MarilyninOttawa
The weather was downright fine, the company enjoyable and the learning opportunities many when 131 scientists, students, teachers, and conservation practitioners from 21 countries gathered at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida, USA, to hear about conservation practice and research from around the globe. At the 2nd International Orchid Conservation Conference there were oral presentations, posters, workshops and mixers, all designed to promote curiosity, understanding, and to help forge new links between conservation practitioners.

I arrived a day early, to settle in and relax before a busy week at the Hyatt hotel overlooking Sarasota Bay.

The Selby Botanical Gardens are located nearby on the shore of this bay, a location that is providential to planted material since damaging frosts are a rarity. button

Before the conference began, there were two very useful and educational workshops, namely a one-day Mycorrhizal Propagation Workshop presented by Scott Stewart, a doctoral student at the University of Florida, and a two-day Population Dynamics Workshop led by Prof. Raymond Tremblay of the University of Puerto Rico and Dr. Pavel Kindlmann of the Czech Republic. During the mycorrhizal workshop, we learned how to isolate fungi and germinate seeds symbiotically. The participants in the Population Dynamics workshop learned about appropriate methods of data collection and how to use the numbers to predict population behavior.

On Sunday, May 16, those with posters set them up in the on-site mansion where an enjoyable welcome reception followed. Not only was the human company warm and friendly but we were also greeted by a wonderful patch of Epidendrum radicans blooming outside the Activity Center.

A challenging Keynote Address was given on May 17 by Dr. Stuart Pimm, Duke University. He asked: "Do you know where your orchids are?" Most of the estimated 25,000 species grow in tropical forests that are shrinking rapidly. Using the Atlantic Coast Forest of Brazil as an example, he presented the ways and means of establishing conservation priorities that are both practical and attainable.

Dr. Robert Dressler addressed that oft posed question: "How many Orchid Species?" and replied that the current estimate is 24,500 and counting! Here we see Dr. Dressler at the podium being introduced by Ken Roberts.

Michael Duncan, Victoria, Australia, outlined some of the Specific Threats to Orchids in his State including introduced flora, fauna and a fungal pathogen, Phytophthora cinnamoni.

Integrated Approaches to Conservation were addressed by various workers in this field including Jorge Orejuela, Cali Botanical Garden, Colombia who emphasized environmental education; and Margaret From of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo who reported a successful orchid conservation project with Madagascar where technology was transferred to local stakeholders.

On Tuesday, May 18, the opening topic was Conservation Education. Marilyn Light, Chair of the Education Committee, Orchid Specialist Group, spoke about the importance of reaching children during the interval when their appreciation of interdependence with nature is being entrenched (6 to 12 years). She used as an example, Showy lady's-slippers, Cypripedium reginae, as an educational tool for children, parents and conservation managers.

Wilella Stimmell provided an entertaining and stimulating 'hands-on' Elementary School Workshop developed from an initiative of the Orchid Society of Arizona in the mid 90's where terrariums fashioned from recycled bleach bottles serve as growth chambers for small Phalaenopsis.

Denise Wilson of the Denver Orchid Society explained how Partners for Colorado Native Plants are now working with the Denver Botanic Gardens to recruit and train volunteers to gather data about wild orchids in their State. The San Diego County Orchid Society conservation grant program was initiated in 1991. SDCOS Conservation Committee Chair, Peter Tobias outlined the remarkable program accomplishments. Isaias Rolando, Peru, spoke about the importance of conservation education in his country, using the 15-year example of work being done in the area of Macchu Picchu.

Identification of orchids in trade, particularly of rare species in illicit trade that are seized when not in flower, is of on-going concern. Cheryl Morrison, US Geological Survey, spoke of an interesting and challenging project where molecular markers are being assessed as a means to discriminate between members of the Cypripedium Alliance (Cypripedium, Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium, Selenipedium and Mexipedium). button

A robust discussion of the whys and wherefores of CITES was the topic of the afternoon. Posters and Reception followed.

On May 19, participants had a choice between field trips, a Terrestrial Orchid Propagation Workshop and a tour of the Selby Garden and facilities. The half-day workshop presented by Andrew Batty (Australia) gave some very useful ideas to the participants.

After lunch, those taking the tour had a chance to visit behind the scenes including the orchid collection, library, laboratories, and herbarium as well as the beautiful gardens set along the shores of Sarasota Bay. We began with a tour of the show houses.

Here we found a large number of interesting orchids and other plants as well such as these showy bromeliads.

There were also several Nepenthes, tropical pitcher plants.

Among the species seen was the Florida native, Cyrtopodium punctatum (the Cow Horn or Cigar Orchid). The Cyrtopodium punctatum is easy to raise from seed and with a mycorrhizal associate but unfortunately little seed is produced naturally because the pollinator no longer is present.

