Forecastle Foundation welcomes Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest as official partner

Forecastle Foundation welcomes Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest as official partner

Louisville, Ky. (February 7, 2022) — The Forecastle Foundation, the nonprofit environmental activism arm of Forecastle Festival, has expanded by adding Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest as an official partner.

Bernheim Forest’s work focuses on stewarding land, providing clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and biological diversity. Their conservation initiatives protect endangered species, improves ecosystems, increases climate resilience, and provides health benefits to their surrounding communities and beyond. Bernheim Forest has grown to be 16,140 acres, the largest privately held forest block in the Eastern United States, with a mission of environmental education and conservation and they are uniquely positioned to directly impact over 500,000 visitors worldwide through nature-based education and art in nature, generating positive actions towards environmental stewardship, sustainability, and climate awareness.

 “Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest’s engagement with the Forecastle Foundation will allow both organizations to connect more people with nature. We are excited about a strong relationship at this time when people, particularly young people, actively search for and demand solutions to the climate crisis. Together we can work to provide a healthy and sustainable future for all species, including humans” said Dr. Mark Wourms, Executive Director.

The Forecastle Foundation will focus its efforts on Bernheim Forest’s “Bernheim Under Threat” project located in the Bernheim Cedar Wildlife Corridor in Clermont, KY. The project’s goal is to successfully defeat LG&E’s proposed pipeline and condemnation lawsuit of Cedar Groves Wildlife Corridor, ensuring Bernheim’s conservation land remains protected and preserving an important precedent for protecting conservation easements everywhere. To do so, Bernheim is working to educate and inspire action by the public in conservation issues. Since July 2019, Bernheim has educated the local community about conservation easements and the value of land conservation. 

The Forecastle Foundation’s commitment to environmental activism, and social responsibility strongly aligns with Bernheim’s commitment to conservation in partnership with the community. With the help of The Forecastle Foundation, Bernheim can reach wider demographics to share our experience with other private lands who are also challenged with condemnation.

“Our new partnership with Bernheim Forest reflects a shared commitment to environmental activism and social responsibility. As we continue our work of protecting and connecting the world’s most biologically diverse and highly-threatened hot spots, this alliance allows us to collectively make a naturally awesome impact for future generations,” said Forecastle Foundation Board Chair David Nichols.

Founded in 2011, The Forecastle Foundation’s mission is to protect and connect the world’s natural awesome by funding and supporting projects that help protect the world’s natural resources with a focus on biodiversity hotspots. They make an impact by partnering with, and supporting like-minded organizations. To maximize the impact of that support, The Forecastle Foundation proactively identifies and assesses environmental conservation efforts between long-term strategic projects and short-term priority needs.

The Forecastle Foundation is active across three continents and five countries. They have contributed over $715,000 to its conservation partners and helped protect and preserve more than 51,000 acres of land and over 300 miles of waterway since its inception.

The Forecastle Foundation’s other five official beneficiary partners include: 

• Kentucky Natural Land Trust (Eastern Kentucky)

• Guayaki Foundation (Argentina, Brazil)

• Friends for Conservation and Development (Belize)

• The Nature Conservancy (Central Kentucky)

• Future Fund Land Trust (Kentucky)

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About The Forecastle Foundation

The Forecastle Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization working to protect and connect the world’s natural awesome by educating the public and funding projects that help protect the world’s natural resources with a focus on biodiversity hotspots. To raise awareness and fundraise, Forecastle Foundation partners with conservation organizations that are taking great strides to safeguard biologically-rich areas across the globe. These fragile areas play a vital role in regulating world temperatures and provide a number of necessities most Americans use on a regular basis, including food, medicine, paper, detergents, cosmetics, and countless other household products. For more information about The Forecastle Foundation, please visit forecastlefoundation.org.

About Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest 

Bernheim’s mission is to connect people with nature. Bernheim is the largest privately held contiguous forest block in the eastern United States dedicated to conservation and education. Bourbon maker Isaac Wolfe Bernheim established the arboretum and forest in 1929 as a gift to the people of Kentucky. A recent land acquisition brought the total acreage of land that Bernheim protects to 16,140. Fun, educational programs, diverse tree collections, 40 miles of hiking trails and varied landscapes are available every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. A $10 per car donation is suggested for non-members. 

Bernheim is in Clermont, Ky., about 20 minutes south of the Louisville airport. From I-65 take exit 112 and follow the signs. Bernheim is a non-profit organization that relies on memberships, grants and donations for support. Come visit and enjoy the beauty of nature. For more information, please visit bernheim.org.

Sixth for a Cause at West Sixth Nulu on Saturday, December 4th

Join us for Sixth for a Cause at West Sixth Nulu on Saturday, December 4th. As the Sixth for a Cause recipient, the Forecastle Foundation will receive 6% of total sales from the entire day.

We will be set-up at West Sixth Nulu from 3-5pm so stop by and grab a drink and help us protect and connect the world’s natural awesome. We’ll have t-shirts and water bottles for sale as well.

The Forecastle Foundation is also the wooden nickel recipient throughout the month of December, order a flight anytime throughout the month and receive a wooden nickel token that you can use to donate an additional $1!

Our mission at the Forecastle Foundation is to protect and connect the world’s natural awesome. We do so by shining a light on biodiversity hotspots - the richest reservoirs of life. Learn more online at forecastlefoundation.org.

SUPPORT THE FORECASTLE FOUNDATION WITH A BAG OF MOUNTAIN DREAM COFFEE FROM HEINE BROTHERS’

Heine Brothers’ will donate $1 to The Forecastle Foundation for every 12oz. bag of Mountain Dream sold from now until December 31st, 2021.

The Heine Brothers’ Impact Coffee Program raises funds and awareness for great groups doing important work here in the Louisville area and around the world.

From now until December 31st 2021, Heine Brothers’ will donate $1 to The Forecastle Foundation for every 12oz. bag of Mountain Dream sold.

Mountain Dream is a medium roast, medium body coffee with earthy, herbal, and citrus notes with a dry finish. A customer favorite, this fair trade & organic coffee is an excellent at-home coffee.

Purchase your coffee today and support our mission of protecting and connecting the world’s natural awesome!

Click here for a list of Heine Brothers’ locations.

Cocktails & Conservation: Bendigo Fletcher

Join us for The Forecastle Foundation concert series, Cocktails & Conservation, with Louisville's own Bendigo Fletcher

Join us at High Horse for an unforgettable night of Louisville music, bourbon, and bidding to help the Forecastle Foundation continue to protect and connect the world’s natural awesome.

