Orchid Restoration

Cyripedium Arientinum

Photo by Ridges Sanctuary

Through a multi-partner collaboration, the Ridges Sanctuary is leading the way in terrestrial orchid research and restoration, including the threatened Ram’s Head Lady’s Slipper. Included as part of the Ridges Sanctuary-Toft's Point-Mud Lake Area National Natural Landmark northeast of Green Bay, Wisconsin, this area contains a series of sand ridges and swales with associated boreal forest and bog vegetation, unusually high species diversity, as well as the best mixed stand of large red and white pine, hemlock, and northern hardwoods on the western shore of Lake Michigan. To date, 24 of Wisconsin’s 40 species of native orchids have been located within the Sanctuary. Current orchid research includes an inventory of orchid populations, investigating the specific environmental conditions and germination techniques required by each species, and identifying the ongoing threats to these populations.

Learn more about the National Natural Landmarks program.