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With 16,000+ acres of land and more than 400,000 visitors annually, Bernheim is the place to connect with nature.
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Applications now open for Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest’s Artist in Residence Program
Throughout the program’s 43-year history, renowned artists from across the globe have lived on site and used Bernheim’s … Read More »
Bernheim Forest receives grant which will benefit all children through play in nature
The James Graham Brown Foundation grant will enhance the lives of children of all abilities and backgrounds CLERMONT, Ky – … Read More »
Bernheim Forest announces new Director of Advancement
CLERMONT, Ky – (Sept. 14, 2022) Bernheim is thrilled to welcome Melissa Raley to the Bernheim team as Director of … Read More »
Restoring Nature’s Classroom expands to middle school
CLERMONT, Ky – (Aug. 8, 2022) One of Bernheim’s most successful educational programs is about to get bigger. Restoring … Read More »
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Mark Wourms, Executive Director
Mark Wourms, PhD, is the Executive Director of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. He is a lifelong “tree-hugger” both literally and metaphorically.
Kristin Faurest, Education
Kristin Faurest is the Bernheim Education Director and is instrumental in planning Bernheim’s informative, fun and varied nature-based education programs.
Claude Stephens, Outreach & Regenerative Design
Claude Stephens is the Children at Play Network Director and is also Bernheim’s Facilitator of Outreach and Regenerative Design. He is a free play champion, is piloting the region’s first Forest Kindergarten, and spearheaded the creation of Bernheim’s Edible Garden, an applicant to the Living Building Challenge.
Wren Smith, Interpretive Programs Manager
Wren Smith is Bernheim’s Interpretive Programs Manager. A Kentucky Naturalist of the Year recipient, she helps visitors immerse themselves in nature, creates faeries out of natural materials, and trains volunteers in the nationally-recognized Volunteer Naturalist Program.
Renee Frith, Director of Horticulture and Sustainable Landscapes
Renee Frith is responsible for leading our horticulture team, as they care for the arboretum landscapes and support programs beyond our borders, such as our Green Roofs program.
Casey Hammett, Edible Garden Steward
Casey Hammett has served as a Bernheim horticulturist since June of 2010. Casey is an ISA Certified Arborist and a Kentucky Certified Nurseryman. In addition to maintaining the Edible Garden Casey also teaches classes, leads tours, and collaborates with the community on beautification projects. Casey is originally from South Carolina, where he operated his own landscape business and graduated from the University of South Carolina.
Jenny Zeller, Arts in Nature Curator
Jenny Zeller is responsible for leading the prestigious Artist-in-Residence Program, which she graduated from herself in spring of 2017. Jenny also promotes multi-disciplinary explorations of the relationship with the natural environment through other Arts in Nature programs, such as temporary and permanent sculpture projects and recurring events at Bernheim.
Renee Hutchison, Director of Visitor Experience
Renee Hutchison is responsible for leading our Visitor Services, Operations, and Ranger teams to ensure all visitors have the best possible experience while at Bernheim.
Melissa Raley, Director of Advancement
Melissa Raley works with the staff and community to build the resources for Bernheim to continue to fulfill its mission and vision.