Nicole Banowetz is a Colorado based sculptor who makes sewn inflatable sculptures and delicate assembled forms inspired by the natural world. Her installations spark awe and wonder and have been inspired by algae, bacteria, parasitic fungus, viruses, Radiolaria, rotifers, and dinoflagellates. Made from damaged and discarded recycled tent material, Becoming Nutrient is an Inflatable style installation, that magnifies the microscopic organisms that decay felled trees and serve as nutrients of the forest floor. This creative experience was developed during Banowetz’s first visit to Bernheim as a ..read more

Here are some ways that you can show you’re a leader in water stewardship by helping conserve water in your daily life. In the Kitchen USE A DISHWASHER: They almost always use less water than washing dishes by hand. Install a dishwasher and only run it when it is full. IF YOU ARE WASHING BY HAND: Get a sponge soapy and wet, then turn off the water. Onceyou are ready to rinse, turn the water back on. CHANGE YOUR DIET: Far more water goes into the process of raising animals for human consumption than goes into growing plants for consumption. To save water, eat lower on the food chain. We waste a ..read more

Now that we have entered spring, thunderstorms become more frequent, and it gets me thinking about lightning, even though summer typically witnesses more lightning strikes than spring. Reflecting back on elementary science class we all know that lighting is an electrical discharge caused by an imbalance between clouds and the ground, as well as between clouds. It’s common knowledge that lightning tends to strike the tallest object, hence the childhood warning against seeking shelter under trees during thunderstorms. However, it may come as a surprise that certain tree species are more frequent ..read more

It’s been a big year for Playcosystem, so far …and it’s only March! If you have visited Bernheim in the last several months, you have probably noticed a lot of projects underway. Last fall, we put up a new swing in the original Zone 1 of Playcosystem and then created a water play area with a hand pump, water tables, and mud pit. We love these smaller projects and always have fun trying something new at Playcosystem, regardless of scale. But this year, we have taken play to new heights. Literally! Rebuilding the original rope swing inspired us to dream bigger. As of this week, you can officiall ..read more

Sam Hensley with their animatronics at BUGFEST Last year Bernheim featured 2023 Artist-in-Residence Sam Hensley at multiple Bernheim events. She led creature creation activities at RESTORE, made creature headbands and Playcosystem Happy Hour, and delighted crowds with their bug-inspired animatronics at Bugfest. Sam’s animatronic creatures, big and small, are all inspired by nature and bugs of all kinds. The creatures came from her studio in Chicago, where she has spent years creating unique moving sculptures and original hand-drawn comics and zines about their fictional lives and pursuits. Whi ..read more

The Edible Garden at Bernheim As Bernheim’s Edible Garden Steward, I’ve recently embarked on a journey to reduce plastic waste in the garden, and soil blocking has emerged as a game-changer in this endeavor! By transitioning away from traditional plastic pots and trays, we are minimizing our environmental footprint and discovering a myriad of benefits that soil blocks bring to the gardening practice. First and foremost, soil blocking significantly reduces plastic waste, a pressing concern for those of us who grow large quantities of plants. While some plastic trays or sheets are still necessar ..read more

Spring is officially here and wildflowers aren’t the only thing popping up at Bernheim!   New black anodized aluminum for star magnolia In an effort to increase our sustainability efforts in all areas of the Arboretum, we are replacing our plastic botanical signage with black anodized aluminum. Look for these signs on the east side of each tree within the Arboretum to learn more information about it!Each sign carries 5 pieces of information; common name, botanical name, native range, IUCN status if applicable (endangered, threatened, vulnerable, etc.), and an accession number.   Map ..read more

photo credit: Olmsted Parks Conservancy During the late winter and early spring months, Bernheim visitors may notice clues of prescribed fire season at Bernheim Forest.  Blackened vegetation, the sight or smell of smoke, or the most obvious clue – flames and burn crews igniting controlled fires throughout habitats across the forest.  This season, the burn crew at Bernheim has successfully completed multiple prescribed fires and more are planned for the coming weeks.  Prairies, forested areas, and glades are being burned to improve wildlife habitat. These habitats are adapted to ..read more

  Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, a 16,000+ acre protected forest in Kentucky, about 25 miles south of Louisville, is seeking an individual who can present a welcoming reflection of Bernheim to all visitors while maintaining a professional demeanor and positive attitude.   Bernheim is home to a 600-acre arboretum, designated as Kentucky’s official arboretum. The natural landscape features 40+ miles of hiking trails and extensive natural areas managed for conservation and research purposes. Its woodlands, prairies, and wetlands make up the largest privately-owned forest i ..read more

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, a 16,000+ acre protected forest in Kentucky, about 25 miles south of Louisville, is seeking an individual who will successfully lead team members, optimize staff productivity, and manage Bernheim’s catering program.  Bernheim is home to a 600-acre arboretum, designated as Kentucky’s official arboretum. The natural landscape features 40+ miles of hiking trails and extensive natural areas managed for conservation and research purposes. Its woodlands, prairies, and wetlands make up the largest privately-owned forest in the Eastern United States dedicat ..read more