Take a walk on the wild side this November with a program that takes you on a hike through Bernheim to discover edible foods in the fields, meadows and woods.
If you’ve ever wondered what wild food plants are available during fall, join Bernheim’s wild food enthusiast Wren Smith for a Walk on the Wild Side: Exploring Wild Edibles of Autumn on Saturday, Nov. 3 from 1 – 3 p.m. and discover some of the delicious possibilities hidden amongst the woods and fields. Wild edible plants are not only free but can enrich your diet and add variety to your menus. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking attire.
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.
See below for other exciting events happening throughout the rest of the month.
First Sunday Nature Hike
Join Bernheim Volunteer Naturalist Joe Rogers at the Visitor Center on Sunday, Nov. 4, from 2 – 3 p.m. for an engaging 45-60 minute nature walk exploring nature’s colorful transformation into fall. Registration is not required for this free event and all ages are welcome. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes. Non-members are required to pay a $5 per car environmental fee at the gate.
ECO Kids Discovery Days
The E-C-O stands for Every Child Outside, and that’s exactly where kids can be found during 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. – 5 p.m. Nov. 3
- On Your Own Challenge from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Nov. 17
- Discovery Stations from 1 – 4 p.m. Nov. 3 and 17
- Hike of the Day led by a Bernheim guide, starts at the Visitor Center at 2 p.m. Nov. 3 and 17 and runs 45-60 minutes
The theme on Saturday, Nov. 3 is Stalking Squirrels. Kids can follow squirrels as they climb, jump, and scurry through Bernheim, using the On Your Own Challenge as a travel guide.
On Saturday, Nov. 17, families are invited to the second ECO Kids Discovery Day of the Month for Survival Strategies. Kids can pretend to be animals and decide to migrate, hibernate or stay active to survive the cold months ahead during the On Your Own Challenge.
ECO Kids Pollywog Play Party
Pollywogs (infants to five-year-olds) are invited to the Education Center, on Saturday, Nov. 3, from 10:30 a.m. – noon for a morning of discovery. Early learners will participate in Catching the Wind where they will discover the magic of wind and experiment with air properties and movement by making colorful wind twirlers, experimenting with wind power, playing with balloons and much more.
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. There is no fee for children under 18 months old but they must be registered. There is no fee for adults, but they must accompany children. Non-members are required to pay a $5 per car environmental fee at the gate.
Fall Fire Tower Hours
Experience fall’s beauty from atop Bernheim’s historical fire tower anytime 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on weekends through the middle of November. Volunteer naturalists will guide you to one of the best views of fall foliage in the state.
Lunch & Learn: Mysteries of Magruder Meadow
Nature wanderers can participate in Bernheim’s Lunch & Learn: Mysteries of Magruder Meadow on Wednesday, Nov. 7, from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. beginning at the Visitor Center. Bernheim has quite a bit of hidden history, some of which will be uncovered during a short stroll that will include two historic graveyards.
Bernheim 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 a group introduction, a short, themed hike and a delicious lunch from Isaac’s Café.
Registration and payment are due by 4 p.m. on the day prior to start of program by calling (502) 955-8512. The cost is $15 for Bernheim members and $20 for non-members.
Forest Homeschool Hike – Ecosystems
On Wednesday, Nov. 7, from 1 – 2 p.m., Bernheim is taking homeschool to the woods! This school year, 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 at the Education Center Silo Stage followed by a hike that will bring the lesson to life. September’s subject: The Food Chain!
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.
Muddy Boots Play Group
Bernheim’s Children at Play Network offers summer fun and free play in the forest with Muddy Boots, a forest play group for children ages 3 to 6. The program runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Woodland Pavilion. Children will enjoy free play and self-directed exploration in an adventure under the trees. Learn more at childrenatplaynetwork.com.
The cost for Bernheim members is $15 and $20 for non-members. Call (502) 955-8512 to reserve a spot. Registration and payment are due the Wednesday before the program.
Bernheim at Night
Bernheim at Night programs provide ample opportunities to marvel at the moon, ponder distant planets and be awed by the vastness of space. Something new yet ancient appears in the heavens and on earth with each turn of the seasons.
Full “Frost” Moon Hike
Visitors can experience Bernheim at night with a Full “Frost” Moon Hike on Friday, Nov. 23, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Full moon programs weave together stories about the night ecology, moon lore, history and nature. Night hikes keep to open trails and roads so that travel without flashlights is possible.
Quarter Moon Hike
Join Bernheim on Friday, Nov. 16, from 6 – 8 p.m. for a Quarter Moon Hike. Quarter Moon Hikes include a trek through Bernheim’s holly collection, around Cedar and Holly Ponds to the Earth Measure sculpture, and into the Big Prairie.
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.