CLERMONT, Ky. (WDRB) -- Bernheim Forest is in the midst of major changes, with plans to add new exhibits and adventures in addition to existing art, like the iconic Forest Giants.

The giant sculptures that have become synonymous with the forest haven't worn out their welcome yet -- they're just plain worn out. 

The sculptures are made of reclaimed wood, so they're more susceptible to the elements. In 2019, their creator -- Danish artist Thomas Dambo -- predicted the sculptures of Little Nis, Little Elina, and Mama Loumari would last about three years. The Bernheim staff has taken great care of to extend their lives, but their days are numbered. 

Bernheim Forest President and CEO Mark Wourms said it's not clear when the giants will have to clear out. 

"We have heard rumors that, eventually, they're going to get up and go protect another forest somewhere else someday," Wourms said. "We don't know when that will happen, but we'll see."

That's good news for Cody Ratliff, who is quick to admit that he came for the giants, but stayed for the serenity. "It's peaceful," he said. "It's relaxing. It's just a great chance to really feel alive."

Jenny Zeller, the Arts and Nature curator at Bernheim Forest said it's part of the cycle of Mother Nature. "Anything that you place in the natural world is going to have a varying life expectancy," she said. 

The staff has been providing extra TLC to help extend their lives, including regular cleanings and applying new eco-friendly sealant. 

Mama Loumari cleaning in Bernheim Forest.jpg

A past cleaning of the Bernhein Forest's Giants. (Source: Bernheim Forest staff)

"The giants are starting to let us know that they won't be here forever for sure," Zeller said. "But we've done what we can to really take care of them by eco-cleaning and sealing them because people love them so much."

IMAGES | Bernheim Forest Family of Giants

So it's still a giant mystery when the sculptures will depart, but Bernheim Forest has much more to offer.

That's why Bernheim Forest staff is being proactive, and creating more art and interactive exhibits to attract more visitors. 

Crews are hard at work on Stage Two of the Bernheim Playcosystem -- a 17-acre playground designed to provide "endless unstructured play opportunities" for children.

By mid-August Bernheim Forest plans to unveil a new immersive experience known as L+A+N+D.

"It stands for Landscape plus Art plus Nature plus Design," Zeller said. 

The exhibit will feature artwork from artists across the world.

"We will have 10 immersive creative experiences that will speak to humans' connection to the natural world, biodiversity, conservation, sustainability, as well as climate change," Zeller said. 

It's one more reason for people like Ratliff and his family to coming back. 

"You're just putting them [children] out here in a place that allows them to run wild," Ratliff said. "From climbing on trees, to natural swings, just being around streams and rivers -- there's so much that speaks to the imagination."

For more information about the Forest Giants and Bernheim Forest in Clermont, Ky., click here. 

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