Mentor: Deidra Jacobsen, Ph.D.

Bogs are ecologically important ecosystems that sequester carbon, absorb and filter water, and support unique biodiversity.

Sphagnum moss is the dominant plant in bogs. As it decomposes into peat, this creates an absorbent, low-oxygen, and low-nutrient environment that is home to many carnivorous plant species.

Harvesting peat and sphagnum can be harmful

Sphagnum and peat moss are harvested for horticultural purposes, but are largely non-renewable and harvesting damages these fragile ecosystems.

Public awareness of bog ecosystems is limited

Despite their importance, knowledge of bog functions and threats of overharvesting remains low among the general public.

Project Objectives

Educate the public about the ecological significance of bog ecosystems, nutrients, and carnivorous plants

Provide hands-on activities for participants to compare water absorption of bog soils to local Ohio soils and test sustainable alternatives (e.g., coir and rice hulls)

Assess student learning outcomes

Adapt the activity for students ranging from Kindergarten to University levels.

Explore the Project