The Conservatory Bogs
In addition to the carnivorous plants in the Tropical Room, The Conservatory also has three outdoor mini muskegs located behind the building featuring plants adapted to low-nutrient environments, like bog orchids, sundews, pitcher plants, and Venus flytraps. Muskegs are a collective of sphagnum-based environments, including bogs that are fed by rainwater and fens that are fed by surface water and/or groundwater.
These mini bogs were originally installed in 2022 by Chelsea Obrebski and Mathew DeRhodes, with the help of the Butler County Master Gardeners, the Butler County Soil and Water Conservation District, Staff at Cincinnati Zoo’s Bowyer Farm, and The Conservatory student staff and volunteers. In 2024, Deidra Jacobsen received a mini grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Education Fund (OEEF) to add additional species and install signage and seating in this area. We have also developed educational activities for all ages to learn about carnivorous plants, water quality issues, and bog ecosystems.
To support to the muskeg garden, a rain barrel system was installed on the outside of The Conservatory meeting room to offer fresh rainwater to these sensitive plants.
The Conservatory at Miami Hamilton
1601 University Blvd
Hamilton, OH 45011
