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 →
Starting more than two hundred years ago, collectors searched the new world in a quest to bring back strange and new orchid species, mostly for Europeans who were wealthy enough to be able to afford creating an environment in which … 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Massive loss of natural habitat due to deforestation is occurring at an increasing level, largely due to animal agriculture.
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 →
Whenever two orchid lovers (defined as anyone reading this column) get together for the first time, the question almost always comes up “Do you have a greenhouse?”. I must confess that it has given me great satisfaction for the last … 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 →
Orchid Conservation is happening in all kinds of unexpected places. Get out your world maps and see if you can find Babeldaob! This is the time of the year we might be dreaming of a tropical getaway. I have my … Continue reading →
We have good news to report. Our conservation efforts are paying off, in the form of additional acres of rainforest purchased in Ecuador. A large and valuable reserve is now even bigger than before! Many heartfelt thanks to all our … Continue reading →