MAY 10th MEETING - Greater Lansing Orchid Society

Volume 31 Issue 3 Mary 2008
GLOS BOARD
President
Pete Porciello 517-655-1311
pporciello@voyager.net
Vice President
Jerrie Nichols 734-214-7218
sjnichols@usgs.gov
Past President
Bill Cadman 517-484-3406
billc377@yahoo.com
Treasurer
Doris Asher 517-332-0004
asherdoris@juno.com
Secretary
Emily Tseng 517-381-8624
tsenge1088@yahoo.com
Newsletter Editor
Dot Potter Barnett 517-626-7295
Dot_Lee@cablespeed.com
Director
Peter Ostlund 517-449-5248
p.ostlund@yahoo.com
Director
Grant Godden 347-756-2221
goddengr@msu.edu
INDEX
The purposes for which the Society is organized are to create an awareness of orchid
culture; to foster the preservation of native species of orchids; to support research
and development of orchid culture; and to hold meetings, lectures, and exhibitions.
MAY 10th MEETING
Presbyterian Church, Okemos
Please note that this meeting is on the 2nd
Saturday, a change from our regular date.
A Reminder:
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for:
• Plant shopping from our speaker/vendor
• Experienced Society members will be available to answer questions and help
problem solve orchid growing issues
• Enjoying the snacks/drinks brought by our members
Meeting will start promptly at 7:00 pm
Our May speaker will be Rob Halgren. His
talk: “Little Frogs and Little Orchids” will
be on building and maintaining vivariums /
terrariums with orchids.
PLEASE NOTE:
2 President’s Message/ GLO Calendar/
The May meeting is our annual Business Meeting. During this gathering,
3 Show & Auction Reports
we will be electing our GLOS Board officers for the next year. It is
4 General Meeting Minutes
5 Study Group News/
imperative that we have a quorum of our membership at this session.
GLOS Roster
The following is the slate selected by the Nominations Committee. You
6 Financial Report
may also nominate someone at this meeting “from the floor.”
7 Orchid Nanes/GLOS Class Please be sure to come and vote.
8 Board Meeting Minutes/
AOS Corner
Proposed slate:
9 Seminars
10 Conservation News
- President: Pete Porciello
11 Vendor/Member Ads
- Vice President: Jerrie Nichols
12 Membership Form
CALYPSO DEADLINE:
June 20 for the July issue.
- Treasurer: Doris Asher
- Secretary: Emily Tseng
- Newsletter Editor: Dot Potter Barnett
- Director whose term expires: Leslie Behm
Volume 31 Issue 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE --
May 2008
Page 2
Pete Porciello
Dear GLOS Members:
As we near the end of our official 2008 business, I want to thank everyone for a great year with
GLOS! EVERYONE! As an organization, we have made improvements in everything we do,
and in every way we serve our members or work with our partners. This is largely due to our
dedicated and progressive forward-thinking board. So, I also want to express my thanks to the
board for their hard work and dedication to excellence. I am honored to be part of it!
At our upcoming May 10th meeting we will hold our elections, so please plan to be there to vote
for the leadership you want for the next year. Also in May, we also honor our members who have
been nominated for recognition.
As always, our board welcomes your comments and suggestions at any time you may have them.
I hope to see you all at the May meeting.
GLOS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
➜May 10 - GLOS General Meeting
Speaker: Rob Halgren of Little Frog Farm Orchids. Rob’s talk: “Little Frogs and Little
Orchids”
This is also our “Business Meeting” where we elect the officers for the coming year.
Please be sure to come. Slate is on p.1 -- please review.
May 17-18 – Great Lakes Judging Center Annual Judging Seminar:
Saturday and Sunday, Matthaei Botanical Garden, Ann Arbor, MI. Subject: Phalaenopsis. Open to
the public. Free. Guest speakers: Eric Christenson, Howard Ginsberg and others.
May 24-25 - Northwestern Michigan OS Show -- Traverse City
➜Lynn O’Shaughnessy and Doris Asher are taking responsibility for collecting plants and setting up the Society display for the
Memorial Day Show. Please bring orchids to Doris’ house between 3:00 and 8:00 on Wednesday, May 21st – or phone/e-mail
her to make other arrangements.