Louisville based Bendigo Fletcher will be performing. The full-length debut from Bendigo Fletcher, Fits of Laughter is a collection of moments both enchanted and mundane, sorrowful and ecstatic: basking in the beauty of a glorious lightning storm, waking with a strand of your beloved’s hair happily caught in your mouth, drinking malt liquor while bingeing “The X-Files” on a lonesome Saturday night. As lead songwriter for the Louisville, KY-based band, frontman Ryan Anderson crafts the patchwork poetry of his lyrics by serenely observing the world around him, often while working his grocery-store day job or walking aimlessly in nature (a practice partly borrowed from the late poet Mary Oliver). When matched with Bendigo Fletcher’s gorgeously jangly collision of country and folk-rock and dreamy psychedelia, the result is a batch of story-songs graced with so much raw humanity, wildly offbeat humor, and a transcendent sense of wonder.

Learn more about Bendigo Fletcher online at bendigofletcher.com

High Horse provides an intimate setting with plenty of space to get your groove on. Their bartenders will be crafting delicious cocktails, and serving up plenty of spirits and ice-cold beer.

Four Roses Bourbon will be offering a FREE bourbon tasting from 6:30-7:30pm. Plus grab one of our Forecastle Foundation Four Roses Specialty Cocktails and support our mission with $1 from each cocktail purchased going back to our #naturallyawesome mission, plus you get to keep the Four Roses glass!

A limited number of tickets will be sold for this event!

General Admission tickets are $25 each in advance of the show and $30 day of.

Attendees will also get a first look at our Forecastle Foundation Online Silent Auction items, which we will be kicking off that night.

Forecastle Foundation T-shirts and Naturally Awesome Nalgene Water Bottles will also be available for sale.

All proceeds will benefit the Forecastle Foundation.

Doors open at 6:30pm. Music begins at 7:30pm.

Presented by: Four Roses Bourbon and The Forecastle Foundation

About The Forecastle Foundation

Celebrating ten #naturallyawesome years! Our mission is to protect and connect the world’s natural awesome. We do so by shining a light on biodiversity hotspots - the richest reservoirs of life.

Forecastle Foundation Tops $700,000 in Conservation Contributions in Tenth Year

2020 campaign achieved significant support domestically and globally despite COVID-19

Louisville, Ky. — The Forecastle Foundation, the nonprofit environmental activism arm of the Forecastle Festival, contributed nearly $50,000 to its conservation partners in 2020, helping the organization to surpass $700,000 in overall giving since inception.

Founded in 2010, The Forecastle Foundation’s mission is to protect and connect the world’s natural awesome – the most critical, highly-threatened biodiversity hotspots left on the planet. The Foundation achieves this goal by partnering with like-minded organizations at home and abroad, to raise awareness, funds, volunteers and supporters.

Funds are raised year-round through corporate and small business partnerships, the generosity of individual donors and events like the Forecastle Festival. Forecastle 2020 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a loss of a significant portion of annual fundraising revenue for The Forecastle Foundation.

Click here to view our latest By The Numbers infographic

“This was a challenging year for everyone in the non-profit community, but I’m proud of the work our board did to persevere and support our local and global partners, who are doing incredible work to protect and connect the world’s natural awesome,” said JK McKnight, founder of The Forecastle Foundation. “Despite the setback in 2020, and through tremendous support from donors and partners, the Foundation was still able to make significant contributions to its conservation partners.”

The Foundation is active across three continents and five countries and has helped protect and preserve more than 51,000 acres of land and over 300 miles of waterway since 2011, with a goal to reach every hotspot region and continent in the years to come.  

2020 partner organizations included:

●      Kentucky Natural Land Trust (Eastern Kentucky);

●      Guayaki Foundation (Argentina, Brazil);

●      Friends for Conservation and Development (Belize);

●      The Nature Conservancy (Central Kentucky);

●      and Future Fund Land Trust (Kentucky).

In 2020, The Forecastle Foundation also made donations to Wilderness Louisville, Louisville Grows, and Trees Louisville as part of a partnership with My Morning Jacket and The Forecastle Festival through a virtual concert with proceeds benefiting local organizations that focus on environmental efforts in underserved areas of the city.

All donations have been made possible by The Forecastle Foundation’s supporters. In 2020 that included the Forecastle Festival, Give for Good Louisville, My Morning Jacket, Four Roses, Old Forester, Justin’s House of Bourbon, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, West Sixth Brewing, Sierra Nevada, Logan Street Market, DC Timing, Reverb, Cricket Press, Revelry Boutique Gallery, Amazon and Kroger.

More information on partner organizations and projects can be found below.

Kentucky Natural Land Trust (Eastern Kentucky)

Kentucky Natural Land Trust (KNLT) works to connect existing protected areas along the Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor, a 180,000-acre ridgeline that stretches 125-miles from Tennessee through eastern Kentucky and into Virginia. This area is an important refuge for nearly 100 rare plant and animal species, and a migratory route through a region heavily impacted by coal mining, oil and gas development, and logging. Creating more contiguous protected habitat is essential to safeguarding and sustaining functioning ecosystems and ensuring the health and resilience of local, regional and global communities.

Overall contributions from The Forecastle Foundation have helped KNLT purchase and preserve more than 7,300 acres of the Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor, establishing seven new preserves and expanding two existing preserves.

In 2020, the Forecastle Foundation’s contributions helped to protect 1,368 acres on Pine Mountain near Cumberland, Kentucky, establishing the Warbler Ridge Preserve. The preserve combines this newly acquired tract with land protected in 2017, creating the largest preserve totaling 2,456 acres. This is one of the most unique conservation projects in KNLT history. 

Guayaki Foundation (Argentina, Brazil)

Now in its sixth year, the Guayaki Foundation helps to empower local indigenous communities to regenerate and protect the Atlantic Forest through research, educational programs and promotion of the agro-ecological systems in the Atlantic Forest. Contributions from The Forecastle Foundation have helped to fund their environmental education programs, a 290-acre land preserve, and the building of an international research center. The environmental education program invites indigenous school children to plant native hardwood trees and learn the principles of agro-ecology, where humans can produce crops that restore and protect endemic ecosystems. Each year, every student plants five native trees and harvests crops such as manioc, bananas and beans.

With the support of The Forecastle Foundation, more than 1,250 students have participated in the environmental education program, planting more than 6,250 trees in the 290-acre land preserve.

The Forecastle Foundation’s contributions have also helped acquire an additional 55 hectares of property to connect the FAI reserve to Iguazu National Park, creating an important corridor for wildlife.

2020 contributions helped to expand educational programs into the local community.