We also saw many Encyclias, each with a slightly different perfume. Encyclia bractescens, a spring-blooming compact epiphyte from Mexico and Central America.

Enc. diurna var. alba is a lovely species from the northern part of South America.

Enc. rufa is a Bahamian species which grows both epiphytically and on rocks.

A beautiful yet rarely seen Laeliopsis (Broughtonia) domingoensis rated two pictures. This species hails from the coastal parts of Hispaniola. Laeliopsis (Broughtonia) domingoensis

Other New World species in bloom included Myrmecophila brysiana having some unbelievable colors. This Central American species is closely related to Myrm. tibicinis.

There was also a magnificent specimen of Laelia lobata var. concolor 'Jeni'.

The color and texture of Stelis argentata (syn. leucopogon) blooms was quite remarkable.

Among the more exotic plants were Grammatophyllum scriptum from Southeast Asia.

Gram. speciosum produces incredibly long inflorescences up to 10 feet. The flowers are equally impressive, measuring almost 3 in diameter.

There was an interesting primary hybrid Bc. Saint Andre (B. nodosa x C. dowiana)

Eulophia guineensis was in full flower.

There was an unusual (for me) two-flowered Bulbophullum named Bulb. biflorum from Indonesia and Thailand.

In the special collection, we saw several large tropical Asian Coelogyne pandurata with their large green and black flowers. This is one of my favorites but alas I lack space to grow it here. The colors are incredible.

As well, our attention inevitably strayed to the exotic Paph. stonei.

I suppose that the oddest orchid was an immense specimen of a very hairy and un-orchid-like plant, Trichotosia halconensis, which used to be known as an Eria. The flowers are smallish but produced in multiple racemes. As well, there were numerous keikis. This small genus is known from Papua New Guinea and Southeast Asia.

The mysteries of Mycorrhizal Fungi was a popular topic and on May 20, the morning session dealt with aspects especially from an Australian perspective. Larry Zettler, Illinois College, outlined the dilemma faced by those wishing to conserve a rare Hawaiian endemic. Platanthera holochila, namely, the ethics of releasing an 'exotic' mycobiont into the Hawaiian Islands. Conservation is not always as easy as it seems!

Conservation Case Studies were delivered in a parallel session. These included Kip Knudson's project on the native orchids of the Ridges Sanctuary, an unique series of dunes and slacks in Wisconsin. He and fellow members of the North Eastern Wisconsin Orchid Society are assisting in an orchid inventory of the Sanctuary.

Marilyn Light reported on the long term study of the Yellow Lady's Slipper in Gatineau Park, Quebec, Canada, where some 350 plants have been followed in some cases up to 20 years.

Ecuador has more than 10% of the orchid species yet more than 75% of the original forest is already lost to logging and agriculture. Catherine Woodward of the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation explained how private landowners are encouraged to preserve forest through conservation easement.

On the last day, May 21, participants learned about varied aspects of conservation including population recovery efforts in Australia (Margaret Collins), a very interesting cataloguing of orchids on the island of Saba in the Caribbean (Stewart Chipka), population studies of an achlorophyllous orchid, Hexalectris revoluta, in Arizona (Ron Coleman), and of the metapopulation dynamics of a Lepanthes in Puerto Rico (Raymond Tremblay).

One of the outstanding accomplishments reported at the meeting was by Lorena Endara, Ecuador, who discussed how Ecuador became the first neotropical and megadiverse country to evaluate the conservation status of its endemic flora using new World Conservation Union criteria.

A delicious banquet followed the last sessions and those planning to participate in post-conference tours tumbled into bed, replete with good food and food for thought.

The 2nd International Orchid Conservation Conference was a resounding success both in terms of presentations and in terms of the audience which had many students eager to learn from those with experience. For those of us in 'the know', there are many issues still to be resolved and mysteries to be uncovered but having so many eager investigators and grassroots practitioners bodes well for the orchids wherever they may grow.

I will remember the peaceful surround.

And walks with colleagues amongst swaying palms. Thank you to Wes Higgins and his team for hosting a premier conservation event. button

Proceedings of this conference will be a must-read once they are published as a special edition of Selbyana. For more information please contact sbgpress@selby.org or phone Selby Gardens at 941-366-5731 extension 264

N_Calif_Kathy
Was the idea of identification by a molecular marker for the various cyps actually possible, in your opinion? Sounds rather space age.

Gaile
I bet its very possible, but I wonder about its economic feasibility?

N_Calif_Kathy
That's what I thought too, but then realized that the presenter was probably concerned with plants seized here in the US, where we can have that sort of budget, if we want.

