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Millennium and Elm Lick Trails are closed. | Operating Hours for Saturday, August 15 are 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Trail Tales Along the Nursery Loop

By Caitlin Eckard

If you’ve driven past Bernheim lately, you might have noticed there is a new view of Mac’s Lake from Highway 245. That also happens to be where our Nursery Loop is located, along with our new Trail Tales book: Little Skunk by Linda Blackmoor.

Close up of an angled sign holding the cover image of a picture book on the nursery loop trail at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum

This picture book is filled with beautiful illustrations and interesting facts about skunks. Follow the trail to read the tale!

Your trek will take you on the paved path beside Mac’s Lake, through the woods on a gravel path, and beside ponds in the Edible Garden. Enjoy bird watching, wildflowers, and moss along the way. You might even spot other wildlife on your adventure. Watch for squirrels scampering in the woods and see if you can spot a frog or turtle in the pond.

An angled sign holder with a page from a picture book sits in front of a wooded area along the nursery loop at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum

 

Bernheim has revamped our Trail Tales experience on the Nursey Loop trail by installing permanent signage holders so guests of all ages can view the book easily as they hike.

In partnership with Nelson County Public Library, the Bernheim education team and local librarians choose a book that fits in with our changing seasons and scenery. In late July, we will switch out to Up In the Garden and Down in Dirt by Kate Messner, and in September, Monarch and Milkweed by Helen Frost. We plan to switch out books for every season, so stay tuned for November’s book!

This experience encourages you to check out the differences on the trail every few months. This is a great opportunity to see a different view of Bernheim, while learning about different ecosystems.

The next time you are out at the Forest, take this less traveled trail to gain a different view of Bernheim. For easy access to the Nursery Loop, park at the Visitor’s Center and head to the Edible Garden. This is an easy trail, just under one mile, with moderate sun exposure and mild slopes. All in all, it takes about 40 minutes to enjoy the Trail Tale on the Nursery Loop. As with any trail, make sure to bring along a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes and bug spray when you venture out!

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