Friends for Conservation and Development (Belize)

Belize’s Chiquibul Cave System (CCS) is the longest and largest known network of caves in Central America. Nearly 35 miles of passages have been mapped and surveyed, including the largest known passage and cave room in the Western Hemisphere. The CCS is located within the Chiquibul National Park, whose dimension consists of over 265,937 acres in the Cayo District forming a vital part of the Chiquibul-Maya Mountains Key Biodiversity Area. It is a vast broadleaf forest, not only with populations of many endangered species, but also numerous Geological and Archaeological features such as ancient Maya Sites, caves and sinkholes. The CCS, due to its extent and integrity represents one of those unique and prestigious cultural features of the Chiquibul forest worthy of national and global importance. 

The support provided by Forecastle Foundation enables for the monitoring and protection of the nearly 35-mile stretch of underground passages as well as the adjacent forest. 

The Forecastle Foundation’s contributions made support for national recognition as a World Heritage Site possible. This included conducting inventory of the Chiquibul Cave System through Additional Karst Management Unit Support and identifying where gaps of information are found and analyzing the data generated.

The Nature Conservancy (Central Kentucky)

The Green River is the crown jewel of Kentucky’s river system. A globally significant watershed for biodiversity, it supports more than 70 species of freshwater mussels and more than 150 species of fish – including 43 species found nowhere else in the world.

Overall contributions from The Forecastle Foundation have helped protect more than 50 miles of river tributary frontage along Kentucky’s Green River and have supported plans to restore nearly 200 miles of the Green River to its natural state by eliminating locks and dams.

In 2020, the Forecastle Foundation’s contributions led to continued funding for Support for the Working Woodlands Program, which is aimed at landowners agreeing to sustainably manage their property. Additionally, support for the Green Heart Project Area was made possible. This allowed for the planting hundreds of trees and shrubs, along with inventorying and conducting preliminary health assessments on more than 700 existing trees in the project area.

Future Fund Land Trust (Kentucky)

The Future Fund Land Trust was established in 1993, with the goal of providing a 10,000-acre conservation overlay to protect the Floyds Fork watershed in Louisville, Kentucky from encroachment. Floyds Fork is one of the last remaining natural streams in Jefferson County. The Future Fund Land Trust owns more than 4000 acres of land along the Floyds Fork. In partnership with Metro Louisville, The Parklands of Floyds Fork and 21st Century Parks assist in providing land for recreational space.

Overall contributions from the Forecastle Foundation have helped the Future Fund Land Trust save land along the Fisherville Connector, the two-mile stretch of land along Floyds Fork that is unprotected. The Future Fund Land Trust has been able to purchase, sign purchase agreements, or establish easements on three parcels, totaling 267 acres since the Foundation’s first contribution in 2017.

In 2020, The Forecastle Foundation’s contributions continued to help protect 31 acres of important land through acquisition that is crucial in completing the Fisherville Connector, this acquisition will protect over 1/2 mile of land along Floyds Fork.

About The Forecastle Foundation
The Forecastle Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization working to protect and connect the world’s natural awesome by educating the public and funding projects that help protect the world’s natural resources with a focus on biodiversity hotspots. To raise awareness and money, Forecastle Foundation partners with conservation organizations that are taking great strides to safeguard biologically-rich areas across the globe. These fragile areas play a vital role in regulating world temperatures and provide a number of necessities most Americans use on a regular basis, including food, medicine, paper, detergents, cosmetics, and countless other household products. 

For more information about The Forecastle Foundation, please visit www.forecastlefoundation.org

Forecastle Foundation and Justins’ House of Bourbon release limited-quantity single barrel bottlings

Percentage of proceeds will benefit Forecastle Foundation’s mission to protect and connect the world’s natural awesome

The Forecastle Foundation, the nonprofit environmental activism arm of Forecastle Festival, has partnered with Justins’ House of Bourbon to release two barrel-strength single barrel bottlings from official Forecastle Festival partners Four Roses and Old Forester.

The single barrel expressions will be available for purchase exclusively at Justins’ House of Bourbon locations in both Louisville and Lexington, Ky. on Friday, September 25. A portion of proceeds will benefit The Forecastle Foundation and its local and global non-profit beneficiaries working to protect the world’s natural resources, with a focus on biodiversity hotspots.

“While Forecastle Festival’s 18th edition was not able to occur this year, we wanted to ensure that fans and supporters were still able to enjoy these special bottlings,” said JK McKnight, founder of Forecastle Festival and The Forecastle Foundation. “The support we receive annually from festival-goers and partners contributes a significant amount of funding that directly impacts our ability to protect more biodiversity. We are extremely grateful for this partnership with Justins’ House of Bourbon, which helps us work toward our goal in a different way.”

Bottled at 115 proof, the Four Roses Single Barrel features a 10-year-old bourbon from the distillery’s OBSV recipe, hand-selected by Four Roses master distiller, Brent Elliott. The Four Roses Single Barrel will be sold at a retail price of $99.

The Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength was hand-picked by Forecastle Festival and The Forecastle Foundation founder, JK McKnight, and bottled at 128.6 proof. The Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength will be sold at a retail price of $125.

“While we'll miss the festival this year, we're still excited to offer one of our favorite parts of Forecastle for the fans,” said Justin Sloan, co-owner of Justins’ House of Bourbon. “What better way to celebrate the spirit of the festival than with these single barrel bourbon releases with proceeds going to the Forecastle Foundation!"

Justins’ House of Bourbon retail locations in Louisville and Lexington open at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 25. Bottles will be sold in-person on a first come, first served basis and may not be reserved ahead of time. To ensure the health and safety of guests and employees, only a limited number of guests will be permitted inside at a time and will be required to wear a mask.

Support The Forecastle Foundation on Give For Good Louisville On September 17

Give for good. Give for the globe. Support The Forecastle Foundation on Community Foundation of Louisville's Give For Good Louisville, Thursday, September 17! 🌎❤️

Click below to donate to on 9.17.20!

With the cancellation of the 18th annual Forecastle Festival, our largest fundraiser of the year, we are working hard to make Give for Good Louisville our top fundraiser this year. The minimum donation is only $10!

From $10 to $500, every little bit goes a long way to protecting and connecting the world's natural awesome. Here are a few examples how your donations impact our partners.

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Forecastle Foundation Summer Fest in July at LOGAN Street Market!

Join us at Logan Street Market for The Forecastle Foundation Summer Fest in July!

Check out the #naturallyawesome ways you can support The Forecastle Foundation at Logan Street Market throughout July!

