Exploring Georgia’s Native Plants: Native Orchids of Georgia
Georgia is home to more than 50 species of wild orchids. While some are showy and unmistakable, many are small, subtle, and easily overlooked. Using the magic of macro photography, this presentation offers stunning close-up views of a wide range of Georgia’s native orchids—some familiar, others rare, obscure, bizarre, enigmatic, or even controversial.
Participants will also learn about the remarkable life histories of these fascinating plants and why several prestigious institutions—including the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Texas Tech University, Jacksonville Zoo, and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center—have selected certain Georgia orchids as important research subjects. With the help of dedicated Citizen Scientists, researchers may soon unlock the secrets to growing select native orchid species in backyard wildflower gardens.
About the Speaker: Robert Sprague
Robert Sprague is past President of the Native Orchid Conference (NOC) and a longtime Director and past President of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Orchid Society (SEPOS). His photography and articles have appeared in publications of the American Orchid Society.
Bob has collaborated on orchid conservation and research projects with organizations including North Branch Land Trust, Longwood Gardens, and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, where he assisted with DNA analysis of North American Platanthera species. He has spoken widely to orchid societies, native plant groups, garden clubs, and botanical institutions throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, including Mt. Cuba Center and the North Carolina Botanical Garden, and has led numerous educational field trips.