MarilyninOttawa
The concept is not too far out. Certainly, Paphs and Cyps and Phrags can be separated with confidence. There were some difficulties with species in collections as to their real identity. Some misleading data were believed to have arisen from misidentified taxa. Cost is always a consideration and these investigations, even low tech ones, cost a lot in terms of personnel, lawyers, etc. If a simple molecular test can be performed in place of waiting for a year or more until a plant blooms then it may be cost effective.

Jim4eq
And timeliness, takes a couple weeks (months) usually, how will they handle the plants meanwhile? Hold them until cleared, allow the vendor to receive them but not sell them, or repossess from end-consumers? And it may be used more as proof where suspected CITES infraction, rather than routine for all slippers. Just like you don't test all bloodstains, just those near a crime scene

MarilyninOttawa
I was particularly impressed with the number of students interested in conservation of orchids. The fungal work was very exciting for most participants. Both our local contingent (Larry Zettler, Scott Stewart, etc) and the Australian delegation presented some very useful work. We know so much more now than before but there is still more to come. Stay tuned!

Jim4eq
U Florida has a neat orchid program, that's where I get my leafless ID'd. They are also co-operating with NORP (native orchid restoration project) here in Florida, along with Smithsonian etc.

N_Calif_Kathy
How was the presentation on your 20 yr study received Marilyn?

MarilyninOttawa
My presentation on the Yellow Lady's slipper study was well received. We reported finding little correlation between population behavior and light levels. Rather, we proposed that there might be a cryptic driver of plant behavior resulting from disturbance such as an overly long growing season, a very early spring or even the damage even fatal damage done to neighboring trees during a winter storm. Additionally, we reported finding very large (9+ stems) plants which cycle between large emergent and totally absent and these were clustered in one part of the site.

N_Calif_Kathy
Something's gotta mix up the status quo eh? Stress 'em and they'll produce?

N_Calif_Kathy
About the transfer of technology in Madagascar... what was that about? Or should I wait for Selbyana?

Jim4eq
We just got email from the lady we know in Madagascar, she survived their hurricane with intact nursery and is interested in having us sell for her next year. Wonder if she is involved?

MarilyninOttawa
The Madagascar project is collaborative between the Henry Doorly Zoo, the Lauritzen Botanic Garden (Omaha) and the University of Antananarivo, Madagascar.

N_Calif_Kathy
So what was your favorite talk/subject, Marilyn?

MarilyninOttawa
Hmmm... I think my favorite was about the wasp pollinator of Cypripedium fasciculatum and how it possibly is parasitic on fungal gnats. There is still a lot to discover but it should prove to be an interesting voyage of discovery for Carol Ferguson and Kathleen Donham of Northern Oregon University.

N_Calif_Kathy
Glad *something* eats those dang gnats! I'm gonna have to get that ed. of Selbyana! LOL! Sounds like there's a bunch of great stuff in it.

Jim4eq
I can't grow cyps in Florida, maybe I can grow the wasp??

N_Calif_Kathy
Are all Broughtonias Laeliopsis now? Or just the showy lipped ones? Laeliopsis (Broughtonia) domingoensis button

MarilyninOttawa
That is a good question Kathy and I must admit that I am not certain in this case. It must be something more than simply the showiness of the lip. The plants look very similar to Broughtonia.

My next conference will be in Estonia (on the Baltic) from June 27 to July 2. The International Orchid Workshop will focus on mostly terrestrial orchid behavior. I will be presenting on our 20-year study of Epipactis helleborine here in Canada. You can check out the hotel, the surround and the presentation abstracts on the site. button

Good night all and chat with you after Estonia.

Prechat Handout

Second International Orchid Conservation Conference
May 16-21, 2004, Sarasota, Florida, USA

Marilyn H. S. Light

The weather was downright fine, the company enjoyable and the learning opportunities many when 131 scientists, students, teachers, and conservation practitioners from 21 countries gathered at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida, USA, to hear about conservation practice and research from around the globe. There were oral presentations, posters, workshops and mixers, all designed to promote curiosity, understanding, and to help forge new links between conservation practitioners.

Before the conference began, there were two very useful and educational workshops, namely a one-day Mycorrhizal Propagation Workshop presented by Scott Stewart, a doctoral student at the University of Florida, and a two-day Population Dynamics Workshop led by Prof. Raymond Tremblay of the University of Puerto Rica and Dr. Pavel Kindlmann of the Czech Republic. On Sunday, May 16, those with posters set them up in the on-site mansion where an enjoyable welcome reception followed.