• Raffle: Enter our raffle for your chance to win two tickets to Forecastle Festival 2021, Sierra Nevada swag, Logan Street Market gift cards, and more! Tickets are only $5 and are on sale July 1 - July 18. Visit the Wild Hops bar or Forecastle Foundation booth to purchase your tickets! Winners will be drawn on July 18.
   

• Tito’s Vodka & Sierra Nevada Givebacks: Thirsty? Grab a #NaturallyAwesome Tito's Peach Lemonade or a Sierra Nevada beer and $1 from each drink will help us protect & connect the world's natural awesome! The Tito's and Sierra Nevada $1 giveback program runs July 1- July 31.
   

• Logan Street Market Vendor Giveback: Don't forget to shop local while visiting Logan Street Market this month! Each vendor within the market will have an item for sale that benefits The Forecastle Foundation!
   

• Welcome Back Celebration: Welcome back to Logan Street Market! Celebrate with a Sierra Nevada Pint Night on Friday, July 3 starting at 5pm. Sierra Nevada will have their Kellerweis, Hazy Little Thing and Wild Little Thing all on tap, as well as Sierra swag giveaways!
   

• Forecastle Foundation Booth: Come hang out with us at Logan Street Market's outdoor craft market each Sunday in July (July 5, 12, 19, 26) from 10am to 3pm. Children can enjoy our #naturallyawesome craft table and Guayaki Yerba Mate cans will be on sale for $3. Raffle tickets and swag will be available to purchase as well. Each week we will feature a different partner (Kentucky Natural Lands Trust, Future Fund, The Nature Conservancy, Guayaki Foundation or Friends For Conservation and Development of Belize). So come stop by, say hey and learn a little bit about what we do and how we do it!
   

• Forecastle Foundation Block Party: On Sunday, July 18 from 4pm to 10pm, Logan Street Market's side street will be closed for live art, #naturallyawesome children's play area, Forecastle Foundation partner booth and live music! We will hold our raffle drawing, debut our new Forecastle Foundation video, and share a live stream from past Forecastle performances from 8:30pm to 10pm.
   

• Beer & Cheese Education: Harvey’s Cheese and Sierra Nevada are collaborating to bring you a cheese and beer paring event! Harvey's will select three cheeses to be paired with three Sierra Nevada beers. This tasty flight is only $20 and will be available all month long!

We hope to see you at Logan Street Market this month!

Forecastle Foundation Tops $670,000 In Conservation Contributions in 2019

Record-setting campaign saw support domestically and globally

Louisville, Ky. (February 17, 2020) — The Forecastle Foundation, the nonprofit environmental activism arm of the Forecastle Festival, celebrates a remarkable year of giving as they approach the 10th anniversary.

Founded in 2010, The Foundation contributed more than $120,000 to its conservation partners in 2019, helping them climb to more than $670,000 in overall giving since inception.

Click here to view our latest By The Numbers infographic

“The need to support organizations working to turn the climate change tide is more critical than ever. The support we received at the 2019 Forecastle Festival was unprecedented, and helped us achieve a new milestone in our long-standing commitment to making our planet a healthier place to live.” said JK McKnight, founder of The Forecastle Foundation.

The Forecastle Foundation’s mission is to protect and connect the world’s natural awesome – the most critical, highly-threatened biodiversity hotspots left on the planet. The Foundation achieves this goal by partnering with like-minded organizations at home and abroad, to raise awareness, funds, volunteers and supporters. The Foundation is active across three continents and five countries, and has helped protect and preserve more than 50,000 acres of land and over 300 miles of waterway since inception, with a goal to reach every hotspot region and continent in the years to come.

2019 partners included:

Kentucky Natural Land Trust (Eastern Kentucky)

Kentucky Natural Land Trust (KNLT) works to connect existing protected areas along the Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor, a 180,000-acre ridgeline that stretches 125-miles from Tennessee through eastern Kentucky and into Virginia. This area is an important refuge for nearly 100 rare plant and animal species, and a migratory route through a region heavily impacted by coal mining, oil and gas development, and logging. Creating more contiguous protected habitat is essential to safeguarding and sustaining functioning ecosystems and ensuring the health and resilience of local, regional and global communities.

• Overall contributions from The Forecastle Foundation have helped KNLT purchase and preserve more than 6,000 acres of the Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor, establishing six new preserves and expanding two existing preserves.

• In 2019, the Forecastle Foundation’s contributions helped to protect the 376-acre Laden Trail Preserve.

Learn More About KNLT

Guayaki Foundation (Argentina, Brazil)

Now in its fifth year, the Guayaki Foundation helps to empower local indigenous communities to regenerate and protect the Atlantic Forest through research, educational programs and promotion of the agro-ecological systems in the Atlantic Forest. Contributions from The Forecastle Foundation have helped to fund their environmental education programs, a 290-acre land preserve, and the building of an international research center. The environmental education program invites indigenous school children to plant native hardwood trees and learn the principles of agro-ecology, where humans can produce crops that restore and protect endemic ecosystems. Each year, every student plants five native trees and harvests crops such as manioc, bananas and beans

• With the support of The Forecastle Foundation, more than 1,250 students have participated in the environmental education program, planting more than 6,250 trees in the 290-acre land preserve.

• In 2019, the Forecastle Foundation’s contributions helped acquire an additional 55 hectares of property to connect the FAI reserve to Iguazu National Park, creating an important corridor for wildlife. 2019 contributions also helped to expand educational programs into the local community.

Learn More About Guayaki

The Nature Conservancy (Indonesia)

With more coral and reef fish species than anywhere else on Earth, the six island nations of the Coral Triangle form the world’s epicenter of marine diversity. The Coral Triangle provides key migration routes for whales and dolphins and nesting beaches for six of the world’s seven sea turtle species.

Friends for Conservation and Development (Belize)

Belize’s Chiquibul Cave System (CCS) is the longest and largest known network of caves in Central America. Nearly 35 miles of passages have been mapped and surveyed, including the largest known passage and cave room in the Western Hemisphere. The CCS is located within the Chiquibul National Park, whose dimension consists of over 265,937 acres in the Cayo District forming a vital part of the Chiquibul-Maya Mountains Key Biodiversity Area. It is a vast broadleaf forest, not only with populations of many endangered species, but also numerous Geological and Archaeological features such as ancient Maya Sites, caves and sinkholes. The CCS, due to its extent and integrity represents one of those unique and prestigious cultural features of the Chiquibul forest worthy of national and global importance.

• The support provided by Forecastle Foundation enables for the monitoring and protection of the nearly 35-mile stretch of underground passages as well as the adjacent forest.

