By bernheim
Naked trees, animal tracks, flint knapping & flurries of fun in January
Winter is the perfect time to come to Bernheim and explore the forest. That’s why Bernheim’s January calendar is full of exciting nature-related events and activities for all ages. From exploring naked trees to following animal tracks, there is no shortage of winter wonders at Bernheim.
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. – 4:00 p.m.
Discovery Stations from 1 – 4 p.m.
Hike of the Day led by a Bernheim guide, starts at the Visitor Center at 2 p.m. and runs 45 – 60 minutes.
Children and their families are invited to Naked Trees on Saturday, Jan. 4. Without leaves, tree branches, bark and buds are exposed and ready for observation. Kids will have fun comparing tree structures 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, Jan. 18, when families are invited back to Bernheim for Fossil Fun. Children will investigate fossils in the day’s On Your Own Challenge and then explore hands-on Discovery Stations and the guided Hike of the Day in the afternoon.
Pollywog Play Party
Pollywogs (infants to five-year-olds) are invited to the Education Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, from 10:30 a.m. – noon for a morning of great fun. Early learners will participate in A Flurry of Fun, where they will explore winter wonders by playing in Insta-Snow, experimenting with ice, making snowflakes and 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 for the Pollywog Play Party is required by 4 p.m. on the day prior to program by calling (502) 955-8512 or visiting Bernheim.org. The cost is $10 for Bernheim members and $15 for non-members. The fee covers one caregiver and one child.
Winter Tree Identification
Join Wren Smith, Bernheim’s Interpretive Programs Manager on Saturday, Jan. 4 from 1 – 3 p.m. for an introduction into the art and science of identifying and appreciating trees in winter. The class will start by exploring basic terms and simple clues inside the Education Center Classroom, and then venture outside to use a simple winter tree key to unlock some forest secrets. Be sure to bundle up!
The cost for Bernheim members is $10 and $12 for non-members. Registration and payment are due by 4 p.m. on the day prior to start of program. Call (502) 955-8512 or visit Bernheim.org to register.
First Sunday Nature Hike
Meet a Volunteer Naturalist at the Visitor Center on Sunday, Jan. 5, from 2 – 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.
Forest Homeschool Hike: Tracks, Scat, & Signs
Bernheim takes school to the forest on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 1 – 2 p.m. for January’s lesson in Tracks, Scat, & Signs. On this hike, families and co-ops join educators for an afternoon of learning, exercising and adventure. Appropriate for grades K-5, each month’s Forest Homeschool Hike includes a short lesson followed by a hike that brings the lesson to life.
The cost for Bernheim members is $5 per student and $7 per student for non-members. There is no fee for adults, but they must accompany children. Registration is required by 4 p.m. the day prior to the program. Call (502) 955-8512 or visit Bernheim.org. Space is limited.
Volunteer Orientation Training
Those interested in learning more about Bernheim’s volunteer program are invited to the Volunteer Orientation on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m – noon. Volunteers can give a few hours or several hundred hours, providing support to Bernheim and its visitors. While working throughout the forest or arboretum, volunteers can participate in a variety of activities, while having fun in the great outdoors. Reservations are recommended, but not required. For more information, visit Bernheim.org or call (502) 955-8512.
Volunteer Naturalist Orientation
Join Bernheim’s dynamic team of Volunteer Naturalists to enrich your knowledge, and help others discover deep connections with nature. Bernheim’s award-winning training provides a supportive climate for learning about nature, history, and ecology, as well as in-depth and continuous mentoring in the art and science of interpretation — a communication tool that allows Volunteer Naturalists to effectively share their knowledge and passion for the natural world.
This orientation runs from 1 – 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18 and is open to both members and non-members. Contact Wren Smith to learn more about this award-winning program at (502) 215-7134 or wren@bernheim.org. There is no cost for this program, but registration is required.
In the case that Bernheim be closed for snow, the Volunteer Orientation snow date will be rescheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25 from 1 – 3 p.m.
Rock Swap and Lithic Art Show
Visit with rock enthusiasts and artists from the region from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, as they demonstrate the art of flint knapping. People used this lost art in ancient times in order to make tools and weapons. Modern replicas and pre-historic artifacts will be on display for sale or trade, as well as other primitive arts and crafts.
This event is held at the Visitor Center. There is no cost and registration is not necessary for this event.
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. – 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26. A team of volunteer naturalists will lead the program deep into the research forest and make frequent stops to investigate nature up close. Participants should meet at the Visitor Center and bring a sack lunch and beverage.
Those interested in attending must register by 4 p.m. the day before by calling 502-955-8512 or visiting Bernheim.org. The cost is $20 for members and $30 for non-members. The program is for adults and children ages 8 and up.
Recycle Your Holiday Tree
Bernheim encourages its nature-lovers to extend their tree’s life by sharing it with Bernheim. Bernheim will turn it into mulch that will be used in the arboretum. The collection point is at the turnaround on the left at the front gate throughout January.
Bernheim closes at 2 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and is closed on New Year’s Day. Happy New Year!