The work of E.O. Wilson has been a major inspiration for monthly conservation articles by Charles Hess. I wrote them for the newsletter of GNTOS (Greater North Texas Orchid Society) for several years, beginning in March 2014. Although GNTOS is … Continue reading →
How gratifying to participate in an orchid show for which the society has spent months in planning every detail to ensure a successful show. The enthusiasm and support shown for preserving natural habitats, where orchids can grow and thrive, is … Continue reading →
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 world of orchids, and the importance of protecting their habitat, became an important part of my life when I was introduced to these beautiful plants during my five-year assignment in the Philippines, as an engineer with Texas Instruments. Species … Continue reading →
My second long but scenic trip to Lake Charles, Louisiana, to participate in the Calcasieu Orchid Society Show and Sale took place this past October (2018). Louisiana has national parks throughout the state, so just about any route you take … Continue reading →
Amid the usual flurry of activity focused around our society show seasons, it is easy to forget that the history of SWROGA is steeped in a concern for our local species of orchids. Our early conservation efforts were devoted mainly … Continue reading →
LC Amanda Leigh Joiner ‘Amanda’ My latest painting is of an orchid hybridized by one of the most noted and awarded orchid growers in the Southwest, Keith Joiner of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Keith grew this plant to prize-winning status, … Continue reading →
All the orchid societies in the Southwest meet twice a year and this past September 21 we met in Shreveport with an orchid show and meetings. I always look forward to an opportunity to raise funds for future orchid habitat … Continue reading →
The Galveston Bay Orchid Society invited me to give a conservation talk at their September monthly meeting in League City, Texas (south of Houston). As chair of the SWROGA conservation committee, my presentation included an update on projects this past … Continue reading →
If Aldo Leopold were living today, what would he have to say about Orchid Conservation? He certainly must have had the opportunity to observe a great many North American orchid species and if he did, he would have understood 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 →
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 →