Research for Restoration

The Ridges Sanctuary has tremendous plant diversity including native terrestrial orchids. Following the idea that “lack of knowledge is as big a threat as any to sensitive species” (Brzeskiewicz 2000), The Ridges Sanctuary has the current research goal of developing institutionalized processes and protocols for the preservation and protection of native plant species. Because of our organization’s deep-rooted relationship with orchids, it was determined that orchid research and recovery would be a priority of our endeavors. This program will offer a summary of orchid biology and an overview of the research for restoration processes which we are currently working on including an orchid inventory, trying to understand specific environmental conditions for orchid growth and reproduction, asymbiotic germination techniques, shade house orchid growth and determining the best possible restoration locations in our Hidden Brook living laboratory area and beyond.  

Following a presentation in our Cook-Albert Fuller Center, we will meander through our project area and observe planted and extant populations of ram’s head, showy, and yellow lady’s slipper orchids. As a bonus, we will also discuss and observe our current dwarf lake iris research project.

Accessibility Considerations: Wheelchair accessible, indoor program, daytime program, t-coil available, chairs available, bathrooms available, accessible parking available.

Distance: 0.5-1 mile

This program is offered through the Natural Resources Foundation. To learn more and to register, click the button below.