By bernheim
CLERMONT, KY – The new year is almost here! And with it comes opportunities to explore the great outdoors at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, including a new series of adult education programs helping people Savor the Season.
Please see below for fun winter activities for all.
Happy New Year
Bernheim will be closed on Jan. 1, and will close at 2 p.m. on New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31.
Savor the Season: Embracing Winter at Bernheim
Too cold and wet to go to Bernheim? Now everyone can enjoy the wonders of the forest with Bernheim’s experts in this new online adult educational series! Fill your chilly Friday lunchtimes with vibrant, fun virtual programming about winter wildlife, useful plants, and how to identify trees in winter.
Events take place over Zoom with time for live questions and discussion afterward.
The cost of the entire series, which includes a bonus guided hike on a surprise theme at Bernheim in March, is $40. Individual sessions are $12 per session and do not include the bonus guided hike. Please register at Bernheim.org or call (502) 955-8512.
Friday January 14, 12 to 12:45 p.m.
Director of Horticulture and Sustainable Landscapes Renee Frith: “Be My Bud: How to ID Trees in Winter.”
Friday January 28, 12 to 12:45 p.m.
Director of Conservation Andrew Berry and Natural Areas Manager Evan Patrick : “Golden Eagles of Bernheim.”
Friday February 11, 12 to 12:45 p.m.
Natural Areas Manager Evan Patrick and Director of Conservation Andrew Berry : “Hidden Wildlife of Bernheim.”
Friday February 25, 12 to 12:45 p.m.
Interpretive Programs Manager Wren Smith: “Foraging for useful plants in winter, searching for early signs of spring.”
First Sunday Nature Hike
Meet a Volunteer Naturalist at the Visitor Center on Sunday, Jan. 2, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. for an engaging nature hike on the first Sunday of each month. These hikes are longer than our First Saturday Hikes and are aimed primarily at adults, but children 6 years and up are welcome. Registration is not required for this free event, and all ages are welcome. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Nature Journaling for Beginners with 2021 Artist in Residence Laura Poulette
In this comprehensive 6-hour workshop on Saturday, Jan. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., students will begin their nature journaling practice by first constructing leather-bound sketchbooks, then learning several sketching and watercolor techniques.
At the end of the class, students will take a stroll and do some nature journaling en plein air. Students will go home with their new sketchbook, pencil, Micron pen, brush, and watercolor samples.
This class is appropriate for enthusiastic beginners. The cost is $150 for Bernheim members and $165 for non-members. Register at Bernheim.org or by calling (502) 955-8512.
Opportunities to Volunteer at Bernheim
Volunteers can give a few hours or several hundred hours, providing support to Bernheim and our visitors. Have fun in the great outdoors by participating in a variety of activities. Take the first step in becoming a Bernheim volunteer by attending this general Volunteer Orientation held virtually on Saturday, Jan. 15, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. or on Saturday, Jan. 29, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Register at Bernheim.org.
Volunteer Naturalist Orientation (in person and virtual opportunities)
If you love learning, are passionate about the natural world, and have already taken the general volunteer orientation, then perhaps becoming a Volunteer Naturalist is the next step!
Join Bernheim for this in-person Volunteer Naturalist Orientation training on Saturday, Jan. 22, from 1 to 4 p.m..
The Bernheim Volunteer Naturalist training program seeks to develop ecological learners and leaders that promote stewardship and inspire a more compelling relationship with our natural and cultural landscapes. Volunteer Naturalists assist in furthering Bernheim’s mission of connecting people with nature and advancing our Vision Statement: Bernheim will be a nationally treasured leader in ecological stewardship that inspires the exploration of our deep connection with nature.
This orientation will be held with a limited number of registrants to allow for social distancing.
A virtual orientation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 29, from 1 to 3 p.m. via Zoom. Registration at Bernheim.org is required. All potential volunteer naturalists must attend a general volunteer orientation prior to attending the Volunteer Naturalist Orientation. All of the volunteer orientations are free.
Trail Discovery Hikes
Explore miles of Bernheim hiking trails with our Volunteer Naturalists on the Trail Discovery Hike: Pond Ridge Loop on Sunday, Jan. 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. or the Trail Discovery Hike: Elm Lick Loop on Saturday, Jan. 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
These longer guided hikes will help visitors become more familiar with Bernheim and its trails. The time frame for each guided hike is three hours, although these trails can typically be hiked in under an hour and a half. The guides will be taking a leisurely pace that allows participants to rest and enjoy the unique features each trail offers.
Make reservations early as space is limited. Please bring a mask in case social distancing is not possible throughout the hike.
The cost is $12 for Bernheim members and $15 for non-members. Please register by 4 p.m. the day prior to the program by calling (502) 955-8512 or visiting Bernheim.org.
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 in January will only take place on the third Saturday of the month – Jan. 15 – as the first Saturday falls on a holiday. Discovery Days activities take place near Bernheim’s Visitor Center and may include:
Hands-On Discovery Stations from 1 to 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.
Pop-Up Story Circles because everything and everyone has a story. Watch for our storytelling and story-sharing circles near Spirit Nest.
Masks and social distancing are required when interacting with the Volunteer Naturalists. For details on ECO Kids Discovery Days, call (502) 955-8512 or visit Bernheim.org. No registration is necessary.
Holiday Tree Recycling
Bernheim encourages its community of nature-lovers to extend their tree’s life by sharing it with Bernheim. Bernheim will turn it into mulch that will be used throughout the arboretum. The collection point is at the turnaround on the left at the front gate throughout January.
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