A challenging Keynote Address was given by Dr. Stuart Pimm, Duke University. He asked: “Do you know where your orchids are?” Most of the estimated 25,000 species grow in tropical forests that are shrinking rapidly. Using the Atlantic Coast Forest of Brazil as an example, he examined the ways and means of establishing conservation priorities that are both practical and attainable.

Dr. Robert Dressler addressed that oft posed question: “How many Orchid Species?” and replied that the current estimate is 24,500 and counting! Michael Duncan, Victoria, Australia, outlined some of the Specific Threats to Orchids in his state including introduced flora, fauna and a fungal pathogen, Phytophthora cinnamoni.

Integrated Approaches to Conservation were addressed by various workers in this field including Jorge Orejuela, Cali Botanical Garden, Colombia who emphasized environmental education; and Margaret From, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo who reported a successful orchid conservation project with Madagascar where technology was transferred to local stakeholders.

On Tuesday, May 18, the opening topic was Conservation Education. Marilyn Light, University of Ottawa (retired) and Chair of the Education Committee of the Orchid Specialist Group, spoke about the importance of reaching children during the interval when their appreciation of interdependence with nature is being entrenched (6 to 12 years). Wilella Stimmell provided an entertaining and stimulating ‘hands-on’ Elementary School Workshop developed from an initiative of the Orchid Society of Arizona in the mid 90's. Denise Wilson of the Denver Orchid Society explained how Partners for Colorado native Plants are now working with the Denver Botanic Gardens to recruit and train volunteers to gather data about wild orchids in their State. The San Diego County Orchid Society conservation grant program was initiated in 1991. Conservation Committee Chair, Peter Tobias outlined the remarkable program accomplishments. Isaias Rolando, Peru, spoke about the importance of conservation education in his country, using the 15-year example of work being done in the area of Macchu Picchu.

Identification of orchids in trade, particularly of rare species in illicit trade that are seized when not in flower, is of on-going concern. Cheryl Morrison, US Geological Survey, spoke of an interesting and challenging project where molecular markers to discriminate between particularly members of the Cypripedium Alliance (Cypripedium, Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium, Selenipedium and Mexipedium) are being evaluated.

A robust discussion of the whys and wherefores of CITES was the topic of the afternoon. Posters and Reception followed.

On May 19, participants had a choice between field trips, a Terrestrial Orchid Propagation Workshop. And tour of the Selby Garden and facilities. The half-day workshop presented by Andrew Batty (Australia) gave some very useful ideas to the participants. After lunch, those taking the tour had a chance to visit behind the scenes including the orchid collection, library, laboratories, and herbarium as well as the beautiful gardens set along the shores of Sarasota Bay.

The mysteries of Mycorrhizal Fungi was a popular topic and on May 20, the morning session dealt with aspects especially from an Australian perspective. Larry Zettler, Illinois College, outlined the dilemma faced by those wishing to conserve a rare Hawaiian endemic. Platanthera holochila, namely, the ethics of releasing an ‘exotic’ mycobiont into the Hawaiian Islands. Conservation is not always as easy as it seems!

Conservation Case Studies were delivered in a parallel session. These included Kip Knudson’s project on the native orchids of the Ridges Sanctuary, an unique series of dunes and slacks in Wisconsin. He and fellow members of the North Eastern Wisconsin Orchid Society are assisting in an orchid inventory of the Sanctuary. Marilyn Light reported on the long term study of the Yellow Lady’s Slipper in Gatineau Park, Quebec, Canada, where some 350 plants have been folowed in some cases up to 20 years. Ecuador has more than 10% of the orchid species yet more than 75% of the original forest is already lost to logging and agriculture. Catherine Woodward of the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation explained how private landowners are encouraged to preserve forest through conservation easement.

On the last day, May 21, participants learned about varied aspects of conservation including population recovery efforts in Australia (Margaret Collins), a very interesting cataloguing of orchids on the island of Saba in the Caribbean (Stewart Chipka), population studies of an achlorophyllous orchid, Hexalectris revoluta, in Arizona (Ron Coleman), and of the metapopulation dynamics of a Lepanthes in Puerto Rico (Raymond Tremblay). One of the outstanding accomplishments reported at the meeting was by Lorena Endara, Ecuador, who discussed how Ecuador became the first neotropical and megadiverse country to evaluate the conservation status of its endemic flora using new World Conservation Union criteria.

A delicious banquet followed the last sessions and those planning to participate in post-conference tours tumbled into bed, replete with good food and food for thought. The 2nd International Orchid Conservation Conference was a resounding success both in terms of presentations and in terms of the audience which had many students eager to learn from those with experience. For those of us in ‘the know’, there are many issues still to be resolved and mysteries to be uncovered but having so many eager investigators and grassroots practitioners bodes well for the orchids wherever they may grow.