UF/IFAS Extension Lee County will host a native orchid conservation workshop at Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center followed by a hands-on restoration planting at Lakes Park.
A Native Orchid Conservation Presentation and Workshop will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center, 16760 Bass Road, Fort Myers. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.
The workshop will be presented by Rich Ackerman, president of Broward Native Orchids, former president of the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society and a Florida Master Gardener volunteer. Ackerman is also affiliated with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s Million Orchid Project.
Participants will learn about Florida’s native orchids and ongoing conservation efforts to restore species across their historical range. Native orchids will be available for purchase. The cost to attend is $15, and registration is available at: https://NativeOrchid.eventbrite.com. Ticket sales directly support Broward Native Orchids and orchid conservation efforts in Lee County parks.
The following morning, participants can continue the experience by joining a Native Orchid Installation from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at Lakes Park Nature Loop, with a meet-up time of 8 a.m. The cost to participate is $10. Space is limited to 25 participants.
During the planting, participants will work alongside project partners to install native orchids in a natural setting as part of a restoration effort led by the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation, UF/IFAS Extension Lee County and Broward Native Orchids. The project is modeled after Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s Million Orchid Project.
This season, 121 native South Florida orchids are being reintroduced into Lakes Park. Species include the state-endangered cowhorn orchid, Florida butterfly orchid, night-fragrant Epidendrum nocturnum and the endangered clamshell orchid. Species selection was guided by orchid expert Dr. Wesley Higgins.
More than half of Florida’s native orchid species are listed as threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, hydrological changes and illegal collection. Reintroducing nursery-propagated orchids into protected areas helps rebuild wild populations, supports native pollinators and reconnects the community with South Florida’s natural heritage.
Participants attending the planting should be prepared for hot, humid conditions and wear long pants, long sleeves, sturdy shoes and sun and insect protection. Water will be provided.
For more information about the event, contact Sheryl van der Heiden, Residential Horticulture Extension Agent, at 239-533-7506 (office) or 239-309-4900 (cell).
For more information about UF/IFAS Extension Lee County, call 239-533-7504 or visit lee.ifas.ufl.edu.