Knap-In and Lithic Art Show on Saturday, July 20 – Sunday, July 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. Interact with rock enthusiasts and artisans from the region as they demonstrate the process of flint-knapping. This lost art was practiced by people in ancient times to make tools and weapons from rock. Pre-historic artifacts will be on display and modern replicas will be available for sale or trade, as well as other primitive arts and crafts.
The event will take place at Bernheim’s Visitor Center.
That’s just one of the many ways you can enjoy nature at Bernheim in July. Details about the month’s other programs are below:
Lunch & Learn: The Art of Butterflying
Practice the delicate art of butterfly observation on Wednesday, July 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Visitor Center with Bernheim’s butterfly expert Corinne Mastey, who has raised and released hundreds of butterflies over the years. Visitors are invited to join in on the fun and learn tips to become more skilled at this delightful art.
Bernheim Lunch & Learn programs are designed for those who enjoy spending time outdoors in the company of other adults who love learning about nature. Each program includes group introductions, a short, themed hike and a delicious lunch from Isaac’s Café.
Registration and payment are due by 4 p.m. on the day prior to start of program. Please call (502) 955-8512 to register. The cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members.
Pollywog Play Party
Bernheim’s youngest visitors are invited to participate in Life in the Pond at the Pollywog Play Party on Saturday, July 6, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Education Center. Early learners (infants to five-year-olds) will have fun investigating aquatic living by meeting real pollywogs and their pond friends, making frog life cycles, pretend fishing, and much more. 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 program at Bernheim.org or by calling (502) 955-8512. The cost is $10 for Bernheim members and $15 for non-members. Children 18 months and younger are free but they must be registered. There is no fee for adults but they must accompany children.
First Sunday Nature Hike
Join a Volunteer Naturalist at the Visitor Center on Sunday, July 7, from 2 to 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.
Forest Family Hike: Rock Run Loop
It’s time to get outside with the whole family! Join Bernheim Naturalists on Wednesday, July 10, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for a leisurely and (mostly) unstructured walk through the woods and along the creek. There will be a lot to see and learn (if you’re into that sort of thing). Family adventures abound in the forest!
Wear sturdy shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty and wet. Meet at the trailhead 10 minutes before the hike begins.
The cost is $10 per adult and $5 per child, and children 4 and under are free. Registration and payment are due by 4 p.m. the day before the program. Visit Bernheim.org or call (502) 955-8512 to register.
Volunteer Orientation Training
Those interested in learning more about Bernheim’s volunteer program are invited to the Volunteer Orientation on Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m to noon. Volunteers can give a few hours or several hundred hours, providing support to Bernheim and its visitors. While working throughout the forest or arboretum, volunteers can participate in a variety of activities, while having fun in the great outdoors. Reservations are recommended, but not required. For more information, visit bernheim.org or call (502) 955-8512.
Evening at Isaac’s: Salsa y Salsa
July is getting even hotter as we kick things up a notch for the July Evening at Isaac’s from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 26. Are you ready for a fiesta? Explore the Edible Garden in search of the perfect salsa! Salsa y Salsa includes appetizers of chips and salsa, guacamole and beverages to match along with a cooking demo in the Edible Garden, and dessert to follow. Salsa is not only on the menu, but also the entertainment for the evening as lively salsa music is sure to get everyone’s feet tapping along!
Seating is limited, and reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $25 for Bernheim members and $30 for non-members. Registration and payment are due by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24. Call (502) 955-8512 to register.
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 and include:
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 to 60 minutes.
On Saturday, July 6, children are invited to learn what is Living on the Edge. Families will have fun discovering an amazing variety of animal life thriving along pond edges by using the On Your Own Challenge identification sheet. Kids will also explore hands-on Discovery Stations and the Hike of the Day during the afternoon.
On Saturday, July 20, the theme is Summer Plant Bingo. Children and their families will move like busy bees from plant to plant, not to collect pollen, but to score bingo on the On Your Own Challenge playing card. The day also includes hands-on Discovery Stations and the Hike of the Day during the afternoon.
Bernheim at Night
Bernheim at Night programs provide ample opportunities to marvel at the moon, ponder distant planets and be awed by the vastness of space. Something new yet ancient appears in the heavens and on earth with each turn of the season.
Full “Thunder” Moon Hike
Join Bernheim on Tuesday, July 16, from 9 to 11 p.m. for a full 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: Insects and Spiders
Experience the sights and sounds of nature that often go unnoticed with the Creatures of the Night series. Join Bernheim on Friday, July 26, from 9 to 11:30 p.m. to 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. This month we will be looking for insects and spiders but expect to encounter other creatures of the night as well!
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 to reserve a spot. Space is limited for events, and pets are not allowed.
Fire Tower
Throughout the month of July, experience summer’s beauty from atop Bernheim’s historical fire tower. The tower will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in July, weather permitting.
Please call (502) 955-8512 or check at the Visitor Center or Education Center to confirm if the tower is open.
A $10 per-car donation for admission is suggested for non-members.