In nature, partnership is everything. A thriving forest is built on complex, interconnected relationships. Every organism – from soil microbes to beavers – contributes to the health of the entire system. Everything is connected. Bernheim’s work reflects that same truth: to truly thrive, we must root ourselves in deep relationships – with each other, with nature, and across all sectors.
Bernheim has countless amazing partnerships throughout our community and region. After nearly 100 years, we have built strong, meaningful relationships with schools, nonprofits, artists, volunteers, members, neighbors, and more. Corporate partners also play a vital role in our ecosystem.
Bernheim has made it a strategic priority to foster lasting, authentic connections between businesses and the natural world. The more we sit at the table together, the more positive change we can create. Environmental conservation and economic development are not at odds; they can beautifully support one another.
In recent years, we have formed meaningful relationships with local, regional, and global companies. We continue to strengthen our partnership with our neighbor, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. Many of their employees grew up visiting Bernheim. They eat lunch at Isaac’s Cafe, volunteer for the Clermont Clean-Up, and sponsor CONNECT, our annual art, music and science festival. They host our awe-inspiring Firefly Dinner, and through their Latinx Employee Resource Group, Salud, we co-created a Día de Muertos altar for ColorFest. Every connection we make is important. With hundreds of team members just across the road, we want each person to feel a sense of belonging at Bernheim.
Through the Natural Water Sanctuary Alliance, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. supports their parent company, Suntory Global Spirits, in its goal to be net water positive by 2030. This long-term partnership helps protect more than 90 miles of clean waterways. Together, we removed a failing low-head dam to restore natural stream flow and improve biodiversity. What is especially exciting is that they share these projects with their global audience, amplifying Bernheim’s water conservation work worldwide. Suntory Global Spirits featured Bernheim in a nationwide commercial on CNN and other networks—highlighting our shared commitment to protecting water resources.
We have used our holistic approach with Beam to model other partnerships, including:
- Arvato, a global supply chain and logistics company with distribution centers in Shepherdsville, built a 1,200-square-foot native garden alongside their employees. That single act of stewardship sparked something bigger: they now sponsor the Big Prairie at Bernheim, providing vital funding for controlled burns that restore native habitat and support biodiversity. Volunteers from Arvato have helped managed invasive plant species as well.
- Heaven Hill Brands is supporting a new high tunnel for Bernheim’s Nursery Program to help grow and distribute more native plants and expand fruit tree production in the Edible Garden – all part of their Spirit of Sustainability initiative to plant 5,000 trees in the community by 2030.
- KEEN Footwear partners with us to provide the Backside Learning Center with an all-expenses-covered, weeklong summer camp at Bernheim. Each camper receives a brand-new pair of KEEN shoes so they can safely explore our creeks. KEEN employees regularly volunteer. As they move manufacturing to Shepherdsville, we are exploring how to support their local sustainability goals.
- Engineers from Gresham Smith joined our team to help build a beaver dam analog – a hands-on experience that deepened their connection to the land and to our mission. We even shared that story at the KY/TN Clean Waters Professional Conference.
- Flaget Hospital‘s Community Health Improvement grant helps Bernheim connect students and community members with the health benefits of gardens, gardening, and “yardening.” We are empowering people with knowledge and hands-on experience, which sows seeds for healthy, vibrant, and sustainable communities for generations to come.
- Aetna and the Supporting Kentucky Youth (SKY) Program support Free Play Saturdays at Bernheim, connecting foster families with opportunities to spend time in nature. Their partnership promotes a vital shift in thinking – healthcare should and must include time spent outdoors. Nature-based free play supports well-being and healthy child development.
These partnerships — alongside countless collaborations with community groups, nonprofits, universities, and schools — demonstrate the real-world impact of Bernheim’s work in conservation, education, horticulture, and sustainable landscapes. When we partner, we build a resilient network rooted in curiosity for each other’s unique perspectives and diverse strengths. Our partners are not just supporting Bernheim’s work—they are becoming a part of it. This is how we extend our mission beyond our borders.
As Bernheim approaches 100 years in 2029, strong partnerships will carry us forward, ensuring the forest is here for future generations. Every connection matters – whether it is a donation at the front gate, volunteering, becoming a member, making an introduction, or simply sharing a photo of Bernheim on social media. Each action is woven into a beautiful tapestry of support. We are building something much larger than any one of us could alone. You are a partner to the forest. And just like any good partnership, Bernheim is here for you, too.
If you would like to learn more about partnering with Bernheim, please email advancement@bernheim.org. For information about volunteering, visit bernheim.org/volunteer or contact volunteer@bernheim.org.
This article was originally published in the Fall 2025 issue of The Forest Echo, a quarterly publication for members of Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. Learn more about membership.