➜June 8 - The GLOS Study Group meeting at Green Acres Orchids, 2:00 p.m.
➜June - GLOS Board meeting, time and place TBA
➜July 13 - GLOS General Meeting: Annual picnic at Wonch Park. Set-up at 1:00, eat at 2:00
➜September. 20 - GLOS General Meeting: Speaker: David Byrd of Byrd’s Botanicals
➜November 15 - GLOS General Meeting: Speaker: Fred Clarke of Sunset Valley Orchids
OTHER EVENTS:
June 28: Green Acres Open House & 50% off plant sale.
➜You are receiving the Calypso either as a .pdf file, a hard copy, or both, depending on what we have from you in our records.
If you would like to change this, please let either Dot or Doris know.
If you have not received the .pdf file by two weeks before the General Meeting, please let Dot know.
Volume 31 Issue 3
May 2008
Page 3
MOS 2008 SHOW REPORT
submitted by Carol Stuht
The Michigan Orchid Society (MOS) show
March 14 – 16, 2008, enjoyed an early
taste of spring weather. It was delightful
to transport plants in sunshine and shirt
sleeve temperatures. The GLOS 50 square
foot display, entitled “Toadally Orchids”
earned a first place in its size category for
society exhibits. Forty-five orchid plants,
assorted toads and greenery were arranged
on black draped round tables of different
heights.
Many thanks to the following GLOS
members: Doris Asher for transporting
plants to the show and help in plant
identification and class placing; Georgian
Franczyk for transporting the staging to
and from the show and helping assemble
and take down the tables; Dot Barnett
for take down and returning plants to
Lansing. I (Carol Stuht) had the fun of choosing and transporting plants, set up/take down of the display, and the final pleasure
of returning plants and ribbons to their homes.
The orchids won 20 ribbons and two trophies. All seven of the GLOS members that contributed plants earned at least one
ribbon. Congratulations!
Exhibitor
Orchid
Placement Other Awards
Doris Asher
Dendrobium Elfin Charm
2
Dot Barnett
Phalaenopsis Fantasy Musick
2
Dot Barnett
Phalaenopsis equestris
2
Dot Barnett
Neopabstopetalum Beverly Lou
1
Dot Barnett
Phragmipedium Rosalie Dixler
3
Dot Barnett
Dendrobium Blue Twinkle ‘S&W’
1
Julie Bishop
Paphiopedilum Honey
3
Julie Bishop
Doritaenopsis Sogo Berry
3
Christa Forrester
Cirrhopetalum picturatum
1
Christa Forrester
Miltonia Patricia Marie Linares ‘ #1’
3
Christa Forrester
Sophranthe St. Elizabeth Seton
1
Marilyn Lee
Masdevallia Proud Mary
3
Marilyn Lee
Maxillaria tenufolia
2
Marilyn Lee
Chamaeangis hariotiana
2
Peter Ostlund
Paphiopedilum Moussetianum
3
Peter Ostlund
Vandofinetia Blaupunkt
1
Peter Ostlund
Slc. Bright Angel ‘Baby C’ HCC/AOS
2
Photos by Dot
Peter Ostlund
Phalaenopsis Mini Mark ‘Holm’
1
Trophy: Best of Classes 61-65
Carol Stuht
Cymbidium Mighty Sunset ‘Floracultura’
3
Carol Stuht
Cymbidium Lady Fire ‘Red Angelica’
1
Trophy: Best of Classes 90-93
MICHIGAN NATURE ASSOCIATION AUCTION
“Our auction brought in a little over $16,000, which is great. Next year,
we're hoping to have a larger venue with more attendees and hopefully
some big-ticket items. (It's always hardest to get large items donated).
The Winner of the orchid basket is Steve Kelley. It was the final live
auction item, bringing the auction to a beautiful close.
Thanks!”
Jeremy Emmi
Executive Director
Michigan Nature Association
This is the basket Pete Porciello
designed and gave to the Michigan
Nature Association in GLOS’ name.
Volume 31 Issue 3
Page 4
May 2008
GLOS GENERAL MEETING MINUTES: Submitted by Emily Tseng 3/27/08
GLOS Regular Meeting Minutes (March 15, 2008) at the Presbyterian Church in Okemos.
