Call Amy Joseph Landon (502) 955-8512 x262 to see if we can develop a service project specifically tailored to your team of co-workers, family, or friends. Bernheim is a great environment for fostering, team work, communication, cooperation and the satisfaction of a job well done!

Connect with People. Connect with Nature. Volunteer at Bernheim!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The goal in all of Bernheim's activities is to help fulfill our mission of connecting people with nature. Volunteers can give a few hours or several hundred hours, you can provide critical help to Bernheim and our visitors. You'll work with Bernheim staff for on the job training, gain access to programs and specialized training opportunities, meet other volunteers, and have fun in nature.

While working throughout the 14,000 acres of forest or the 600 acre arboretum, volunteers participate in a variety of activities that allow them to have fun in the great outdoors. The ever-changing landscapes at Bernheim gives each volunteer the opportunity for lifelong learning.

If you love Bernheim, we have the perfect job waiting for you. Please let us know of your skills and interests and we will be happy to find you the perfect position in which to grow.

Individual volunteers should be 16 years or older to volunteer. Those younger than 16 are encouraged to volunteer with their families or with a student group (i.e. FFA Beta Club, or any student club or group). Call for details about these opportunities.

1. Arboretum Assistant - Adopt an area in the Arboretum to take care of (individually or with a group) or work side by side assisting staff with general garden work including pruning, planting and mulching.

2. Aquarium/ Terrarium Assistant - Perform periodic inspections of the terrarium and aquarium in the Visitor Center to ensure that they are operating, clean, and well stocked with healthy plants/ animals.

3. Discovery Station Leader - Provide visitors with hands-on opportunities to investigate the natural world through the use of natural materials (living and artifacts), visual aids, props and activities. Most discovery experiences will be "stationed" outside and will include short activities (10-minute encounters or 30-minute hikes). Discovery experiences aim to increase visitors' appetite for knowledge and direct experiences in the natural world. In depth training is provided.

4. Fire Tower Volunteer - Show off a grand expanse of beauty from atop this historically registered fire tower. While admiring the landscape, interact with visitors answering questions and providing a brief history of Bernheim. Bernheim staff will train you on the procedures of opening and closing the fire tower and on hosting visitors at the tower.

5. Group Program Leader - Present public programs throughout the year, including weekend workshops and guided walks, tour bus step on tours, and lunchtime programs for seniors. In depth training is provided.

6. Natural Areas Weed Police - Work with staff to eliminate and control the spread of invasive exotic plants from our natural areas. Designated workdays are planned and flexible hours are available to fit with your schedule.

7. Naturalist in Training (NIT) - Join Bernheim's award-winning NIT program, a community of informed and inspired individuals dedicated to becoming "experts" on the local environment. they interact with the public (school, scout, community and tour groups, as well as other visitors) to give interpretive information on a variety of subjects related to nature, horticulture, and the arts at Discovery Stations, the Fire Tower, leading a nature walk, and/ or at an education table. There is a commitment of 50 hours per year interacting with the public and in-depth training is provided.

8. Nursery Assistant/ Greenhouse - Assist nursery staff outdoors and in the greenhouse with potting, weeding, plant maintenance, labeling, collection and entry. Training in grafting, seed collecting and propagation is provided after a designated period of time.

9. Office/ Mailing Assistant - Help with general office work. Assist with mailings, brochures and other special projects.

10. Operations Assistant - Assist in sign painting, trail maintenance and construction, equipment and building maintenance, deer fence damage patrol and environmental improvements of the arboretum and research forest. volunteers with technical training as an electrician, plumber, carpenter and/ or other associated skills are desired.

11. Outdoor Signage Maintenance Team - Work with staff to perform periodic inspections of all outdoor educational signage. As you hike, take some small tools to perform routine maintenance and cleaning. Report back to Bernheim staff about any missing trail markers: replace with new ones when you come back for your next hike.

12. Outreach Ambassador - Travel throughout the Bernheim community (Louisville, Shepherdsville, Bardstown and beyond) and share the wonder of Bernheim. Answer questions at community booths, speak at engagements, and be the traveling "face of Bernheim."

13. Special Events - Large events like ColoFest, BloomFest, BugFest, CONNECT, plant sales and other site-based events require many volunteers. Interact with visitor, help with set-up, greet visitors, parking, serving refreshments, inspiring kids with craft activities and more. You might also work with a committee of volunteers to coordinate and plan special events.

14. Trail Scouts - Walk the trails to inspect and report trail and signage conditions, pick-up litter and assist with repairs. Hours are flexible and set to fit with your schedule. Before you go on your hike, simply pick up a form at the Visitor Center and let us know if you find limbs in the path, signs that need to be replace or other items of note on our trails.

15. Visitor Services/ Gift Shop - Visitor Services includes all forms of guest interactions and inspiration. Greet visitors at the Visitor Center, assist with Phones, welcome visitors at the entrance gate, operate the cash register and provide general information about Bernheim and scheduled programs.

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS

As a Bernheim volunteer you will receive:
• Life-long learning opportunities, both formal and informal,
   from professionals and experienced staff and other volunteers
• New skills and valuable experiences
• The opportunity to meet people with similar interests
• On-the-job formal training where applicable
• Free admission on the day of your shift
• An invitation to the annual volunteer recognition event and social
   events throughout the year
• A 20% discount in the Bernheim gift shop
• A 20% discount at Isaac's Café on the day of your shift
• Bernheim Volunteer Program's quarterly newsletter
• Written references for continuing education or employment,
   upon request.

HOW TO BECOME A BERNHEIM VOLUNTEER:

• Fill out application and send to Amy Joseph Landon,
   Volunteer Coordinator
• You will be contacted to find out a bit more about your interests
• Attend a Bernheim Volunteer Orientation training.
   2010 Dates are as follows:
      July 31, 2010, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
      September 25, 2010, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
      December 2, 2010, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• If you cannot attend one of these training's, special arrangements
   can be made for a one-on-one training.
• Attend more in-depth training, if needed for your volunteer position
• Let the fun begin!

Click here to download an application to become a volunteer.

Call Amy Joseph Landon 502-955-8512 x262 or email for more information.