Dr. William Grant Morton is a dedicated botanist and conservationist with a profound passion for nature. He holds a Ph.D. in Botany with a specialization in Ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has devoted his career to the study and preservation of rare and endangered orchids. Before joining The Jewish Leadership Academy in Miami, where he now continues his conservation efforts, Dr. Morton made significant contributions to advancing orchid conservation techniques at the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Micropropagation and Conservation Seed Bank Laboratories. He shared insights on these techniques and discussed his current conservation endeavors

Dr. Romina Gazis is a distinguished plant pathologist specializing in the study of fungal diseases affecting orchids and other plants. With a strong academic background and years of research experience, Dr. Gazis focuses on the molecular interactions between pathogens and host plants, aiming to develop sustainable management strategies for orchid health. Her work has been instrumental in understanding the dynamics of orchid diseases, including the identification and characterization of harmful fungi. Dr. Gazis has published numerous articles in scientific journals and is a sought-after speaker in the field of plant pathology. Her passion for orchid conservation and plant health makes her a valuable voice in advancing both scientific knowledge and practical solutions for orchid growers worldwide.

The Miami Beach Orchid Society is thrilled to welcome Axel Cahiz, Orchid & Horticulture Specialist at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and founder of Amazonia Orchids, on November 20th at our monthly meeting at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Axel oversees Vizcaya’s prestigious collection of over 2,500 orchids, including rare species featured in the David A. Klein Orchidarium, and manages one of the largest collections of Cattleya species in the country. In his presentation, “Mastering Orchid Care and Cultivation,” Axel will share his extensive knowledge of orchid care, including insights from his Homestead nursery, Amazonia Orchids.

Dr. Downing will share the preservation and propagation techniques used in the Million Orchid Project, the world’s largest orchid conservation outreach program. You will hear about his work with the STEMLab Bus, a state-of-the-art mobile micropropagation lab, and learn about student-driven native orchid seed banking program. He will share tips for growing orchids in Miami that can also contribute to conservation efforts.

Join us for an imaginative night where Dr. Juraj Kojs will guide you in the right direction on how to think about collecting orchids. He will discuss the principles of building an
orchid collection, including balancing personal preferences, growing conditions, and care requirements. He will share strategies for plant selection and the suitability of various genera for South Florida's outdoor growing conditions. With over 60 awards from the American Orchid Society and a namesake orchid in his honor, Dr. Kojs’s unique blend of artistic creativity and botanical science will revolutionize the way you perceive and collect orchids.