The social/networking began at 6:30pm, and President Pete Porciello called the regular meeting to order at 7:00pm with about 40
people there.
Introduction
Pete Porciello welcomed four new members to GLOS: Paula Alexander, Tom Remington, Dave Toman, and Jeff McFadden. Pete
asked members, new and old, to obtain name tags from Dot Barnett if they don't have one.
Organizational Business
1. The minutes of the January 19th meeting were approved.
2. Regarding the 'accomplishment awards' for the previous year, Pete Porciello requested that names be submitted to the Awards
Committee members - Pete Porciello, Grant Godden, and Julie Bishop. There are three types of awards: Orchidist of the year;
Friend of A.O.S.; and the Orchid Digest Diamond Award of Excellence. Please submit names a.s.a.p.
GLOS Calendar
1. For the next regular GLOS meeting (5/10/08), Doris Asher, Kris Garling, and Shannon Bell will be providing refreshments.
2. The Ann Arbor Orchid show is near (4/12-4/13/08). Jerrie Nichols will be doing the set-up: she will need blooming orchids for a
25-square-foot display. Please attend the show.
3. Pete Ostlund mentioned that he will continue with the membership survey.
4. Renate de Zacks mentioned the "Learn more about Orchids" classes (remaining two of three) are still open for registration;
and, the cost will be adjusted. Don Garling, Doris Asher, Marilyn Lee, and Renate are the instructors.
Speaker Presentation: Lynn O'Shaughnessy, a seasoned member and orchidist with more than 300 awards, needed little
introduction. Firstly, Lynn spoke of the plants on the plant table – some with awards, some are rare. Lynn's main presentation
topic was "Growing Specimen Plants" coupled with slides of a large variety of exceptional orchids. She shared information on
the type of orchids to cultivate first, the expense, and the culture and care. She advised “listening" to your orchids, keeping
them clean with adequate light, and re-potting techniques. The second part of her presentation was on a large variety of species
orchids - orchids with awards, and many belonging to her. These orchids have unique 'characters' requiring special care, training
and staking for shows. It was a most interesting presentation with a great deal of personal touch.
Old Business
- Jerrie Nichols shared information on the Annual GLOS Show: it was very well attended and the weather was perfect. Jerrie
thanked everyone for helping make the Show such a huge
success.
- Bill Cadman encouraged all to attend the Michigan Orchid
Show at Troy, MI, on Sunday, March 16.
New Business
1. The Nominating Committee, comprised of Donald Garling
(chairperson), Christa Forester, and Mary Dee Sist, met on
February 24, and discussed potential candidates for the slate
of nominations. Don reported that the slate was finalized on
March 13 and that the Committee unanimously recommends the
following slate of officers:
- President: Pete Porciello
- Vice President: Jerrie Nichols
- Treasurer: Doris Asher
- Secretary: Emily Tseng
- Newsletter Editor: Dot Potter Barnett
- Director whose term expires: Leslie Behm
All have agreed, if elected, to serve in
these posts. Additional nominations
business meeting.
2. Regarding the Annual Picnic: it
any suggestions to a board member
3. Pete Porciello circulated the new
stationary) to
Dept. of Biology.
4. Jerrie Nichols kindly offered to
Board meeting on April 15th.
may be made from the floor at our May
is time to begin planning. Please submit
(Contact person - Don Garling)
GLOS stationary design and the letter (on
Many thanks to Dot for her help.
do the secretary's task at the next GLOS
Silent Auction and Raffle: Lynn settled the silent auction, and Pete Ostlund handled the raffle.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30pm.
Photos by Dot
➜Thanks to Jan Szyren, Heather McCloud, and Emily Tseng for the great refreshments they brought to our March
meeting. Doris Asher, Kris Garling and Shannon Bell have volunteered for the May meeting.
Volume 31 Issue 3
May 2008
Page 5
STUDY GROUP NEWS
18 GLOS members met at Rob Halgren’s Little Frog Farm on Sunday, April 6th. We had ample time to wander
about in his greenhouse to admire the many orchids in bloom.
Rob talked about growing Tolumnias,
showing us several plants that had
multiple spikes, some branching, and
all with many bright cheery flowers.
