Loretto Motherhouse hosts “Bernheim Under Threat Roadshow”

The Loretto Community will host the “Bernheim Under Threat Roadshow” from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, in the Conference Room at Loretto Motherhouse, 515 Nerinx Road in Nerinx, Ky. The event will focus on the proposed LG&E natural gas pipeline and its impact on Bernheim Forest. The presentation is free and open to all.

The Loretto Community stands with Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in opposing LG&E’s threat to the 16,000-plus-acre pristine and protected land. Loretto is no stranger to this kind of activism for the protection of Earth and the need for cleaner energy choices. In 2013, Loretto denied permission for a surveyor sent by pipeline partners to survey the Motherhouse’s 780-plus acres of land for the proposed Bluegrass Pipeline and successfully led a grassroots opposition to that pipeline’s construction. That activism continues to this day in collaboration with many other partners. Loretto has had a long-standing supportive relationship with Bernheim and is proud to claim as one of its co-members Patty (Wren) Smith, who serves as Bernheim’s interpretive programs manager.

With standing in solidarity with Earth one of Loretto’s key values, Loretto wanted to invite the “Bernheim Under Threat Roadshow” to come to the Motherhouse to help people understand the imminent threat that is being posed by this proposed pipeline, said Loretto Co-member Jessie Rathburn. “Loretto is committed to seeking justice and peace for Earth.  Standing with our neighbors to ensure that protected land remains protected is crucial. Our understanding of the habitat loss and species decline is increasing all the time. Protecting pristine lands like Bernheim is one small step we can take to better align ourselves as humans with Earth,”  said Jessie, who serves as Loretto’s Earth Education and Advocacy coordinator.

Bernheim needs the support of the general public to help eliminate this threat. Bernheim Under Threat” roadshows are dedicated to educating residents in nearby communities about the proposed pipeline threat Bernheim faces and how the community can take immediate action to save the forest. More information can be found at www.ForestUnderThreat.com.

For more information about the presentation at Loretto Motherhouse, email Jessie Rathburn at [email protected].