• In 2019, the Forecastle Foundation’s contributions made support for national recognition as a World Heritage Site possible. This included conducting inventory of the Chiquibul Cave System through Additional Karst Management Unit Support and identifying where gaps of information are found and analyzing the data generated.

Learn More About FCD

The Nature Conservancy (Central Kentucky)

The Green River is the crown jewel of Kentucky’s river system. A globally significant watershed for biodiversity, it supports more than 70 species of freshwater mussels and more than 150 species of fish – including 43 species found nowhere else in the world.

• Overall contributions from The Forecastle Foundation have helped protect more than 50 miles of river tributary frontage along Kentucky’s Green River and have supported plans to restore nearly 200 miles of the Green River to its natural state by eliminating locks and dams.

• In 2019, the Forecastle Foundation’s contributions helped Support for the Working Woodlands Program, which is aimed at landowners agreeing to sustainably manage their property. Additionally, support for the Green Heart Project Area was made possible. This allowed for the planting hundreds of trees and shrubs, along with inventorying and conducting preliminary health assessments on more than 700 existing trees in the project area.

Learn More About TNC

Future Fund Land Trust (Kentucky)

The Future Fund Land Trust was established in 1993, with the goal of providing a 10,000-acre conservation overlay to protect the Floyds Fork watershed in Louisville, Kentucky from encroachment. Floyds Fork is one of the last remaining natural streams in Jefferson County. The Future Fund Land Trust owns more than 4000 acres of land along the Floyds Fork. In partnership with Metro Louisville, The Parklands of Floyds Fork and 21st Century Parks assist in providing land for recreational space.

• Overall contributions from the Forecastle Foundation have helped the Future Fund Land Trust save land along the Fisherville Connector, the two-mile stretch of land along Floyds Fork that is unprotected. The Future Fund Land Trust has been able to purchase, sign purchase agreements, or establish easements on three parcels, totaling 267 acres since the Foundation’s first contribution in 2017.

• In 2019, The Forecastle Foundation’s contributions helped to protect 31 acres of important land through acquisition that is crucial in completing the Fisherville Connector, this acquisition will protect over 1/2 mile of land along Floyds Fork.

Learn More About Future Fund

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In addition to these partner donations, The Forecastle Foundation has also made donations to Apalachicola Riverkeepers in Florida, as partnered with the Louisville Orchestra and Girls Rock Louisville.

The Forecastle Foundation raises funds year-round through corporate and small business partnerships, events and the generosity of individual donors. The Foundation also receives support from the Forecastle Festival, who contributes $1 from every ticket sold, in addition to numerous programs and initiatives throughout the festival site. This year’s event will be held July 17-19, 2020 at Louisville’s Waterfront Park.

All donations have been made possible by The Forecastle Foundation’s supporters. In 2019 that included the Forecastle Festival, Give for Good Louisville, Sierra Nevada, Titos, Four Roses, West Sixth Brewing, Churchill Downs, Buffalo Trace, Amazon, Kroger, Butchertown Grocery, Tailspin Ale Festival, Heine Brothers, Liquor Barn, Quest Outdoors, and more. Numerous artists have also donated memorabilia or time to the Foundation, including My Morning Jacket, Alabama Shakes, Neko Case, Danny Clinch, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Ray LaMontagne, Band of Horses, Houndmouth and more.

Forecastle Foundation’s Total Donations Top $550,000 in 2018

Forecastle Foundation’s Total Donations Top $550,000 in 2018

Nonprofit environmental activism arm of The Forecastle Festival working to protect and connect the world’s natural awesome

Louisville, Ky. (February 18, 2019) — The Forecastle Foundation, the nonprofit environmental activism arm of the Forecastle Festival, completed a record-breaking year of giving in 2018. Its contributions to philanthropic partners totaled $145,960 in 2018, helping the Foundation break half a million dollars in overall giving since its inception in 2010.

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Click here to view our latest By The Numbers infographic

“The continued growth and upward trajectory of the Forecastle Foundation is testament to a growing base of sustainability-focused companies and individuals committed to making our planet a healthier place to live.” said JK McKnight, founder of The Forecastle Foundation.

The Forecastle Foundation’s mission is to protect and connect the world’s natural awesome – the most critical, highly-threatened biodiversity hotspots left on the planet. The Foundation achieves this goal by partnering with like-minded organizations at home and abroad, to raise awareness, funds, volunteers and supporters. The Foundation is active across three continents and five countries, and has helped protect and preserve more than 50,000 acres of land and over 300 miles of waterway since inception, with a goal to reach every hotspot region and continent in the years to come.

2018 partners included:

Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (Eastern Kentucky)

Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (KNLT) works to connect existing protected areas along the Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor, a 180,000-acre ridgeline that stretches 125-miles from Tennessee through eastern Kentucky and into Virginia. This area is an important refuge for nearly 100 rare plant and animal species, and a migratory route through a region heavily impacted by coal mining, oil and gas development, and logging. Creating more contiguous protected habitat is essential to safeguarding and sustaining functioning ecosystems and ensuring the health and resilience of local, regional and global communities. The Forecastle Foundation’s contributions have helped KNLT purchase and preserve more than 6,000 acres of the Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor, establishing six new preserves and expanding two existing preserves.

Learn More About KNLT

Guayaki Foundation (Argentina, Brazil)

Now in its fifth year, the Guayaki Foundation helps to empower local, indigenous communities to regenerate and protect the Atlantic Forest through research, educational programs and promotion of the agro-ecological systems in the Atlantic Forest. Contributions from The Forecastle Foundation have helped to fund their environmental education programs, a 290-acre land preserve, and the building of an international research center. The environmental education program invites indigenous school children to plant native hardwood trees and learn the principles of agro-ecology, where humans can produce crops that restore and protect endemic ecosystems. Each year, every student plants five native trees and harvests crops such as manioc, bananas and beans. With the support of The Forecastle Foundation, more than 1,250 students have participated in the environmental education program, planting more than 6,250 trees in the 290-acre land preserve.

Learn More About The Guayaki Foundation

 The Nature Conservancy (Indonesia, Kentucky)

With more coral and reef fish species than anywhere else on Earth, the six island nations of the Coral Triangle form the world’s epicenter of marine diversity. The Coral Triangle provides key migration routes for whales and dolphins and nesting beaches for six of the world’s seven sea turtle species.

The Green River is the crown jewel of Kentucky’s river system. A globally significant watershed for biodiversity, it supports more than 70 species of freshwater mussels and more than 150 species of fish – including 43 species found nowhere else in the world. Contributions from The Forecastle Foundation have helped protect more than 20 miles of river frontage and an additional 30 miles of tributary frontage along the Green River located in Kentucky, and have supported plans to restore nearly 200 miles of the Green River to its natural state by eliminating locks and dams.

