As a proud partner in the Nelson County Schools Agriculture Collaboration, Bernheim Forest works alongside students and educators to provide hands-on experiences in sustainable agriculture, environmental sciences, and natural resource management. Through this partnership, students regularly visit Bernheim to apply classroom learning to real-world projects — from aquaponics and poultry care to food preservation and native plant gardening — while exploring what it means to be stewards of the land. Together, we’re helping to nurture future leaders in conservation, sustainability, and community agriculture.
Q: Tell us a little about your school and how your group got involved with Bernheim Forest.
A: We’re part of the Nelson County Agriculture (Ag) Collab, a unique program shared between Nelson County High School and Thomas Nelson High School. Each school offers classes for different career pathways, and in the Ag Collab, students earn credits in subjects like English, Social Studies, Science, and Leadership. Some of us are also earning college credit through Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC) in plant and animal sciences.
Our teachers reached out to Bernheim Forest to form a partnership for the Ag Collab, and now around 60 students are involved with Bernheim through the program, with over 100 students participating in the full Ag Collab. It’s been an incredible opportunity to take what we learn in class and apply it to real-world agricultural projects that benefit both our community and the planet.
Q: Why did you get into agriculture, and how has this project deepened your understanding of it?
A: I’ve always had a huge interest in animals, so I got involved in FFA my freshman year, and that really opened my eyes to how agriculture literally feeds the world. Through this partnership with Bernheim, I’ve come to see how farming can be accessible to everyone—not just those who live on traditional farms. We’ve learned that even people in urban areas can grow their own food and support biodiversity. It’s helped us build connections between our community and others.
Q: Tell us about the student-led projects at Bernheim Forest and beyond.
A: In 2023, students worked in groups to design project proposals—including a vision, marketing strategy, budget, and community impact—and pitched them to a panel of Bernheim staff. Nine projects were originally selected, and six are now in their second year! These projects are generously funded by Flaget Hospital and the Brown-Forman Foundation.
Aquaponics group
There are three projects on-site at Bernheim:
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Poultry
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Aquaponics
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The Yarden (a yard + garden = “yarden”!)
And three projects based at Nelson County High School:
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Composting
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Food Preservation
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Public Relations
I was part of the Aquaponics group, which started with an empty greenhouse and has turned into a fully functioning system! Aquaponics combines hydroponics (growing plants in water without soil) and aquaculture (raising fish). We have goldfish in a tank, and their waste fertilizes the plants growing in a raised bed above them. In return, the plants help filter the water for the fish. It’s a super cool and efficient symbiotic relationship!
The Yarden was a new project added in 2024. It’s a ~700 sq. ft. demonstration garden in Bernheim’s Edible Garden, showing how you can convert part of your yard into a space that supports biodiversity and produces your own food. The Public Relations team is now working on interpretive signage for visitors to learn how to recreate something similar at home.
The Poultry group is currently preparing for chickens to return to Bernheim! Last year we had a rooster, which… caused some problems (lesson learned!). This year it’s all hens, which help with pest control, fertilization, and provide fresh eggs for Isaac’s Café. Plus, visitors love them—they bring so much joy to the space.
The Composting group is partnering with elementary and middle schools to teach kids about composting and even provide classrooms with their own composters.
The Food Preservation group is developing 5–6 products they plan to sell at Isaac’s Café. They’re working on things like nutritional labels and proper licensing—and even did a taste test with café staff!
The Public Relations team is documenting everything—taking photos, making videos, writing blogs, and conducting interviews.
My personal role in all of this has been to serve as a liaison between the students, teachers, and Bernheim staff. I help keep communication flowing, track budgets and orders, and make sure everything’s running smoothly. I also help identify when students are struggling with something and ensure their voices are heard.
Q: Did anything surprise you about the process of working with nature or learning about sustainable agriculture?
A: One of the biggest surprises was learning about urban agriculture—how people can grow their own food in innovative ways, even in places with very limited space. We went on a field trip to YouthBuild in 2023 and saw firsthand how powerful small growing spaces can be in an urban environment. Bernheim made that connection for us, and it changed my whole perspective.
Q: Can you describe a moment that really stuck with you or made you proud?
A: Honestly, I’ve been proud this entire year. A lot of the students involved are people I see regularly in class or in Future Farmers of America (FFA), and I’ve watched them step into leadership roles within their own groups. It’s been really inspiring. I also feel more prepared for college now—especially with how much my communication skills have grown. I’ve learned how to talk to teachers and work with them, not just listen.
Q: What did you learn about environmental stewardship through this collaboration?
A: I’ve learned that if we want to keep growing food and supporting our communities, we need to take care of the Earth that gives it to us. That means farming responsibly, conserving resources, and educating others. Bernheim really inspired all of us to see ourselves as stewards of the land—and to encourage others to do the same.
Q: Has this changed how you think about your food, the land, or your role in protecting the Earth?
A: Absolutely. I now realize that caring for the land is just as important as the food it gives us. You can’t have one without the other. Places like Bernheim are helping to shift that mindset—and we’re helping share that message with others.
Q: What would you want other students—or even adults—to know about the importance of projects like this?
A: That you don’t have to live on a big farm to make a difference. These projects show that growing food, taking care of the Earth, and being a leader in your community is something anyone can do.
Q: In the spirit of Earth Month, what would you suggest people do at home to take action?
A: Think outside the box! There are so many creative and affordable ways to grow your own food—even if you don’t have a yard. Look into container gardening or vertical gardens. Start small. It feels amazing to grow something yourself—and to know where your food came from. Be proud of what you can do with the space you have. And don’t be afraid to try. You’ll learn so much along the way.