He noted the quantity of flowers
per size of plant. Rob gave us some
growing tips, also: in nature, these
grow high up in the canopy, receiving
ample sunlight. They are intermediateto-warm growers whose roots need
to dry out between waterings. Rob
recommended growing them in clay
pots with very loose and fast draining
media such as charcoal, or mounting
them on a stick.
Our next meeting will be on Sunday,
June 8, 2:00 pm at Walt and Cindy’s
Green Acres Orchids in Charlotte.
Cindy will talk about growing
Dendrobiums. Please note their sale ad:
Come one, come all to the Green Acres Orchids Open House 1776 Glass Dr.,
Charlotte, MI 48813 June 28th, 2008 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. All orchids will be 50% off.
GLOS PRESIDENT “GETS PUBLISHED”
GLOS’s President Pete Porciello has an article in the April 2008 issue of Orchids, the magazine of the American
Orchid Society. In this article, Pete discusses a series of disasters concerning his orchids and how they (and he)
fared: caretakers who used water from the water softener everyday for a week, erratic electrical service that reset
the timers on his lights, and, worst of all, the total power outage brought about by the tornado in the Williamston
area in October, 2008. Copiously illustrated with photographs taken by Mr. Shannon Poynter, the article is a “much
read”.
GLOS ROSTER
(Please send changes and updates to Dot or Doris.)
Welcome New Members:
Email Changes:
Bob and Judy Hollingworth
124 E Sherwood Road
Williamston MI 48895
517-349-8121
cyberiris@cablespeed.com
Mickey Kress
1825 Grovedale
Jackson MI 49203-3824
517-787-7036
Paula Alexander
905 W Wilkinson Road
Owosso MI 48867
989-723-7200
paulakay@chartermi.net
Dave Toman
3314 Karen Street
Lansing MI 48911
517-393-0947
dtomand@aol.com
Carrie Monosmith
4795 Applecroft Lane
Holt MI 48842
517-977-6666
c.monosmith@comcast.net
Denise Ahonen
3928 Marimba Lane
Holt MI 48842
517-316-5587
denise@avens.com
The Mannings email address were published in error
last time. Please correct to:
Carl Manning: Birds01@charter.net
Judi Manning: Birds02@charter.net
Photo courtesy of
Lynn O’Shaughnessy
Volume 31 Issue 3
GLOS FINANCIAL REPORT -
Page 6
May 2008
4/7/08 Covering Period from from 02/08/2008 – April 15, 2008 submitted by Doris Asher
INCOME
2008 Show
Table Fees
Hoosier Orchid Company
Littlefrog Orchids
Larry’s Orchids and Tropicals
New Vision Orchids
New World Orchids
Suphattra’s Clay Flowers
Sales
Books
Corsages
Cymbidium Flowers to Arrangers
Plant Labels
Donations
At Show from Public
Money for Food
Trophy Sponsorship
Commission 10% on Art Sale
Refund 6% Sales Tax – Table Rentals
Refund of Deposits on Pop Cans
March Orchid Classes – 16 Students @ $20
Dues
Renewals
New Members
Sale of Books
Interest
***CD 008-0614931301 cashed
CD110-0651007329 rolled over
CD103-0651148332 rolled over
Savings Account (February-March 2008)
Meetings
January Raffle
March
Raffle
Silent Auction
Bank Error – Recorded Check Incorrectly
EXPENSES
2008 Show
Publicity
Food and Food Supplies
Catering – Judges Luncheon
Other Food and Food Supplies
Refund Table Fee – Larry’s Orchids
Copying
Corsage Supplies
Staging Supplies
Office Supplies
Administrative Expense
Picnic
Rent
Deposit (Refundable)
Rent – Sept., Nov 2008 -- Presbyterian Church of Okemos
March Orchid Classes
Profit Sharing to Instructors
Copying
Dues 2008 Mid-America Orchid Congress
Awards Committee – Orchid Digest Diamond Award of
Excellence
Postage
Exhibiting in other shows – Travel Expenses
Michigan Orchid Society Show – Carol Stuht
Grand Valley Orchid Society Show – Marilyn Lee
Calypso March issue
Copying
Postage
**Meeting Expenses January 2008 Meeting – Speaker’s Expenses –
Gift Certificate in Lieu of Speaker’s Fee – Suphattra Joy Sloup