Learn More About TNC

Friends for Conservation and Development (Belize)

Belize’s Chiquibul Cave System (CCS) is the longest and largest known network of caves in Central America. Nearly 35 miles of passages have been mapped and surveyed, including the largest known passage and cave room in the Western Hemisphere. The CCS is located within the Chiquibul National Park, whose dimension consists of over 265,937 acres in the Cayo District forming a vital part of the Chiquibul-Maya Mountains Key Biodiversity Area. It is a vast broadleaf forest, not only with populations of many endangered species, but also numerous Geological and Archaeological features such as ancient Maya Sites, Caves and Sinkholes. The CCS, due to its extent and integrity represents one of those unique and prestigious cultural features of the Chiquibul forest worthy of national and global importance. The support provided by Forecastle Foundation enables for the monitoring and protection of the nearly 35-mile stretch of underground passages as well as the adjacent forest. 

Learn More About FCD

Future Fund Land Trust (Kentucky)

The Future Fund Land Trust was established in 1993, with the goal of providing a 10,000-acre conservation overlay to protect the Floyds Fork watershed in Louisville, Ky. from encroachment. Floyds Fork is one of the last remaining natural streams in Jefferson County. The Future Fund Land Trust owns more than 4000 acres of land along the Floyds Fork. In partnership with Metro Louisville, The Parklands of Floyds Fork and 21st Century Parks assist in providing land for recreational space. The Forecastle Foundation’s contributions have helped the Future Fund Land Trust save land along the Fisherville Connector, the two-mile stretch of land along Floyds Fork that unprotected. The Future Fund Land Trust has been able to purchase, sign purchase agreements, or establish easements on three parcels, totaling 267 acres since the Foundation’s first contribution in 2017.

Learn More About Future Fund

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In addition to these partner donations, The Forecastle Foundation also donated $6,215 to Apalachicola Riverkeepers in Florida, $1,750 to the Louisville Orchestra for its participation in its Cocktails & Conservation event in 2018, as well as and $745 to Girls Rock Louisville.

 The Forecastle Foundation raises funds year-round through business partnerships, events and the generosity of individual donors. The Foundation also receives $1 from every ticket sold at the annual Forecastle Festival. This year’s event will be held July 12-14, 2019 at Louisville’s Waterfront Park.

All donations are made possible by The Forecastle Foundation’s supporters, including the Forecastle Festival, Give for Good Louisville, Sierra Nevada, Liquor Barn  Four Roses, Old Forester, Woodford Reserve, Heine Brothers, Whole Foods,  Heaven Hill, Wild Turkey, Quest Outdoors, and more. Numerous artists have also donated memorabilia or time to the Foundation, including My Morning Jacket, Alabama Shakes, Neko Case, Danny Clinch, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Ray LaMontagne, Band of Horses, Houndmouth and more.

THANKS FOR BEING #NATURALLYAWESOME!

Thanks to #naturallyawesome donors like you, we were able to raise over $58,000 during Give for Good Louisville this year, and even earned the top spot in the Small Nonprofit Total Funds Raised category!

These generous contributions will go directly to our conservation partners and the environmental projects they steward.

From supporting agro-ecological systems that promote regeneration of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil (Guayaki)...

To critical land acquisition along the 180,000-acre ridgeline that makes up the Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor in eastern Kentucky (KNLT)...

From helping to combat poaching, pet trade, fires, agricultural farming and gold panning in the Chiquibul Forest in Belize (FCD)...

To protecting and restoring miles of river frontage along the Green River in Kentucky and protecting endangered coral and reef fish species in the Coral Triangle (TNC)...

All the way to assisting in securing a 10,000 acre conservation overlay to protect Floyds Fork Watershed from encroachment in Louisville, Kentucky (Future Fund) ...

YOU help make it ALL possible.

Without your help and support, we would not be able to continue making a lasting impact on our environment, which, as you know, is more important than ever before.

So, thank you. Thank you for caring about our amazing earth and its inhabitants as much as we do. Together we can protect and connect the world's natural awesome and secure a healthy planet for future generations.

DONATE TO THE FORECASTLE FOUNDATION DURING GIVE FOR GOOD LOUISVILLE ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13!

Join us for the BIGGEST day of local giving, Give For Good Louisville on Thursday, September 13th! 

Give For Good Louisville is a 24-hour online giving day hosted by the Community Foundation of Louisville to inspire people to give generously to the non-profits that make our community a better place to live.

During this 24-hour window, your online donation will go directly to help our partners with conservation projects in Kentucky and beyond. The minimum donation is only $10, so mark your calendar and give back on Thursday, September 13 in support of The Forecastle Foundation!

Click Here to Donate!
https://www.giveforgoodlouisville.org/organizations/the-forecastle-foundation

CHECK OUT WHAT SOME OF OUR FRIENDS ARE SAYING ABOUT WHY THEY SUPPORT THE FORECASTLE FOUNDATION!

Donate for a chance TO WIN A SURREAL EXPERIENCE AT FORECASTLE 2018

Donate for a chance to win this dream trip to Forecastle 2018!

One lucky prize winner + a friend of their choice, will enjoy incredible experiences with 4 different artists as well round-trip flights (courtesy of Orbitz) + accommodations, two guest passes to Forecastle 2018 (July 13 - 15) + a 1 Year Everfest Premium Subscription  

The best part - donations support The Forecastle Foundation!

Check out the experience to see what else you could win! Campaign runs from June 12th- June 29th. Donations start at $5...

Cocktails & Conservation: a Forecastle Foundation Concert Series

Want a sneak peak of one of the best music events of the year? You won't want to miss this Forecastle Festival 2018 set preview show with WAX FANG's Scott Carney + special guests on Thursday, July 5th! 

Join us for The Forecastle Foundation concert series at Lola as we gear up for Forecastle Festival with an unforgettable night of Louisville music, Four Roses Bourbon, and silent auction bidding to help the Forecastle Foundation protect and connect the earth’s natural awesome. 

Butchertown Grocery chef Bobby Benjamin will offer a special menu of his favorite bites throughout the evening, to be paired with beverage director Nic Christiansen's Four Roses cocktail specials.

A limited number of tickets will be sold for this event! 

General Admission tickets are $30 each and there is a limit of four (4) per buyer. 

For $45, get Early Bird admittance to the show to snag that perfect seat, an exclusive Four Roses Bourbon tasting experience, first look at the premium silent auction items (including a pair of weekend festival passes!), and some sweet Festival swag - just for stopping by early! 

