The Echo Society

Isaac Wolfe Bernheim purchased over 12,500 acres of eroded and heavily logged land in Bullitt and Nelson Counties in Kentucky in 1929. Mr. Bernheim established the Isaac W. Bernheim Foundation to ensure the long-term protection and management of his living legacy.

Mr. Bernheim recognized nature as regenerative, and established Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest as a gift for the people of Kentucky; a place where people of all races, creeds, and economic status can experience and connect with nature. Bernheim remains dedicated to those founding principles with a vision to be a nationally treasured leader in ecological stewardship that inspires the exploration of our deep connections with nature. Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest now encompasses 16,140 acres and is the largest contiguous forest in the eastern United States.

You can follow in the footsteps of Mr. Bernheim by leaving a meaningful planned gift to benefit Bernheim for generations to come. By making a planned gift to Bernheim, you become part of The Echo Society, which comes with acknowledgement in our Forest Echo newsletter, invitations to special events, and recognition of your generosity on a display board in Bernheim’s Visitor Center – in addition to the satisfaction of knowing you are leaving the type of impact you desire to leave in this world.

It is important to consult an attorney with questions about estate and tax benefits associated with your unique plans. There are many other gift options an estate planner can help you explore, some of the easiest ways to leave the gift of a lifetime to Bernheim described below.