The Ridges Works To Protect Orchids

Showy lady’s slippers. Photo by Aubrey Maccoux.

The Ridges Sanctuary is currently working on an orchid inventory in an effort to understand the specific environmental conditions that are necessary for orchid growth and reproduction, asymbiotic germination techniques, shade house orchid growth and the best possible restoration locations in its Hidden Brook living laboratory area. So far, the team of orchid trekkers has identified 29 species, some of which have been recorded for the first time in Door County.

The Ridges offers many opportunities for volunteers to get involved in citizen-science projects, including orchid research. If you’re interested in volunteer opportunities, email Tony Kiszonas at [email protected].Learn more about The Ridges’ efforts to document and protect orchid species at ridgessanctuary.org/research-recovery-protecting-and-preserving-native-orchids.