2009 Show – Registration Tags
NET EXPENSE
2122.45
$2,993.63
1,600.00
411.00
94.15
320.00
212.00
134.00
143.68
61.00
8.50
4.80
4.00
370.60
274.00
92.00
43.00
2.00
44.15
25.00
25.00
116.00
96.00
94.36
29.80
19.46
0.06
3.00
58.00
0.50
3,186.42
400.00
400.00
200.00
200.00
200.00
200.00
39.00
19.00
$3,840.09
1,799.00
971.54
200.00
102.71
76.31
33.47
3.39
120.00
100.00
67.09
60.50
791.25
180.29
70.00
50.00
63.70
3.39
15.00
111.85
101.22
8.01
64.56
47.29
64.32
36.90
40.00
30.00
$846.46
Volume 31 Issue 3
May 2008
Page 7
GLOS FINANCIAL REPORT, cont’d
Balance on hand April 7, 2008
Checking
***Savings
Subtotal CD’s
CD 110-0651148439
4.78%
(matures 05/26/2008)
CD 103-0651148332
1.50%
(matures 07/26/2008)
CD 112-0650794535
5.02%
(matures 07/30/2008)
CD 110-0651289944
3.05%
(matures 08/28/2008)
CD 112-0650794594
5.02%
(matures 08/30/2008)
CD 112-0650706806
5.02%
(matures 06/09/2009)
CD 110-0651007329
1.90%
(matures 10/02/2008)
CD 003-0650092373
4.02%
(matures 10/23/2009)
Subtotal CD’s
*As of April 7, 2008, conservation fund is $128.10
**Sharing expenses for Harry Phillips with Michigan Orchid Society – payment not yet received
***CD 008-0614931301 cashed and deposited into savings awaiting a better rate; renewal rate only 1.85%
$12,527.76
1,621.60
1,421.32
9,484.84
1,115.86
1,214.83
1,163.91
1,274.33
1,187.63
1,143.30
1,247.11
1,137.87
$9,484.84
The following was authored by Dr. Wes Higgins from Selby Gardens for newsletter editors at the request
of Carol Holdren.
THE SALVATION OF NOMENCLATURE
Horticulturists have thrown up their hands in despair over all the changes in orchid names. First it was the
species and then the hybrid names which began to change. The purpose of a classification system is to facilitate
communication. It is a user tool based on scientific data, but it must be user-friendly. With the advent of
molecular systematics, we have new insights into relationships within the orchid family. The DNA data has caused
taxonomists to re-examine the morphology and to rethink generic concepts . What is a genus? How big should
it be? Can it be too small to be useful? Unfortunately many of the recent changes in genera did not consider the
impact on horticulturalists (the users).
The lectures at the 19th World Orchid Conference reflected a new trend where scientists have started consulting the
users of the classification system. New data has mandated changes in orchid names, but the changes need to be
compatible with the needs of the end users.
At the general meeting of the International Orchid Commission, Cassio van den Berg proposed moving the Brazilian
Laelias into Cattleya. This recommendation was well received by the group. This change will greatly help with the
nomenclature of this widely hybridized group. Alec Pridgeon stated that a supplement could be included to Genera
Orchidearum V to rapidly disseminate this change. The only dissenter was someone who wanted to do away with
nothogenera and use just breeding groups. The Cattleya proposal was forwarded to the Royal Horticultural Society
(the hybrid registrar) for consideration.
What do we have to look forward to:
A large Cattleya genus,
A large Epidendrum genus,
A large Pleurothallis genus,
A large Oncidium genus,
and a stable system of hybrid names.
MARCH ORCHID CLASSES A SUCCESS - Submitted by Doris Asher
The recently-completed series of three classes on orchids was a big success. The classes met in Room 1 of the MSU
Department of Natural Resources on Wednesdays, March 12, 19, and 26.
In its seventh year, the classes brought in 16 enrollees of whom five are GLOS members. In last year’s classes, we
had 19 students, of whom nine were members. We drew three students in from Jackson and others live in Holt and
St. Johns, as well as in closer cities.
