Cincinnati Zoo's farm protects Warren County’s natural beauty
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The zoo acquired the farm along Mason Montgomery Road in 1995 with a stipulation it couldn't be developed unless doing so furthered the zoo's conservation mission. Photos: Courtesy of the Cincinnati Zoo
The Cincinnati Zoo's conservation work extends far beyond its urban gates, with a 600-acre working farm preserving native plants, wetlands and wildlife in Warren County.
Why it matters: Bowyer Farm isn't a tourist destination, but remains important in testing how native habitat can survive alongside development.
- It's showing businesses and homeowners how to make room for wildlife, too.
State of play: Staff are restoring wetlands and streams, growing native plants and rebuilding habitat across the property.
- "I'm personally in favor of green space among development," says horticulturist Chase Bodkin, who co-manages the farm.
- "We're looking for every opportunity to keep green spaces, not just soccer fields, but habitat intact."
Zoom in: Bowyer grows more than 300 species of native plants, many of which aren't commonly available at traditional nurseries.
- Those plants end up at the zoo, in neighborhood yards and in restoration projects across Southwest Ohio.
- Staff have documented 212 bird species on the farm, which sits in a natural corridor between Interstates 71 and 75.
- A 30-megawatt solar array covers 140 acres, where sheep graze beneath the panels to keep vegetation down while the surrounding landscape is restored for wildlife.
Zoom out: Bowyer shares its conservation playbook around the region.
- The farm works with the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District on wetland restoration and pollinator projects, including an effort to establish turtlehead plants that support the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly.
- VEGA Americas added native plants, birdhouses and a nature trail to its Mason campus, while community groups get help with building rain gardens, Bodkin says.
How you can help: Bowyer offers classes, events and seasonal native plant sales.
- Upcoming sales are Sept. 26 and Oct. 3.
- Native plants provide food and habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
The last word: Bodkin says even those relatively small changes can matter.
- "As development happens, you can do it thoughtfully and responsibly," he says. "Just put the right plants in your landscape, and you can make a big difference."