Would you buy a beautiful orchid to support a great conservation group? Head to San Mateo, California on Saturday, August 25th for a sale benefiting the Orchid Conservation Alliance (OCA.) Some of the Bay Area’s most talented growers are donating plants to help the superb work of the OCA. If you can’t make it to […]
Lovers of North American native orchids won’t want to miss the Native Orchid Conference. This year’s event is happening July 26-30 at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Edgewater, Maryland. The annual conference features lectures and field trips to see native orchids in the wild. Online, you can find Everything You Need to Know About […]
Illegal trade in wild orchids threatens many species with extinction. The first global study of the topic has been conducted by the IUCN Orchid Specialist Group’s Global Trade Programme. Orchids are being over-harvested from the wild for ornamental, medicinal, and food uses. Many are disappearing. In addition, endangered plants don’t receive as much attention as […]
Explore the spectacular Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection online. Thousands of stunning photos and botanical art pieces reveal this remarkable treasure trove, which includes rare and endangered species from around the world. Don’t miss a visit to the real thing if you’re in Washington DC, but if you can’t make it there, it’s now easy to visit […]
The UK’s Wildlife Trusts make it easy for nature lovers to enjoy wild British orchids. There are dozens of Wildlife Trusts throughout the UK, which help promote conservation, manage nature preserves, and provide educational activities. Many of the groups offer expertly guided tours of Britain’s wonderful native orchids. Simply search their upcoming events for “orchids” […]
Wouldn’t it be great to take an orchid vacation? The Orchid Conservation Alliance (OCA) regularly sponsors trips to exotic lands with experts who guide orchid tours. These trips feature orchids in their native habitats, and raise money for conservation projects. Tours are limited to 15 people maximum. Future trips include Yunnan, China in May, and […]
What do rare orchids and particle physics have in common? The folks at Fermilab are in the business of subatomic discoveries, but they’re also part of a project to restore native prairie. On their campus outside of Chicago, they’ve been bringing back native plants like the Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid. This species is endangered throughout […]
The Smithsonian illustrates why orchid conservation is tricky. Orchid seeds require a symbiotic fungus to grow, so saving seeds isn’t enough. Experts need to understand each orchid species’ relation to its essential fungi. “First you have to find the fungus,” says Smithsonian botanist Melissa McCormick, “then you have to figure out what it is, and […]
The Botanic Gardens of South Australia are asking for donations to help save the Flying Duck Orchid. You may have seen its bizarre flower, which truly looks like a flying duck. Unfortunately, like many other fascinating Australian species, it’s endangered by habitat destruction and invasive species. Over 40% of South Australia’s orchids are threatened with […]
Looking for a worthwhile organization that deserves an end-of-the-year donation? The American Orchid Society (AOS) is raising funds for vital research, conservation, and education efforts. They’ve set a $40,000 goal by the end of the year, and you can help with a contribution. As a 501c3 non-profit group, donations to the AOS are tax-deductible as allowed […]
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