CLERMONT — Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest will be abuzz with programs and events throughout September, including the annual BugFest and Fall Plant Sale on Saturday, Sept. 16.
BugFest, Bernheim’s celebration of insects and their relatives, welcomes families to meet multi-legged creatures, go on insect safaris and taste chocolate-covered crickets.
Children are encouraged to dress as their favorite bugs for the Bug Parade and dance the buggy boogie.
Bernheim’s Fall Plant Sale invites visitors to browse a varied selection of unique plants, trees, shrubs, grasses and perennial herbaceous plants, including Bernheim Select ™, a distinctive variety of plants grown from Bernheim’s own collections.
Horticulturists will be on hand to answer questions and share information.
All plants are suitable for north central Kentucky growing, and plant sale proceeds benefit Bernheim.
BugFest and the Fall Plant Sale run from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. A schedule of events and a printable plant list are available at Bernheim.org.
There is no cost to attend, but non-members are required to pay a $5 per car environmental fee at the gate.
The fun doesn’t end there. Bernheim has numerous programs and events planned as autumn approaches.
*On Saturday, Sept. 16, Bernheim will break from the traditional ECO Kids programming to join in the Bugfest celebration. Bernheim encourages families to participate in as many BugFest activities as possible.
For details on ECO Kids Discovery Days, call (502) 955-8512. ECO Kids Discovery Day events are free, with a $5 environmental impact fee per car applying to non-members.
*Lunch & Learn: Marvelous MonarchsBernheim 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 fabulous lunch from Isaac’s café. The lunch menu can be found at Bernheim.org.
On Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. visitors are invited to learn about the monarch butterfly – one of the great phenomena of the natural world. Participants will meet at the Visitor Center and set off on a journey with Volunteer Naturalist Corinne Mastey as she shares some of the trials that monarchs face and what people can do to help them on their long journey.
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. Bernheim at NightBernheim’s night programs add mystery and magic to make memorable experiences. Exploring Bernheim at night provides opportunities to observe and celebrate seasonal and nocturnal changes in our surroundings.Full “Harvest” Moon HikeVisitors are invited to Bernheim on Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 8 – 10 p.m. to enjoy a nature hike under the light of a full moon. This Full Moon Hike includes a walk around Lake Nevin Loop, with plenty of stops to observe the night sky, discuss nocturnal happenings, and consider cosmic connections. Creatures of the Night: Screech Owls. The Creatures of the Night series provides opportunities to experience the sights and sounds of nature that often go unnoticed. On Friday, Sept. 22, from 7:30 – 10 p.m. participants will 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. Participants should be age 8 or older.
*Quarter Moon Hike on Friday, Sept. 29, from 8 – 10 p.m. visitors are invited to marvel at the moon, ponder distant planets, and explore creatures and features beneath on planet Earth.
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.
*Members and non-members are welcome to become volunteers at Bernheim.
Volunteers are fundamental to Bernheim’s mission of connecting people with nature. They are involved in every facet of Bernheim’s operations: helping to maintain the beauty of the arboretum; inspecting and cleaning the 40+ miles of trails; creating fascinating, hands-on discovery stations for ECO Kids programming; and much more.
Those interested can attend Volunteer Orientation Training on Thursday, Sept. 28, from 6 –8 p.m. at Bernheim’s Education Center. The session is free, but registration is required. Those interested should call (502) 955-8512 to reserve their spot.