Tropical Forest Exhibit Fact Sheet

Phipps Conservatory Tropical Forest Conservatory Fact Sheet

· The new 12,000-square-foot multilevel Tropical Forest Exhibit, scheduled to open in fall 2006, will be the most unique in the country and feature a cluster of eco-technologies unlike any other conservatory.

· This new exhibit space will be 60 feet in height and will feature cascading indoor waterfalls spanned by a dramatic overhead catwalk.

· Phipps’ new Tropical Forest will utilize a new venting system on its double-pane insulated glass roof which will allow maximum air flow that will conserve energy.

· The Tropical Forest will have an 8,000-square-foot single-pane, ground-to-roof glass wall that will allow the maximum sunlight to reach exhibit plants.

· A special fabric blanket-curtain system will be operated at night to retain heat in the Tropical Forest.

· All climate control will be monitored continuously to ensure the Conservatory is achieving maximum efficiency and energy savings while improving plant quality.

· The Tropical Forest’s eco-friendly advances will make it the model of passive, solar climate control and a model for “green” conservatory construction and operation.

· In keeping with Phipps’ unique rotating-exhibit strategy, the forest will feature a different country’s tropical region every two years. This will keep the exhibit vibrant and timely, and permit supplemental Phipps-wide programs. The forest will open with a focus on the forests of Thailand.

· The new exhibit will feature hands-on educational areas that allow visitors to learn more about the fascinating world of botanic research, featuring field work from Botany In Action researchers.

· The Tropical Forest will feature a Healer’s Hut where visitors may explore how indigenous cultures have used native plants to produce healing teas, poultices and other remedies.

· Central to the Tropical Forest will be the Palm Circle, where up to 40 visitors may gather to hear presentations, sample tropical foods, weave baskets, pot plants and participate in other learning experiences surrounding the Tropical Forest.

· To enhance the educational experience of the Tropical Forest, docents will lead in-depth tours, and teachers will be provided with activity kits to support lessons in the classroom.