"saving threatened species of orchids has been recognised by a ... national award.
The threatened orchid recovery project, which involves more than 400 volunteers across the state [Victoria], has won in the Land and Biodiversity category at the recent Banksia Awards. The Banksias are... awards in Australia, promoting environmental excellence and sustainability. ... Funded locally through the North Central Catchment Management Authority, the project came about because a co-ordinated program across the state was needed to bring Victoria's declining wild orchids back from the brink of extinction. The on-ground work of the local team includes surveying to find new populations of orchids and careful monitoring to ensure they stay safe. ... One example of the rare species that are being recovered is the Bendigo Spider Orchid [Caladenia sp . aff . fragrantissima], which has only two plants presently growing in the wild. Through the work of the local project team, in conjunction with its partners at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne, new seedlings should be planted back into the wild within the next few years." Article URL: http://bendigo.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=general&story_id=502260&category=General&m=8&y=2006 ************** Regards, VB _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
