Now through 2008

The Tropical Forest Conservatory soars 60-feet in the air and immerses visitors in a tropical paradise of  exotic plants and towering trees all within a glass structure designed with environmental sensitivity while using innovative eco-technologies. With its debut focusing on Thailand, visitors will delight in the heady scent of jasmine filling the air, the sound of cascading waterfalls, meandering trails, a canopy overlook, Healer’s Hut, rapid streams, calm pools, hidden grottos, and many other interactive areas showcasing the natural beauty and the fascinating culture of Thailand.

Tropical Forest: Thailand not only features exotic plant life and fascinating cultural experiences, but also some of the most environmentally-friendly features for any conservatory. Incorporating such technologically-advanced features as thermal massing, energy blankets, root zone heating, and insulated glass for heat retention in addition to computer-controlled shading system and an extensive passive ventilation system – including 1,800 feet of underground earth tubes for cooling – the Tropical Forest Conservatory will set the standard of energy-efficient conservatory construction and operation.

The Tropical Forest Conservatory is powered by a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System, which is one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally-clean technologies available today. Phipps is the first conservatory in the world to use a fuel cell. The fuel cell is manufactured by Pittsburgh-based Siemens Power Generation Inc., the world leader in fuel cell development.

This new exhibit space will also feature a two-year rotating exhibit schedule where Phipps will focus on different tropical forest environments from around the world. Permanent exhibit features will include the Healer’s Hut, Research Field Station, and the Palm Circle. Each area will contain interactive activities that will offer a first-hand glimpse into the plants and peoples of tropical forest regions.

For a fascinating look at how we built our Tropical Forest, go to your Comcast digital cable On Demand and in Your Town in the Pgh Life & Style folder choose Phipps.

To learn more about the culture of Thailand, click here.

Tropical Forest: Thailand Gala

Wednesday, December 6, 2006

Paradise debuted with a spectacular opening ceremony and celebration on December 6. The night was a magical evening celebrating the opening of the landmark Tropical Forest Conservatory. Hundreds of guests feted the opening of the world’s most eco-advanced conservatory with Thai food and drinks, live music, dance performances, and even fireworks!

From the top the Canopy Overlook, guests could take in a bird’s-eye view of the entire Conservatory – from the waterfall to the calm pool at Mangrove Circle to the stunning 8,000-square-foot glass wall that allows maximum sunlight to shine into the space. Thai flora flourished as guests mingled and took in this amazing space. Servers moved effortlessly among the more than 600 partiers offering delicious bites from Bangkok Balcony in addition to refreshing tropical-inspired drinks.

Also addressing the crowd was executive director Richard V. Piacentini, board of trustees chair Missy Unkovic, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, state Sen. Jay Costa, councilmen Doug Shields and Bill Peduto. City officials announced during the gala that Dec. 9 and 10 would be now known as Tropical Forest Day in Pittsburgh.

Phipps would like to thank the many guests who made the night such an unforgettable evening including the Tropical Forest Conservatory Dedication Honorees which are The Dunlap/Bozzone Families, Dominion Foundation, Giant Eagle Foundation, H.J. Heinz Company Foundation, The Horowitz Family, The Hunt Family, The Linn Family, The McGinley Family, Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation, Richard King Mellon Foundation, PPG Industries, Inc., and The Shapira Family.

Public Programs

1 p.m. in the Tropical Forest

These public programs enable the guest to learn more about Thailand and its culture as well as tropical forests in general.  Below is a list of public programs starting in January and going through April.

Orchids From Tropical Forests

Januray 7 - Learn where many beautiful orchids come from with Dave Buresch.

*Thai Massage

January 13 - Watch as Sommai Nareedokmai demonstrates the art of Thai massage, which involves pressing on trigger points, deep into muscle tissue.

Help Save Our Forests!

January 14 - Laura Tobin shares some simple tips on how you can help save the world's rainforests.

Thai Culture

January 20 and 21 - Learn about aspects of Thailand and its culture.

Hill Tribes of Thailand

January 27 - Join Heather Mikulas as she talks about the Thai ethic hill tribes and their interesting customs.

Thai Fruit

January 28 - Nancy Knauss will discuss some of the exotic and wonderful fruits of Thailand.

*Thai Kick Boxing

February 3 - Sommai Nareedokmai gives a demonstration on Muay Thai, Thai boxing, the national sport of Thailand.

Medicinal Plants of Thailand

February 4 - Andrea Jackson will show some of the plants that are used medicinally in Thailand.

Plant Adaptations in Tropical Forests

February 10 - Len Lehman discusses how plants have adapted in fascinating ways to life in the tropical forest.

Orchid Mystique

February 11 - Dave Buresch talks about the fascinating history and mystique of hunting for orchids in the tropical forests.

Forest Foods

February 17 - Come explore some of our favorite tropical forest foods and learn where and how they're grown with Erika Ninos.

The World of Cacao

February 18 - Erika Ninos discusses the importance of cacao in the tropical forest ecosystem.

*The Thailand Brand

February 24 - Join Norraset Mareedokmai as he talks about Thailand brand certification and the nation's goal in exporting Thai food, culture, and image.

Thai Culture

February 25 - Learn about aspects of Thailand and its culture.

*Who Do Thais Say That They Are?

March 3 - Eileen Nareedokmai discussed how Thais define themselves in history, in Asia, and globally.

Thai Culture

March 4 - Learn about aspects of Thailand and its culture.

*East Meets West

March 10 - Take a humerous (and sometimes serious) look at the language and cultural differences between Thais and Americans with Eileen Nareedokmai.

Orchids Are Easy

March 11 - Despite their reputation, with a little bit of information from Dave Buresch, orchids can be easy to grow.

Spice It Up!

March 17 - Annette Paluh discusses how spices from tropical forests of the east are well known for their use in cooking, but they are also widely used medicinally.

Thai Culture

March 18 - Learn about aspects of Thailand and its culture.

A Tropical Ikebana Arrangement

March 24 - Karen Yee will create a unique Ikebana arrangement using tropical flowers.

Thai Culture

March 25 - Learn about aspects of Thailand and its culture.

Orchid Mystique

March 31 - Dave Buresch talks about the fascinating history and mystique of hunting for orchids in the tropical forests.

Thai Culture

April 1 - Learn about aspects of Thailand and its culture.

Thai Culture

April 7 and 8 - Learn about aspects of Thailand and its culture.

Handicrafts of Thailand

April 14 - Learn about traditional crafts including lacquer ware, silk, celadon pottery, clay orchids and wicker ware with Heather Mikulas.

Hill Tribes of Thailand

April 15 - Join Heather Mikulas as she talks about the Thai ethic hill tribes and their interesting customs.

Taste of Thai

April 21 - Amy Molinaro dicusses how Thai herbs give a unique flavor to Thai food.

Rainforest Adaptations

April 22 - Laura Tobin shows how plants survive in this wet climate.

Thai Traditional Dancing

April 28 - Watch as Upper St. Clair Thai Exchange Students perform their traditional dances.

Thai Culture

April 29 - Learn about aspects of Thailand and its culture.

*These programs are presented in cooperation with the Thai Cultural Exchange Program sponsored by Bangkok Balcony.

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