RESTORE: Healthy Planet, Healthy You
Bernheim Forest utilized the Circle of Harmony & Health as the guiding framework for their 2024 Earth Day event, RESTORE. With more than 2,500 guests, each family was given a “RESTORE: Healthy Planet, Healthy You” guidebook that detailed several projects and initiatives of Bernheim Forest & Arboretum through the lens of the Circle of Harmony & Health. This partnership encouraged visitors of all ages to reflect on A New Vision of Health to cultivate harmony within themselves and with the planet.
WE ARE BUILDING COLLABORATIONS FOR A HEALTHIER WORLD & COMMUNITY
Bernheim Forest & Arboretum’s 2nd Annual RESTORE: Healthy Planet, Healthy You
At RESTORE, visitors immersed themselves in the beauty of spring at Bernheim Forest while engaging in free, drop-in self-care activities and educational experiences. The event highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental and human health, encouraging attendees to reflect on A New Vision of Health and learn more about how they can implement sustainable practices in their daily lives.
The festival’s centerpiece was an announcement at the Visitor Center, where Bernheim revealed its commitment to a healthy planet through the unveiling of their Climate Crisis Action Plan which plots a course for Bernheim to be carbon neutral by 2029. Attendees also honored 11 Climate Heroes from the community, recognizing their contributions to environmental stewardship and inspiring others on their sustainability journey.
Throughout the event, attendees engaged with a diverse array of community partners, including the UofL Envirome Institute, Food Literacy Project, and KY Waterways Alliance among many vital others. Each partner showcased initiatives supporting healthy living and environmental conservation, reinforcing the event’s theme of collaboration for a healthier world.
A unique aspect of RESTORE was its integration of the Circle of Harmony & Health philosophy. Attendees colored in a map of the Circle as they interacted with activity booths, symbolizing their engagement with holistic well-being and environmental harmony. Those who completed the map had the chance to win a Climate Hero Prize, fostering a sense of collective action and empowerment.
In addition to interactive booths, RESTORE offered a range of activities for all ages, from tree climbing to yoga sessions and wildlife planting. These activities provided opportunities for hands-on learning and connection with nature, further reinforcing the event’s message of health and sustainability.
Overall, RESTORE: Healthy Planet, Healthy You was a resounding success, uniting individuals and organizations in a shared commitment towards cultivating health. As attendees departed, they carried with them not only memories of a memorable Earth Day celebration but also a renewed sense of purpose in safeguarding our common home for future generations.
We encourage you to explore Bernheim Forest’s ongoing efforts in conservation and education by visiting their website: https://bernheim.org/