When we consider the ecology of our planet,the state of biodiversity, and what is happening with conservation, a good place to look is the little Central American country of Costa Rica. In my mind, Costa Rica could be regarded as … Continue reading →
As this article goes to publication in the Greater North Texas Orchid Society (GNTOS) newsletter, the news of the Amtrak train in Philadelphia accelerating into the curve is all over the news. How could such a tragedy occur when the … Continue reading →
When most people think of orchids, Texas is not the first place that comes to mind. This is true, even for Texans. However, there is a group which actively pursues finding, cataloguing, and tracking orchids native to the area with … Continue reading →
When we read about conservation, it seems it’s always about all kinds of other species — everything but orchids. Why is that? Why can’t we just focus on orchids? The reason is that orchids, like all species, are part of … Continue reading →
Our love of orchids is an amazing thing. It causes us to come together as a group, to share ideas on how to be care for our beautiful plants, we share and trade among ourselves, thereby improving our collections, and … Continue reading →
In 1976, tax laws were written to allow landowners to begin reporting the value of an easement on their land as a tax deduction. This change in the tax laws resulted in a significant increase in landowners making properties available … Continue reading →
Going from living and growing local species in the Philippines, to painting watercolors of orchids, and then working to preserve the native species through conservation has been a logical progression for me. I call it my win-win-win program. Everyone understands … Continue reading →
Just in time for Halloween comes a new opportunity to drive a stake into the heart of habitat destruction and orchid loss, and make a score for habitat conservation. The Rainforest Trust is working with the FundaciĆ³n EcoMinga organization to … Continue reading →
The Smithsonian is in the process of developing the North American Orchid Conservation Center (NAOCC). Speaking on this top to the Greater North Texas Orchid Society (GNTOS) at the August 2015 meeting was Thomas Mirenda, orchid specialist at Smithsonian Gardens … Continue reading →
The Smithsonian has a new website just for orchid conservationists. It is easy to find, easy to use, and holds a wealth of information. Presentation about Smithsonian’s Environmental Research Center At the October 2014 GNTOS meeting I will be discussing … Continue reading →
Yes, we have to do all we can to practice orchid conservation by supporting groups who preserve natural habitats . That’s the most important thing. At the same time, we have an opportunity to preserve species whose natural habitats are … Continue reading →
How to best maintain a proper environment for our orchids? This is the question we are faced with at this time of the year, particularly if we have a greenhouse. The easy months have slipped by when things were just … Continue reading →
Our campaign to support for the Serra Bonita Rainforest Reserve in Brazil will continue throughout this year. Rainforest Trust has selected a new parcel of land (271 acres) to add to the existing 4500 plus existing acres under protection. As … Continue reading →