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CHARITY REVIEW
Issued: November 2025 Expires: November 2027

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum

Accredited Charity
Accredited Charity

Meets Standards
(502) 955-8512
2075 Clermont Rd.
Clermont, KY, 40110
https://bernheim.org/
📄 Full Report 🖨️ Print 📋 BBB Charity Standards

Standards For Charity Accountability

Governance

  1. Board Oversight
  2. Board Size
  3. Board Meetings
  4. Board Compensation
  5. Conflict of Interest

Measuring Effectiveness

  1. Effectiveness Policy
  2. Effectiveness Report

Finances

  1. Program Expenses
  2. Fundraising Expenses
  3. Accumulating Funds
  4. Audit Report
  5. Detailed Expense Breakdown
  6. Accurate Expense Reporting
  7. Budget Plan

Fundraising & Info

  1. Truthful Materials
  2. Annual Report
  3. Website Disclosures
  4. Donor Privacy
  5. Cause Marketing Disclosures
  6. Complaints

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Stated Purpose:

Bernheim Mission 
Connecting people with nature 
 
Bernheim Vision 
A world where nature is cherished, protected, and restored. 
 
Bernheim Values 
Inspired by the vision of its founder, Isaac Wolfe Bernheim, the nonprofit carries its legacy into the future while staying rooted in curiosity, wonder, intentionality, and belonging.

Year, State Incorporated:
1929, KY

Founded in 1929, Bernheim Forest and Arboretum protects more than 17,000 acres of natural areas, including forests, meadows, and more than 90 miles of streams. From wildlife protection to habitat restoration, Bernheim continues to lead the way in environmental stewardship. Through educational programs, community outreach, and sustainable practices, Bernheim fosters a deep connection between people and nature. 

Key focus areas for the organization include:

• Environmental Stewardship – focused on habitat restoration, invasive species management, and long-term health of natural areas.

• Arts in Nature Program – furthers ones relationship with the natural environment through artistic expression, expanding on Bernheims long history of art in the landscape.

• Education and Interpretation – engaging youth through field trips, nature camps, and hands-on learning experiences. Guided hikes, workshops, and seasonal festivals that foster a deeper connection to the natural world for all ages.

• Research and Conservation Partnerships – supporting ecological studies and collaborative conservation efforts with regional and national partners.

• Volunteer and Citizen Science Programs – empowering individuals to contribute to Bernheims mission through service and data collection.

For the year ended February 28, 2025, Bernheim Forest and Arboretum's program expenses were:

Program services $5,343,336
Total Program Expenses $5,343,336

Chief Executive
Mark Wourms, President, CEO

Chair of the Board
Martha Slaughter

Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Owner, Art Now, LLC

Board Size
26

Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Invitations to fund raising events, Print advertisements (newspapers, magazines, etc.), Television, Grant proposals, Internet, Planned giving arrangements, Cause-related marketing (affinity credit cards, consumer product sales, etc.), Membership appeals, Other

This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.

The following information is based on Bernheim Forest and Arboretum's audited financial statements for the year ended February 28, 2025.

Source of Funds
Change in fund held in trust by others $6,286,136
Investment return, net $2,921,259
Contributions and grants $2,177,610
Memberships and admission $1,117,987
Gift shop sales $747,414
Other $336,170
Program fees $278,775
Special events and sponsorships $229,933
In-kind contributions $4,141
Total Income $14,099,425

Programs: 76% Fundraising: 9% Administrative: 15%

Total Income $14,099,425
Total expenses: $7,009,583
  Program expenses $5,343,336
  Fundraising expenses $646,611
  Administrative expenses $1,019,636
  Other expenses $0
Income in Excess of Expenses $7,089,842
Beginning Net Assets $74,155,772
Other Changes In Net Assets $0
Ending Net Assets $81,245,614
Total Liabilities $632,954
Total Assets $81,878,568
Ending net assets as reported above include $21,937,269 without donor restrictions and $59,308,345 with donor restrictions.

Total assets as reported above include $15,847,706 in property and equipment, net.

An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.

This report is not to be used for fundraising or promotional purposes.

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Report completed by:
BBB serving Greater Kentucky and South Central Indiana