The instructors this year were Renate de Zacks, who also coordinated the entire project; Renate taught the opening
session giving an overview of orchidology. Don Garling taught class 2 which concentrated on orchid culture with
tips on keeping orchids free of pests and diseases. The final class concerned orchid judging, taught by Doris Asher,
and potting and repotting orchids, taught by Marilyn Lee.
The GLOS Treasury enjoyed income from the project of $191.11.
Volume 31 Issue 3
May 2008
Page 8
MINUTES OF THE GLOS BOARD MEETING
Submitted by Emily Tseng 3-24-08
GLOS Board Meeting Minutes (February 19, 2008, 7:00pm, at Doris Asher’s house).
Present: Dot Barnett, Pete Porciello, Grant Godden, Bill Cadman, Doris Asher, Jerrie Nichols, and Emily Tseng
Pete Porciello (President) called the meeting to order at 7:15pm.
Organizational Business
1. The previous Board meeting minutes (published) were approved.
2. Changes to the agenda were approved as amended.
3. Doris Asher (Treasurer) shared details of the financial status (from 11/30/07 to the present): the monies from
Little Frog Farm; income from and expenditures for the Annual Orchid Show; and membership dues (new,
renewals). Expenses ($47.20) for the Grand Valley Orchid Show and for the van ($100) to the Traverse City Show
were approved. Discussions regarding the bylaws, travel expenditures, etc. were deferred until further review.
4. Committee Meeting reports
- Pete Porciello requested a survey of new members (a subset of the previous survey) to see if we are meeting their
needs, or, if they have other questions. Pete Ostlund (Member Relations) will obtain a list of names from Doris
(from January, 2007) for review.
- Pete Porciello had discussed the continuing support for conservation with Marilyn Lee (Conservation
Committee): grant with educational focus, and a variety of educational activities. Bill Cadman will continue to
review any grant received.
GLOS Calender:
February 23-24: GLOS Annual Show.
March 1: Michigan Nature Association’s auction at Troy, MI. Plant donations needed to support conservation group;
F.U. with Pete Porciello and Marilyn Lee.
March 15-16: Michigan Orchid Society. Lengthy discussions about the need to recruit volunteers to help with set-up
for all shows. Planning for GLOS show needs to begin in September.
April 12-13: Ann Arbor Orchid Society Show
May 24-25: N.W. Michigan Orchid Society Show in Traverse City
Old Business
1. Pete Porciello will F.U. with the MDOT regarding speaker’s agenda, in relation to our perspectives on protecting
the environment.
2. The ‘Darwin Day’ orchid exhibit was a big success. A letter to acknowledge the Department of Plant Biology’s
outreach activity (as suggested by Jan Szyren) will be written, to be signed by Pete Porciello. The Darwin Day poster
will be exhibited at the upcoming GLOS Show.
3. Jerrie (Show Committee) reported on the Show’s arrangements - all up-to-date, and, good weather is expected. A
person is still needed to be in charge of the information table. The class schedules for both days have been arranged,
and there will be music (violinist arranged).
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:30pm.
AOS CORNER - By Melba and Jim Butler, AOS Representatives
Orchid Trivia: “The hollow pseudobulbs of Myrmecophila, named from the Greek myrmeko (ants) because
ants nest in them, are used as horns in Mexico and Central America to call the cattle home. Salep, the powder
obtained from the tuberoids of some European orchids, has been used medicinally for its nutritive value in cases
of malnutrition.” Ref. Orchids to Know and Grow Copyright 2007, by Thomas J. Sheehan and Robert J. Black, p.
187, University Press of Florida. Available in many places, including through the AOS Orchid Emporium.
The March 2009 Orchids magazine has wonderful coverage of the 19th WOC. The photos and articles bring it all
back to us. The five page pull out surpasses any previous issue that we have seen. No doubt those who weren’t
lucky enough to attend the show are getting a small glimpse, thanks to the coverage in the March Orchids.
What Now?
Following the highly successful, fantastic, well attended 19th WOC, many are saying, “What now?”
The answer, of course, is: Orchid shows are taking place in cities and towns all over the US and also in many
other countries. Take a look at the listing in Orchids magazine or visit the AOS Web site which provides the
locations, dates and contact information.
The Big News is: The AOS Web site has a new look! www.aos.org.
