Yes, indeed, there really is such a thing as an orchid that is native to Texas, and local conservation groups are working to conserve its habitat. In fact, there are several species native to this area. One of them, the … Continue reading →
The “orchidgami” project developed by the Smithsonian’s North American Orchid Conservation Center has been an important part of my fundraising efforts in orchid conservation. Along with my orchid watercolor prints, I sell these amazing creations at orchid shows, with all … Continue reading →
What happens when a U.S. port of entry processes a shipment of plants, and finds that the plants do not meet proper import requirements? Occasionally those plants are confiscated and destroyed. If those plants happen to be orchids, it is … Continue reading →
Every July in Texas the Hexalectris survey at Cedar Ridge is in full swing. The Citizen Scientist survey (led by Stephanie Varnum, North Texas Master Naturalists) is a rare opportunity for local orchid lovers to participate in orchid conservation efforts. … Continue reading →
As the annual Hexalectris survey at Cedar Ridge (Texas) is preparing to commence on Tuesday, June 5, we are once again reminded of the amazing biodiversity of Texas flora. Stephanie Varnum of the Dallas Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists … Continue reading →
Trudy and I attended our first BRIT (Botanical Research Institute of Texas) fundraiser event on April 11, 2018. It was a spectacular success as it combined their recognition of a sustainable vineyard as well as showcasing local chefs in the … Continue reading →
Yes, we can! Ordinary people all over the world are participating in conservation efforts to protect natural habitats. A recent article in The Guardian by Fiona Gell, a marine biologist, tells of one such project. In the article entitled “Who’s … Continue reading →
My conservation presentation at the Central East Texas Orchid Society monthly meeting on February 18 was a golden opportunity to expand on a fascinating new ongoing program being coordinated by the Smithsonian’s North American Orchid Conservation Center (NAOCC). It … Continue reading →
“In the shaded haunts of one corner of Flowerpot Island’s coniferous forests lives a mystical being that I had waited many years to make acquaintances with: the calypso (Calypso bulbosa). This ever more rare denizen of the northern woods is … Continue reading →
What a pleasant surprise to find so many people in Ohio interested in orchid conservation. While visiting family in Cleveland, I had the opportunity to attend the West Shore Orchid Show for the first time. They very graciously offered me … Continue reading →
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center is involved in a number of very important environmental projects, including a project on studying native North American Orchids. The goals of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) are: to provide solutions to urgent environmental … Continue reading →
Orchid conservation efforts are going on all around the country. It is always encouraging to learn about individual groups taking on a special challenge, such as saving a species of North American orchids. The Kentucky Lady’s slipper Orchid is a … Continue reading →
All too often when we talk about orchid conservation we think of exotic locations such as Indonesia or the rain forests around the Amazon in Brazil. I would be willing to bet that Dallas, Texas would not be the first … Continue reading →