Early Birds will also be entered into a drawing for a chance to win the ultimate gift package with amazing items from partners and friends of the Forecastle Foundation. 

Proceeds will benefit the Forecastle Foundation.
Doors open at 7:00pm, with Early Bird Entry beginning at 6:00pm. 

Music begins at 8:00pm. Seating is limited.

Presented by: Four Roses Bourbon, Forecastle Foundation

Forecastle Foundation’s Total Donations Top $400,000 in 2017

Forecastle Foundation’s Total Donations Top $400,000 in 2017

Record fundraising effort includes contribution to protecting Louisville’s Floyd’s Fork watershed

Louisville, Ky. (February 19, 2018) — The Forecastle Foundation, the nonprofit environmental activism arm of the Forecastle Festival, completed a record-breaking year of giving in 2017. Its contributions to philanthropic partners totaled $131,750 in 2017, helping the Foundation break $400,000 in overall giving since its inception in 2010. This year’s donations included the first ever local contribution to the Future Fund Land Trust, which helps protect the Floyd's Fork watershed in Louisville.

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Click here to view our latest By The Numbers infographic

“The continued growth and record-breaking numbers raised by The Forecastle Foundation is testament to our commitment to making our planet a better place to live, and inspire future generations to lead,” said JK McKnight, founder of The Forecastle Foundation.

The Forecastle Foundation’s mission is to protect and connect the world’s natural awesome – the most crucial, highly-threatened biodiversity hotspots. The Foundation achieves this goal by partnering with like-minded organizations at home and abroad, to raise awareness, funds and volunteers. The Foundation has current, active projects on three continents and five countries, with a goal to reach every region and continent in the years to come.

2017 partners included:

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Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (Kentucky)

Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (KNLT) works to connect existing protected areas along the Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor, a 180,000-acre ridgeline that stretches 125-miles from Tennessee through eastern Kentucky and into Virginia. This area is an important refuge for nearly 100 rare plant and animal species, and a migratory route through a region heavily impacted by coal mining, oil and gas development, and logging. Creating more contiguous protected habitat is essential to safeguarding and sustaining functioning ecosystems and ensuring the health and resilience of local, regional and global communities. The Forecastle Foundation’s contributions have helped KNLT purchase and preserve more than 2,000 acres.

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Guayaki Foundation (Argentina, Brazil)

The Guayaki Foundation helps to empower local, indigenous communities to regenerate and protect the Atlantic Forest through research, educational programs and promotion of the agro-ecological systems in the Atlantic Forest. Contributions from The Forecastle Foundation have helped to fund their environmental education programs, a 150-acre land preserve, and the building of a research center. The environmental education program invites indigenous school children to plant native hardwood trees and learn the principles of agro-ecology, where humans can produce crops that restore and protect endemic ecosystems. Each year, every student plants five native trees and harvests crops such as manioc, bananas and beans. With the support of The Forecastle Foundation, more than 750 students have participated in the environmental education program, planting more than 3,750 trees in the 150-acre land preserve.

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The Nature Conservancy (Indonesia, Kentucky)

With more coral and reef fish species than anywhere else on Earth, the six island nations of the Coral Triangle form the world’s epicenter of marine diversity. The Coral Triangle provides key migration routes for whales and dolphins and nesting beaches for six of the world’s seven sea turtle species.

The Green River is the crown jewel of Kentucky’s river system. A globally significant watershed for biodiversity, it supports more than 70 species of freshwater mussels and more than 150 species of fish – including 43 species found nowhere else in the world. Contributions from The Forecastle Foundation have helped protect more than three miles of river frontage along the Green River located in Kentucky, and have supported plans to restore nearly 200 miles of the Green River to its natural state by eliminating locks and dams.

View fullsize

Friends for Conservation and Development (Belize)

Belize’s 437,375-acre Chiquibul Forest is part of a tri-national bioregion forming the largest remaining contiguous tropical forest north of the Amazon. This area is a wild hotspot for biodiversity. The forest faces several challenges, including poaching, pet trade, fires, agricultural farming and gold panning. The Chiquibul Forest is comprised of 17 different ecosystems, providing water to more than 45 percent of Belize’s population, and harboring the only known breeding habitat for scarlet macaws and many other rare and endangered species in Belize. Composed of park rangers, karst technicians, educators and researchers, the Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) team in Belize monitors, explores and manages these jungles. The Forecastle Foundation’s contributions have helped FCD repair their field technicians’ vehicles for transportation to and from the Forest.

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Future Fund Land Trust (Kentucky)

The Future Fund Land Trust was established in 1993, with the goal of providing a 10,000-acre conservation overlay to protect the Floyds Fork watershed in Louisville, Ky. from encroachment. Floyds Fork is one of the last remaining natural streams in Jefferson County. The Future Fund Land Trust owns more than 4000 acres of land along the Floyds Fork. In partnership with Metro Louisville, The Parklands of Floyds Fork and 21st Century Parks assist in providing land for recreational space. The Forecastle Foundation is proud to add the Future Fund Land Trust to its list of partners, and offer a $10,000 donation for its continued work in protecting the Floyds Fork watershed.

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In addition to these partner donations, The Forecastle Foundation also donated $1,750 to the Louisville Orchestra for its participation in Cocktails & Conservation in 2017.

The Forecastle Foundation raises funds year-round through business partnerships, events and the generosity of individual donors. The Foundation also receives $1 from every ticket sold at the annual Forecastle Festival. This year’s event will be held July 13-15, 2018 at Louisville’s Waterfront Park.

All donations are made possible by The Forecastle Foundation’s supporters, including the Forecastle Festival, Give for Good Louisville, Sierra Nevada, Gibson, Heine Brothers, Whole Foods, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Quest Outdoors, Four Roses, and numerous artists who have donated memorabilia or time to the Foundation, including My Morning Jacket, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Ray LaMontagne, Danny Clinch, Neko Case and more.

Southern living's Southerners of the Year 2017: JK McKnight

No one is more deserving of Southern Living’s “Southerners of the Year 2017” award than our captain! Congrats, John Kelly McKnight!

Check out the full article here! 

JK McKnight

Forecastle Festival and Foundation
Louisville, KY

Fifteen years ago, JK McKnight put together a small neighborhood party with a handful of musicians. This summer, his Forecastle Festival drew over 60,000 fans from across the country to Louisville’s Waterfront Park. They came to see acts like Sturgill Simpson and Spoon (not to mention a tent devoted to the region’s bourbon makers). The festival contributed $20 million to the city’s local economy, but McKnight, a passionate environmentalist, also wanted the event to promote sustainability, with solar- and wind-powered stage lights and T-shirts made from recycled plastic bottles. Now, with an independent foundation attached to the festival, McKnight’s mission is to protect some of the most ecologically diverse landscapes—from the Green River watershed in Kentucky, to Marrecas, Brazil—for future generations, including his baby daughter, Maple.

