Carla Rhodes , a conservation photographer from Kentucky, tasted the Eastern Redbud buds in springtime while living in the heart Bernheim Forest. She breathed the spicybush-scented summer air. She heard eastern whippoor-wills calling in the dark. Their song sounded like a whistle. She woke up every morning to find a yellow spider weaving her web on the door of the cabin she was staying in. She said goodbye to her each time she went out exploring.
Rhodes is the first Environmental artist in residence of Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest. She grew up in Kentucky, but had never heard of the 16,137-acre site that is a source of clean water and air. She was shocked to discover its existence.
Rhodes spent his time in Virginia among Virginia opossums and amphibians as well as bluff vertigo slugs. These “microsnails”, which are less than 2 millimeters long, can only be found among thirty known populations. Lori Schroeder is a malacologist and researcher who discovered them in the area. They are listed as being globally endangered.
The photographer learned also about the hidden springsnail – a species that is only found in five places on earth. Joe Cichan, an amateur naturalist who volunteers, showed the photographer a population of four-toed salamanders he had discovered. She also made her own discoveries along the way: she set up a camera trap for a beaver and was surprised to discover a photo of an American Bittern – a solitary egret who had not been photographed in Bernheim in decades.
Bernheim is a city of surprises, big and small. Rhodes was allowed to explore at her own pace, guided by Bernheim’s Natural Areas team. She ventured into areas that are not usually visited by the general public. She admits that it was difficult to remember to go to sleep. She sat next to a patch Kentucky gladecress, an endangered endemic plant.
Bernheim photography was not something she took lightly. This is especially true given that there are many threatened species of flora. She explains that she follows some general guidelines, including keeping a respectful distance from her subject, looking for signs of stress and not damaging their habitat.
After photographing wildlife, I never share the exact location and make sure that GPS/any identifying details of location are removed from my metadata. The use of cameras traps was, in part an ethical decision as it allowed her to capture the animals in their natural habitat without interference.
The future of this natural paradise is not guaranteed. Bernheim Forest was informed in 2018 about the proposed natural gas pipeline by Louisville Gas and Electric. Rhodes says that Bernheim Forest, which has been fighting against the natural gas pipeline since almost four years, will be returning to court on January 10, 2019.
The proposed 12-mile gas pipeline would destroy habitats and migration routes of countless animals, as well as impacting clean streams for many decades. Not to mention that the energy company would take other land along the path from neighboring landowners while putting residents of all this land at risk.
Four species of wildlife classified as federally threatened are at risk from the pipeline. Along the pipeline are critically endangered bats. Also threatened would be the bluff-vertigo snails that were discovered just recently in this area. Rhodes says that the pipeline will directly affect the habitat of these vuggy, limestone snails. She remembers the first time she saw them: It had just rained and the snails were moving across the landscape in a tiny, marvelous way.
The artist says, “My experience as Bernheim’s first Environmental Artist in Residence gave me endless hope that nature’s beauty and power is all around us. Whether it’s hidden places or our backyards, we just have to open our minds to see it.” “I am always concerned for the future, but when I’m in contact with nature I feel a sense of wonder, hope and awe.”
Rhodes is now back in New York but Bernheim Forest still lingers within her. She’s even managed to take some of the forest home with her. She tells me that when she returned to her home in the Catskills two Eastern Redbuds were planted in her yard. They’ll bloom again in spring, providing a reminder of the magical place that is Kentucky, its creatures, and those who work to protect it.
can learn more about Bernheim Forest, and the work that is being done by visiting their website. can help to protect this special place by making a donation or by volunteering .