PO Box 130, Highway 245
Clermont, KY 40110
What are the most pressing problems or opportunities in your community that can be leveraged to address climate change?
Our utility company wants to install a natural gas pipeline through our property, which is protected by conservation easements and deed restrictions. We are currently legally contesting their right to sue us for condemnation using eminent domain. In order to educate and motivate our community, we are hosting a series of Bernheim Under Threat Roadshows throughout the state, where we talk about the importance of large forest blocks to offsetting the effects of climate change while providing clean air, clean water, wildlife habitat and more. We also can talk about the importance of conservation easements and legally protecting them. If ours is broken, it can have legal repercussions throughout not just Kentucky by the entire country.
What unique features of your garden can be leveraged to address climate change?
We have a dedicated director of conservation who strategically plans for future land acquisitions with the goal of creating a larger contiguous forest. Within the last five years, Bernheim has grown over 1,200 acres, with the goal of connecting land to form a wildlife corridor and more connected forest habitat. Additionally, in 2014, we opened a 4-acre Edible Garden, which is a Living Building Challenge applicant. The garden is used as a valuable teaching tool for sustainable gardening practices and feeds our own café fresh and super-local produce.