2017 Bourbon Cares Rollout

Saturday, June 24 at 5 PM - 7 PM

Liquor Barn
1850 S Hurstbourne Pkwy Ste 104, Louisville, Kentucky 40220

Join The Forecastle Foundation, Kentucky Natural Lands Trust, The Nature Conservancy and more at Liquor Barn Hurstbourne for the official rollout of the Forecastle Festival’s “Bourbon Cares” private barrel selections for the 15-Year Anniversary of the Festival. While supplies last, exclusive single-barrel and private selections will be available from Woodford Reserve, Four Roses, Old Forester, and Wild Turkey. These unique expressions are available for purchase exclusively at Liquor Barn, with proceeds supporting The Forecastle Foundation and our Kentucky conservation projects.

As always, a portion of all proceeds goes back to The Forecastle Foundation to support our #naturallyawesome mission our global conservation projects.

Admission is FREE, so swing by, raise a glass and do your part to help protect the world's natural awesome!

Cocktails & Conservation, Presented by Four Roses

Join us for the launch of The Forecastle Foundation's concert series, Cocktails & Conservation, with the Louisville Orchestra's own Teddy Abrams as he previews his Forecastle Festival set: Teddy Abrams and Friends.

Those who know and love the Forecastle Festival's giant art wall, will be thrilled to learn that our resident artist, Petersen Thomas, will be painting imagery of the musicians playing throughout the evening. At the end of the night, the art piece will be auctioned off with other exciting items and experiences during our silent auction.

A limited number of tickets will be sold for this event! Tickets are available to the public starting Friday, May 26 and will be sold at two levels: $35 General Admission and $60 VIP, which includes a Four Roses Bourbon tasting and appetizers provided by Butchertown Grocery in Lola's private room. Proceeds benefit both The Forecastle Foundation and The Louisville Orchestra. 

Doors open at 6pm. Music at 7pm. Seating is Limited.
Presented by: Four Roses and The Forecastle Foundation
VIP Sponsor: Frost Brown Todd

Click here to purchase your tickets today!

Forecastle Foundation Conservation Donations Edge on $100,000 in 2016

Forecastle Foundation Conservation Donations Edge on $100,000 in 2016
Record fundraising effort includes projects in Kentucky, Argentina, Belize and Indonesia

Louisville, KY (February 7, 2017)— The Forecastle Foundation, the nonprofit environmental activism arm of the Forecastle Festival, has marked a record fundraising effort in 2016, with $99,000 in donations to conservation projects both local and global. Supported projects include partnerships with Kentucky Natural Lands Trust, The Nature Conservancy, The Guayaki Foundation and Friends for Conservation and Development.

Since its inception in 2010, The Forecastle Foundation has helped protect and preserve more than 136,000 acres of land and waterways, with contributions cumulatively totaling more than $250,000.

Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (KNLT) is an organization that works to preserve the Pine Mountain Wildlife Corridor - the largest landscape level project ever undertaken in Kentucky. It’s an area home to some of the last old-growth forests left in the state that serve as a critical migratory path and refuge for hundreds of species, some of which are found nowhere else on earth.

“Pine Mountain in southeastern Kentucky is a refuge to countless species,” said Greg Abernathy, assistant director of KNLT. “The Forecastle Foundation’s donation, along with their engagement and education efforts throughout the year, are essential to the conservation movement and represent one of the largest engagement of youth in the region.”

The Guayaki Foundation has pioneered a sustainable development model that empowers local indigenous communities in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay to regenerate and protect the Atlantic Rainforest. Ninety five percent of the Atlantic Rainforest has already been destroyed, largely due to clear cut logging for agricultural purposes.

Working with The Nature Conservancy, one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, the Forecastle Foundation supports active projects on Kentucky’s Green River, a globally important freshwater resource, Pine Mountain and the Pacific Ocean’s Coral Triangle, containing some of the world’s most important reefs and oceanic diversity.

This year, the Forecastle Foundation contributed for the first time to The Friends for Conservation and Development in Belize, an effort to protect and better manage the Chiquibul-Maya Mountains. The Chiquibul represents 7.7 percent of Belize's terrestrial mass and home to globally important species such as the critically endangered Morelet’s tree frog, endangered howler monkeys, jaguars and tapirs. The Chiquibul also contains the only known breeding area for scarlet macaw parrots in Belize.

“Like the festival, the Forecastle Foundation started small and humble, with a vision and responsibility to leave our planet in better condition than we found it. I’m proud that our efforts have yielded a record amount of giving in 2016, with more milestones to come,” said JK McKnight, founder, Forecastle Foundation.

The Forecastle Foundation raises funds year round through corporate partnerships, events and the generosity of individual donors. Additionally, the foundation receives $1 from every ticket sold at the annual Forecastle Festival. This year’s event will be held July 14-16, 2017 at Louisville’s Waterfront Park. 

About The Forecastle Foundation

The Forecastle Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization working to protect the world’s natural awesome by partnering with organizations that are taking great strides to safeguard biologically-rich hotspots across the globe. These biodiversity hotspots represent the richest and most threatened reservoirs of plant and animal life on Earth. They cover just 2.3 percent of the Earth’s land surface, yet account for 77 percent of all vertebrate species and 50 percent of the world’s plant life. Hotspots play a vital role in regulating world temperatures and provide a number of necessities most Americans use on a regular basis, including food, medicine, paper, detergents, cosmetics, and countless other household products. These fragile areas are endangered due a variety of factors, including pollution, development, deforestation, illegal hunting and other harmful practices.

For more information about The Forecastle Foundation, please visit www.forecastlefoundation.org.

Party with a Purpose at Churchill Downs!

This Saturday!  Naturally Awesome Night Racing at Churchill Downs!

Join us Saturday, September 24th under the Twin Spires for Party for a Purpose Presented by Churchill Downs & The Forecastle Foundation.

Red Bull Thr3style World Champion DJ Hedspin and DJ Matt Anthony will keep the dance floor full all night overlooking the track and live racing.

The party will feature an elegant entrance where guests will walk a green carpet with the opportunity for a photo op, so dress to impress!! 21+ event. VIP bar package available from 6pm – 11pm.

Even better? A portion of all ticket proceeds will be donated to The Forecastle Foundation. So pony up and head down to the track on Saturday for a naturally awesome night of music and night racing at Churchill Downs. 

Get your tickets HERE.