Fe Fi Fo Fum, Forest Giants Here They Come!

Bernheim’s Exciting New Visitors

Bernheim Forest welcomed three GIANT new visitors to its GIANT forest this Spring. As part of Bernheim’s 90th Anniversary, renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo created three Forest Giants — larger than life sculptures made from recycled and repurposed materials which otherwise would be thrown away.

These whimsical creations demonstrate that trash and waste can be valuable resources, and Dambo hopes they will inspire people to not only recycle, but to also think more deeply about the impact that our lifestyle choices have on the planet.

Mama’s Lair

Bernheim Executive Director Dr. Mark Wourms also wants the Forest Giants to remind visitors of the importance of large forest blocks like Bernheim. Wourms said Bernheim strives to create experiences where people can interact with both art and nature, enhancing and inspiring deeper connections with the natural world.

“Ninety years ago, when I. W. Bernheim purchased 13,300 acres of land as a gift to the people of Kentucky, part of his vision was that this land would be a place for the people of Kentucky to further their love of the beautiful in nature and in art,” said Wourms. “Through art, people can experience nature in a whole new way, which is why we are thrilled to host Thomas and his team. These giants are a wondrous addition to our 16,137-acre forest, which we think is already a pretty magical place — a place where people connect with nature, a place where thousands of plant and wildlife species flourish and a place that is a source of clean air and clean water for the entire Greater Louisville Region.” “Once all three are completed, they will ‘live’ at different sites throughout Bernheim — some easy and not so easy to spot — but all are fun to discover,” Wourms said.

Giant Morning

Dambo is at Bernheim as part of its Sited@Bernheim program, which generates site-specific art projects intended to explore our relationship with nature through the lens of art. These Forest Giants are expected to remain in place for at least three years, and will provide fun photo opportunities, programs, and more.

Bernheim is a passionate supporter of arts in nature and has a long history of promoting art in the landscape through programs like Sited@Bernheim, among others.

How Do I Check These Giants Out?

As many of you have likely seen through social media posts, these Giants are a tremendous draw to Bernheim and are creating such a buzz, not only with those in the horticulture industry, but also with families with young children and more “experienced” folks alike.

Giant Day

Don’t miss out, they will only be at Bernheim for 3 years!

As stated above, there are three of these mythical beauties and they are placed strategically around the park and part of the fun is finding them. If you go during a busy time, you won’t have to look far, you’ll just be able to follow the crowds. Due to the overwhelming response of these beauties, Bernheim is overflowing with visitors. To get the best viewing and to beat the crowds, it is best to arrive before 10AM or after 5PM. Park hours are listed to the right.

Bernheim

Daily: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Days

Guerilla Hollow

Daily: 7 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Forest Hill Drive

Daily: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Visitor Center & Education Center

Daily: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Free admission to all Monday – Friday Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: $5.00 per car, minivan or motorcycle, $10.00 per van, RV $25 per bus

Educational Programs

Fun, educational programs, diverse tree collections, 40 miles of hiking trails and varied landscapes are available every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. On the website there is a comprehensive events schedule to fit anyone’s interest.

If you are interested in:

• Scouting fireflies on a night hike,

• Lunch and Learn — Guided hikes including lunch at the cafe

• Family friendly hike on the trails with a tour guide

These are all options and more! There is a $10 fee for tours for members and $12 for non-members. The Learning Adventures including lunch are in the neighborhood of $15 for members and $20 for non-members.

Membership

As you can see, it pays to be a MEMBER! You can check out the website at www.bernheim.org to register. There is a membership level for every budget, starting at $35 per year for Seniors and Veterans!

Bernheim is located in Clermont, Kentucky, about 20 minutes south of the Louisville airport. Bernheim is a non-profit organization that relies on memberships, grants and donations for support. Come visit and enjoy the beauty of nature.