We Conserve through Outreach, Restoration, and Research

Some orchids grow on the ground (terrestrial) while others grow on trees (epiphytes). Many people in the northeast USA are familiar with the epiphytic, tropical orchids sold in stores, and are surprised to learn that there are terrestrial orchids that are native to New England.  The terrestrial orchids that we have here in New England are called lady’s slipper orchids. They belong to the genus Cypripedium from the Greek words “Shoe of Venus”.

The Showy, Yellow and Ram’s Head lady’s slipper orchids are critically endangered because of habitat loss and habitat degradation and to a lesser extent illegal collection. The Pink slipper orchid is the only one that is not critically endangered because it is protected as the New Hampshire State Wild Flower.

Our Saving Endangered Species Research Program aims to repopulate these endangered native orchids and prevent their extinction, while creating research opportunities for middle and high school students. As fruit flies provide a way to research human genetics, our local orchids give us a way to study biodiversity. Our program’s ultimate goal is to develop a model system that can be applied to help solve worldwide plant biodiversity decline.

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About

This website and the Saving Endangered Species Research Program are created and governed by the New Hampshire Academy of Science, Inc. (NHAS).

The NHAS is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Its mission is to foster the next generation of STEM leaders and problem solvers by:

• Inspiring middle and high-school students and teachers through authentic research

• Creating a model laboratory environment for STEM research

• Engaging communities across the region in STEM research.

Click here to learn more about the NHAS, its research programs and STEM Labs.