By Bernheim
Bernheim is celebrating National Bird Feeding Month with exciting activities and programs dedicated to our feathered friends.
In recognition of National Bird Feeding Month, children can participate in On the Wing at the Pollywog Play Party on Saturday, Feb. 2, from 10:30 a.m. to Noon at the Education Center. Early learners (infants to five-year-olds) will partake in bird watching, build nature bird feeders, try on a beak or two, get to know and love some local favorites and much more. Pollywog Play Parties combine music, art, language and outside play to encourage infants and children through the age of five to learn about nature.
Registration is required by 4 p.m. on the day prior to program by calling (502) 955-8512. The cost is $10 for Bernheim members and $15 for non-members. The fee covers one caregiver and one child. Non-members are required to pay a $5 per car environmental fee at the gate.
The first ECO Kids Discovery Day in February will also feature our high-flying friends with the Bird is the Word theme on Saturday, Feb. 2.
While many birds migrate, some call Kentucky home year-round. Kids and their families will have fun identifying these feathered residents in the day’s On Your Own Challenge. During the afternoon, children will enjoy exploring Discovery Stations and the Hike of the Day.
The fun continues on Saturday, Feb. 16, when families are invited back to Bernheim for Seeing Green. Children will investigate mosses, ferns and lichens thriving in the winter landscape in the day’s On Your Own Challenge.The E-C-O stands for Every Child Outside, and that’s exactly where kids can be found during each of the 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. to 4:30 p.m.
Discovery Stations from 1 to 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.
For details on ECO Kids Discovery Days, call (502) 955-8512. Both events are free, with the regular $5 environmental impact fee per car applying to non-members.
February is full of other events and activities for all ages. See below for details.
First Sunday Nature Hike
Join Bernheim’s Volunteer Naturalists at the Visitor Center on Sunday, Feb. 3, 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. The regular $5 environmental impact fee applies at front gate for non-members.
Forest Homeschool Hike
On Wednesday, Feb. 6, from 1 to 2 p.m., Bernheim takes homeschool to the woods! Bernheim is offering opportunities for homeschool families and co-ops to join Bernheim educators for an afternoon of learning, exercising and adventure. Appropriate for grades K-5, each Forest Homeschool Hike will include a short lesson followed by a hike that will bring the lesson to life.
Registration and payment are required by 4 p.m. on the day prior to the program. Call (502) 955-8512 to reserve a spot.
The cost for Bernheim members is $5 a student and $7 a student for non-members. There is no fee for adults and children must be accompanied by an adult.
90th Anniversary Valentine Dinner
Couples are invited to a special 1920s era-themed evening of romance at Bernheim on Thursday, Feb. 14, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. The candlelit dinner is held in Bernheim’s beautiful glass Visitor Center, creating an enchanting nighttime setting in the woods. The evening also includes music, dancing and a cash bar. Each guest will receive a special commemorative 90th Anniversary wine glass.
Those interested are encouraged to make their reservations early, as space is limited. Call (502) 215-7159 to register or get more information. Payment by credit card or check is required by Friday, Feb. 9. The cost is $150 per couple for Bernheim members and $175 per couple for non-members.
Muddy Boots Play Group
Bernheim’s Children at Play Network hosts the Muddy Boots Play Group, a model forest kindergarten program for children ages 3-6, on Saturday, Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Woodland Pavilion. Children will enjoy free play in the forest and self-directed exploration in an all-weather adventure under the trees.
Registration is required by noon on the day prior to program by calling (502) 955-8512. The cost is $15 for Bernheim members and $20 for non-members. Space is limited. For more information on the Children at Play Network visit childrenatplaynetwork.com.
Bernheim Backroads
Winter is arguably the best time to explore Bernheim’s backcountry, and that’s just what visitors can do in this five-hour driving tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24. A team of volunteer naturalists will lead the program and will allow for frequent stops and short walks along the way to investigate nature up close. Participants should meet at the Visitor Center and bring a sack lunch and a water bottle.
Those interested in attending must register by 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23 by calling (502)955-8512. The cost is $20 for members and $30 for non-members. The program is for adults and children ages 8 and up.
And coming up in March … a brand-new program!
Introduction to Wildlife Tracking
Come to Bernheim from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 2 and learn about the fascinating world of wildlife tracking. Every time we step outside of our door, there are myriad stories to be told of the comings and goings of animals in the world, and one of the oldest human capacities is to read and interpret these stories. The art and science of tracking offers a holistic ecological window into the happenings of the living world around us. Expert tracker and educator Marcus Reynerson will be facilitating the one-day introduction to the art and science of tracking.
Meet at the Garden Pavilion and dress for outdoor activity. Be prepared to get muddy, walk up and down steep slopes, and go off trail. This program is intended for ages 18 and up and the cost is $55 for Bernheim members and $65 for non-members.