By Bernheim
The Big Prairie at Bernheim is more than just a beautiful open space—it’s a 36-acre restoration project rooted in the mission to conserve and showcase Kentucky’s disappearing native grasslands. Recently, the Big Prairie was honored to receive sponsorship from Arvato, whose support helps further Bernheim’s commitment to preserving and enhancing this vital habitat for future generations.
Created in the late 1990s, this vibrant habitat was once a large lawn dominated by nonnative fescue. Before European settlement, the land may have been an oak-hickory forest, glade, savanna, or open grassland, though there are no detailed records to confirm. When Isaac Bernheim purchased the land in 1928, the area now known as the Big Prairie was being used for agriculture, primarily corn. Later, as the arboretum took shape in the 1950s, the space became the “Great Lawn”—a carefully mowed, golf course-like expanse with very little ecological diversity.
By the late 1990s, Bernheim began rethinking this manicured approach. Lawns with limited plant variety offer little support for wildlife, especially pollinators. In 1996, a major shift occurred: the decision was made to restore the area as a native grassland. A prescribed burn took place in 1998 to prepare the land, followed by the seeding of native species and the removal of invasive plants like fescue.
Today, the Big Prairie is a thriving ecosystem filled with native grasses and forbs, providing vital habitat for pollinators, birds, mammals, reptiles, and other insects. With less than 1% of Kentucky’s original grasslands remaining, this restored prairie plays an important role in conservation and education.
A Prairie in Every Season
There’s always something to discover in the Big Prairie, no matter the time of year.
In winter, watch for elusive birds like Field Sparrows and Red-shouldered Hawks, and see what mammal tracks might be left behind.
As spring and fall arrive, the prairie comes alive with insects—think monarch butterflies, buzzing bees, and more. You might spot nesting birds like the Song Sparrow and American Goldfinch, or find hidden gems among the blooming wildflowers.
As each season brings something new, the Big Prairie continuously unfolds. Whether it’s the burst of color from spring blooms or the golden hues of fall, you never know what you might encounter next.
Come Explore the Prairie With Us
Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about Kentucky’s native habitats, we invite you to experience the Big Prairie firsthand.
Join us for What’s Happening in the Prairie—a guided exploration of this dynamic ecosystem—on Saturday, April 12 or Tuesday, June 3. Learn about seasonal wildlife, native plants, current management practices, and how prairie restoration supports biodiversity.
