Bernheim Forest joins nationwide network to protect threatened oak trees

CLERMONT, Ky. —

About one-third of all oak tree species worldwide are threatened with extinction.

That's according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The reasons behind the tree's decline are many and varied, including habitat loss and climate change.

According to Bernheim Forest President and CEO Dr. Mark Wourms, these trees are a critical part of the region's native ecology.

"Oaks are amazing plants," Wourms said. "They are keystone species in many environments. They host a tremendous number of insects — and that's good because that’s the food web."

Recently, Bernheim was granted national accreditation by the Plant Collections Network of the American Public Gardens Association. According to Bernheim Plant Records Coordinator Hannah Hunt, the accreditation is ano