South Coast Orchid Society
South Coast Orchid Society of Long Beach will host a program by Ron Kaufmann on “Conserving Orchids in the Wild” at Whaley Park Community Center, 5620 E. Atherton St., in Long Beach at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 26. Kaufmann is a director of the Orchid Conservation Alliance (OCA), which traces its origin to a group of orchid species enthusiasts from the San Diego County Orchid Society. In 1991, they wanted to find an effective way to help preserve endangered orchid habitats. These efforts led to the foundation of OCA in 2004.
Currently, working with local partners, OCA provides funding and support for important orchid habitat reserves in Ecuador (especially the “Dracula Reserve”, home to many species of the famous Dracula orchid), Colombia, and Brazil.
Kaufmann will review the current threats to orchids conservation and the efforts underway to secure protection for vital habitats. All are welcome for a first-hand report from some of the world’s most beautiful forests, where nature is in crisis. Orchids grown by members and visitors will also be on display.
