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Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest Traditional Cache

Hidden : 10/16/2010
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:


The Big Prairie
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is located 25 miles south of Louisville on over14,000 acres of land just 1 mile east of the I-65 Clermont exit.

The award winning environmental design visitors center should be where you start you adventure at Bernheim.  Here you can learn about the features and natural history of Bernheim.  There's also a cafe, gift shop, and restrooms located here.

Bernheim History:

Isaac Wolfe Bernheim the benefactor of Bernheim immigrated to the US from Germany in 1867.  Over a period of time he became involved with the liquor business and in 1896 he and his brother opened Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Ky.  His I.W. Harper brand Bourbon became a successful venture and as a result he became one of Louisville's affluent citizens.
Isaac Bernheim never forgot his roots and was so grateful for his good fortune that he wanted to give back to the citizens of Kentucky.  He became a philanthropist and supported local projects including a large addition to Jewish Hospital. 

Isaac Wolfe Bernheim
Isaac Wolfe Bernheim (1935)

In 1928 he purchased 14,000 acres in Bullitt and Nelson Counties and gave it to the people of Kentucky in trust to be used as a park, arboretum, and museum.  A place where people of Kentucky and their friends could further their love of the beauty in nature and in art.  Bernheim is the largest privately owned natural area in Kentucky.

The Arboretum:

Early Morning at Bernheim

The Fredrick Law Olmstead firm was commissioned in 1931 to design Bernheim Arboretum.  Starting in 1935 implementation of the design began.  The last major part of the design, 32 acre Lake Nevin  was impounded in 1949.  Bernheim Arboretum first opened to the public in 1950.  
The Arboretum's collection started in the mid 1930's and now contains about 2000 different species of plants and trees.  In 1976 Bernheim's holly collection significantly expanded to over700 specimens representing over 350 different species.  It is now regarded as having the largest collection of American Hollies in the world. 
Bernheim Magnolia Collection

Bernheim Magnolia Collection

Bernheim Magnolia Collection
Bernheim Magnolia Collection

The Arboretum 
Magnolia Collection

Bernheim Magnolia Collection

The Forest: 

Bernheim has over 12,000 acres of forest land with the majority of it accessible only by gravel fire roads.  Six different type forest communities are located here with over 700 cataloged native and naturalized tree and plant species.  Some of the forest has limited public access because of ongoing research projects.  Recent projects range from American Chestnut research to frog and toad population monitoring.

Bingham Valley in the Fall
View of Bingham Valley

Programs and Events:

Many events and group activities are scheduled at Bernheim throughout the year with emphasis on education.  The most popular events are: Bloomfest in May, Old Fashion Family Picnic in July, Bugfest & Connect in September, and Colorfest in October.  Nature walks, crafting, stargazing, moonlight hikes, and storytelling are among programs and public workshops offered by Bernheim.


Education Center During Colorfest
Colorfest

Activities:

Hiking:  Over 35 miles of trails and fire roads are available within Bernheim for hiking.

Biking:  This activity is allow on all roads except the hill up to Paul's Point.  Ten Tom's loop trail, and the Hike Bike Pike are also available for biking.

Picnicking:  There are several very nice areas along the forest road and gorilla hollow road designated for picnicking

Fishing:  Fishing is allowed in designated areas around Lake Nevin.


Bent Twig Trail in Autumn
Bent Twig Trail

Geocaching:  Saving the best for last.  There are currently over 100 caches located on Bernheim property. Visitors are encouraged by Bernheim to experience this activity although permission is required before placing a cache.

For more information about Bernheim and it's operating hours go to www.bernheim.org

Bernheims Visitors Center
Visitors Center


The cache is a large Lock & Lock hidden near the front entrance to Bernheim. The cache is not hidden right next to the road but do be discrete during your search. It should be a very good cache for kids and large enough to contain trade items.  You do not need to damage any landscaping in order to find this cache.
This cache is available only when Bernheim’s gates are open to the public. Bernheim’s gates are open daily, except December 25 and January 1, from 7 a.m. until sunset. Bernheim is closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day.

This cache placement has been approved by Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest.
For more information about Bernheim Arboretum And Research Forest .  There is no admission fee at Bernheim on Monday through Friday.  On Saturday & Sunday there is a $5 fee per passenger car, or motorcycle.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Orgjrra naq ng gur bhgre rqtr bs gjb rireterraf ba gur fvqr njnl sebz gur ebnq.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)