Floresta e Arboreto de Bernheim

Climate Updates 2024:
 Bernheim Forest and Arboretum is now 16,143 acres
 Four additional EV charging stations have been added for a total of 8 public EV charging stations
 Mowed areas have been reduced by 16% in the last two years
 We have entered into a 5-year MOU with James B. Beam Distilling Co. regarding education and conservation activities under the Natural Water Sanctuary Alliance. We:
o educate the public on protection of water sheds, surface and ground water
o educate the public on biodiversity protection and habitat enhancement
o celebrate natural history and ecological education through events, including Bugfest, Firefly walks, etc.
o conduct volunteer projects from invasive plant removals, tree planting, and stream clean-ups
o publish e-guides on “Birds of Bernheim” and “Protecting Biodiversity in Your Yard”
 Our efforts to educate the public on “fossil fuel-free horticulture practices” continue. The Horticulture Department messages through blogs, social media, and classes to the public what Bernheim is doing to reduce and eliminate fossil fuel use in our Arboretum. Some examples: using soil block for all edible garden starts, eliminating the need for plastic pots, and replacing two-cycle equipment with battery equipment.
 An 11-person, ADA accessible electric tram has been purchased for special tours and to further our move to reduce gas vehicle use in Bernheim
 Bernheim is actively testing various surfaces for walking paths to increase accessibility, reduce run-off, overall carbon footprint, and maintenance
 Bernheim built an event pavilion and a Playcosystem clubhouse using timber 100% sourced from trees toppled in storms at Bernheim and milled just two miles away
 Bernheim continues with legal action to prevent the taking of land protected by conservation easements for the construction of a proposed natural gas pipeline
 Bernheim makes more than 10% of all food purchases within 100-mile radius of site

Quais são os problemas ou oportunidades mais prementes na sua comunidade que podem ser aproveitados para fazer face às alterações climáticas?

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.

Que caraterísticas únicas do seu jardim podem ser aproveitadas para fazer face às alterações climáticas?

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.