Volume 31 Issue 3
May 2008
Page 9
PRELIM NOTICE - SPRING TRAINING SEMINAR - MAY 17-18, 20008
GREAT LAKES JUDGING CENTER - MATTHAEI BOTANICAL GARDENS
University of Michigan - 1800 N. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan - Sat. 9:00am - Sunday 12:30 pm - Format
similar to previous years with the addition of a “Breeders Forum” on Saturday morning moderated by Howard Ginsberg.
This years subject is the
Genus Phalaenopsis
Guest speakers include Eric Christenson, Howard Ginsberg & Russ Vernon with center presentations
by Jim Heilig, Brittany Payeur and Katie Payeur
**Continental Breakfast
**Breeders Forum (Roundtable discussions)
**Plant Sales
**AOS Judging
**Live and Silent Auctions - set aside your items- books, plants, etc.,etc.
**Informative Lecture Series
**Dinner Buffet (at the Gardens)
**Dessert Auctions - plan your most outrageous/decadent entry
**Dessert sampling
**Sun morning Breakfast
**Motels within 10 minutes of Gardens, - Microtel, Red Roof, Holiday Inn
**Costs …the pleasure of your company - $15.00 for the dinner buffet
**Full schedule published within the next few weeks
**Prior questions or concerns:
Dick Wagner <marcoisle@aol.com> 248-661-2009
248-705-1075
We all look forward to seeing old friends and colleagues - Hope you can attend
*******************************
17th Annual Ohio Valley Seminar
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Glenn Decker
Piping Rocks Orchids
www.pipingrockorchids.com
Phrag. kovachii, the incredible purple phrag. discovery
and its hybrids
George Hatfield
Hatfield Orchids
www.hatfieldorchids.com
Grower of award winning cymbidiums, including
species and Japanese hybrids
Civic Garden Center
2715 Reading Road
Cincinnati, OH
First lecture 10 a.m. *********** Plant sales 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Noon auction of select plants to benefit the Cincinnati Judging Center http://www.gardenersutopia.com
---------------------------------------------------Tear here and mail---------------------------------------------------------------If you do not want a box lunch, you may register for the seminar now:
Name:__________________________________
Additional registrant: _______________________
Registration $15.00 x ____ = ____________
e-mail (for confirmation)_____________________________
Address: ________________________________
_________________________________
Mail check, payable to Greater Cincinnati Orchid Society, 4110 Rose Hill Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229. Questions: jyates11@earthlink.net
If you want a box lunch, check the GCOS web site for details, beginning April 1, 2008.
Volume 31 Issue 3
May 2008
Page 10
STEP SOFTLY: ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Marilyn H.S.Light - mlight@igs.net - Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
Spring is in the air! Native orchid enthusiasts are gearing up for another year of discovery and enjoyment of their favorite
blooming beauties. Photographers are hoping to find the species that eluded them previously. Others including myself are looking
forward to initiating or continuing long term tracking studies. Now is a good time to consider the relative impact of all those feet
on the orchids and their environment.
Believe me, even one person moving carefully through the forest has an impact. Several people following in those same footsteps
multiplies the trampling effect. Damage to fragile ecosystems such as bogs and fens may be more quickly apparent but all
habitats are vulnerable to foot traffic. Ironically, it is the recent popularity of the ‘great outdoors’ that exacerbates the problem.
The very orchids that interest us may disappear as a result of our forays unless we consider the impact of what we do (Penskar
and Higman, 2000; Meleg, 2003). Studies in Finland, Ireland and Switzerland have measured the effect of trampling on forest
trees, tree seedlings, ground cover plants and on the soil microbial community. The first plants to disappear are tender herbs
like mosses. “With only minimal trampling 20 peatland species are lost” (MacGowan, 1996). In a Finnish study, the microbial
community structure of the humus layer in an urban forest was affected by a cascade of events beginning with trampling then
extending to changes in vegetation and litter quality which ultimately affected humus pH (Malmivaara-Lämäsa and Fritze, 2003).
The Swiss study by Waltert et al. (2002) investigated the impact of trampling on the mycorrhizal roots of seedling and mature
trees. Not only did they report that trampling caused considerable damage to forest floor vegetation but it especially affected
seedling trees and their mycorrhizal fine roots.
