Members Only Special Presentation
Admission is Free for MembersÂ
Please RSVPÂ (Space is limited to the first 115 members.)
Jason Downing, PhD
Orchid Biologist & Director of Research
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
The Million Orchid Project
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
11:00 AM
Richardson Education Building
The Million Orchid Project (MOP)is an ambitious conservation effort led by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, aimed toward restoring South Florida’s declining native orchid populations.
Director of Research Jason Downing, PhD, will provide an in-depth look at this initiative.
MOP’s mission is to reintroduce one million native orchids into urban landscapes across South Florida. Local schools, universities, and community groups are actively engaged in both the propagation and reintroduction processes.
Dr. Downing will also examine the project’s role as a large-scale scientific experiment and discuss the continuous research and monitoring efforts which are conducted to study the growth, health, and ecological impact of the reintroduced orchids.
The presentation will highlight how MOP stands out for its unprecedented scale, its focus on public landscapes, and its active community involvement. By restoring native orchid populations, the project enhances the natural beauty of South Florida and contributes to the region’s ecological resilience.