Berea Earth Warriors receive Climate Heroes Award

Sierra Marling, Richmond Register, Ky.
·3 min read

Apr. 26—The Berea Earth Warriors had a lot to celebrate when they hosted their Earth Day Festival on April 22nd, at the Memorial Park Pavilion in Berea.

Earth Day itself marks a global movement to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainability. It was first observed in 1970, sparked by growing concerns over pollution and environmental degradation.

The inaugural Earth Day saw millions of Americans take to the streets in peaceful demonstrations, leading to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of key environmental legislation.

While there were no Earth Day demonstrations in Berea, the Berea Earth Warriors are certainly taking a local stand against litter and taking steps to create a more eco-friendly Madison County.

They were recently awarded for their efforts when they were one of the 11 individuals and organizations presented with the Isaac Wolfe Bernheim Climate Hero Award on Saturday, April 20, at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum.

The Isaac Wolfe Bernheim Climate Heroes Award honors individuals and organizations championing environmental conservation and climate action. Established in honor of Isaac Wolfe Bernheim, a philanthropist and environmentalist, the award recognizes outstanding contributions to combating climate change and preserving natural resources.

Melissa Raley, director of advancement at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, explained that Berea Earth Warriors exemplified Bernheim's mission to move people toward climate action and that their work served as a testament to Bernheim's legacy and commitment to environmental stewardship.

"We are proud to recognize Berea Earth Warriors and to share their story of passion and dedication to the sustainability of their community. Their work should be lifted up as a model to inspire other rural communities to create a corps of engaged volunteers to better steward the earth," explained Raley.

Led by Amber Shaffer and other volunteers, the Berea Earth Warriors remove litter from parks, streets, and waterways in their community.

The group also cultivates fresh produce for a local food bank in the East Ridge Community Garden and teaches workshops about growing food at home.

One of their primary projects is the Owsley Fork Reservoir, which is home to several bald eagle nests and other vulnerable species. The reservoir is also where Berea gets its drinking water.

The Berea Earth Warriors reported a dump site on the reservoir and mobilized volunteers and community partners, including Get Outside Kentucky, to clean up the area.

The awards were presented along with the unveiling of the Bernheim Climate Crisis Action Plan (BCCAP) at RESTORE, an annual Earth Day celebration at Bernheim. As part of the BCCAP, Bernheim will implement strategies to drastically reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to achieve or exceed net carbon emissions by its centennial in 2029.

Shaffer was excited to receive the award; however, she was equally excited to see the Bernheim Giants and nature preserve, which provides fun, educational programs, diverse tree collections, renowned art experiences, 40 miles of hiking trails, and varied landscapes that host over 229 species of birds.

"I was very honored to receive such a prestigious climate award," she said. "It shows that people are seeing the impact we're making with our neighbors."

Shaffer added that the Berea Earth Warriors are also partnering with Levitt Amp this year.

"We're the sustainability partner, and we are looking for more volunteers for Levitt AMP," she commented.

Volunteers can reach out via the Berea Earth Warriors Facebook page to help monitor and empty recycling stations, pick up loose litter, and manage other systems to keep Levitt AMP clean and sustainable.

Other recipients of the award were Christina Lee Brown; Kentucky Resources Council; Jessie Rathburn; Louisville Climate Action Network: Sarah Lynn Cunningham, Chef Eneitra Beattie; Beargrass Thunder: Jody Dahmer and Mariah Corso; Justin Mog and Amanda Fuller; Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition; New Pioneers for a Sustainable Future: Sister Claire McGowan and Kurt Mason.