We do not yet have a measure of the indirect effect of trampling on orchids but there are reports of the deleterious effect of
leaf damage and removal. When leaves of Dactylorhiza maculata and Tipularia discolor were removed in whole or in part
experimentally, plants became progressively smaller and were less likely to flower the following year (Whigham, 1990; Vallius
and Salonen, 2000). Effects of human visitation and touch on plant growth and herbivory have been documented for species
other than orchids (Cahill Jr., Castelli and Casper, 2002; Hik et al. 2003). Because we do not yet know enough about the impact of
human visitation on orchids, we must minimize disturbance when we visit sites to photograph or otherwise study them. We must
take care.
So how do we minimize any damage we may cause?
• Consider the habitat and its relative fragility. Wetlands are especially vulnerable and should be visited with great caution and
preferably not in large groups.
• Consider the orchid and its rarity. While we may want to see the ‘rare’ ones, it might be best to leave a fragile site or a small
population completely undisturbed. When in doubt, please don’t.
• Consider the orchid and its ecosystem. Orchids do not live in isolation. They have a complex life cycle and a reliance on
particular habitat conditions to survive. Human visitation can lead to soil compaction, changes to the soil microflora and
loss of vulnerable species.
• Walk softly and carefully. Even common orchids like the Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine) deserve our consideration and
respect if we expect to learn something meaningful about their behavior. Ever since I began a study in 1985, I have limited
my visits to the absolute minimum needed to gather data, have walked on exposed rocks wherever possible to minimize
disturbance, and have resisted moving companion plants that were spoiling my view. I wear running shoes which are less
potentially damaging than hiking boots.
• Be an exemplary environmental steward. Stay on paths and walkways where they are provided and especially where the park
respectfully requests that you do so.
Acknowlegements
I thank Gary Backhouse, Mike Duncan, 'Kip' Knudson, Anna Murphy, Paul Scannell, Jyotsna Sharma and Dick Thomson for their helpful
comments and suggestions.
References
Cahill Jr., J.F., J.P. Castelli and B.B. Casper. 2002. Separate effects of human visitation and touch on plant growth and herbivory in an old-field
community. American Journal of Botany 89: 1401-1409.
Hik, D.S., M. Brown, A. Dabros, J. Weir and J.F. Cahill Jr. 2003. Prevalence and predictability of handling effects in field studies: results from
field experiments and a meta-analysis. American Journal of Botany 90: 270-277.
MacGowan, F., 1996. Irish Peatland Conservation Council. 1996. These Bogs Weren't made for Walking http://www.ipcc.ie/infotrampling.html
Malmivaara-Lämäsa, M. and H. Fritze. 2003. Effects of wear and above ground forest site type characteristics on the soil microbial community
structure in an urban setting. Plant and Soil 256: 187-203.
Meleg, E. 2003. Help preserve our orchids. Bruce Peninsula Orchid Festival. http://www.northbruce.cck.ca/bruce_peninsula/flowers/orchid_
festival_2.htm
Penskar, M.R. and P.J. Higman. 2000. Special plant abstract for Platanthera leucophaea (eastern prairie fringed-orchid). Michigan Natural
Features Inventory, Lansing, MI. 3 pp. http://web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/abstracts/botany/
Platanthera_leucophaea.pdf
Schnitzer, S.A., P.B. Reich, B. Bergner, and W.P. Carson. 2002. Herbivore and pathogen damage on grassland and woodland plants: A test of the
Herbivore Uncertainty Principle. Ecology Letters 5: 531-539.
Vallius, E. and V. Salonen. 2000. Effects of defoliation on male and female reproductive traits of a perennial orchid, Dactylorhiza maculata.
Functional Ecology 14: 668-674.
Waltert, B. V. Wiemken, H.-P. Rusterholz, T. Boller and B. Baur. 2002. Disturbance of forest by trampling: Effects on mycorrhizal roots of
seedlings and mature trees of Fagus sylvatica. Plant and Soil 243: 143-154.
Whigham, D.F. 1990. The effect of experimental defoliation on the growth and reproduction of a woodland orchid, Tipularia discolor. Canadian
Journal of Botany 68: 1812-1816.
Volume 31 Issue 3
May 2008
Page 11
See ad p. 5
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