The North Jersey Orchid Society is proud to present Tom Mirenda as its speaker for the July 10, 2014 meeting in East Hanover NJ. This Free Event is expected to be popular, so you are requested to sign up at
Tom Mirenda has been the Orchid Collection Specialist at the Smithsonian Institution for the last 10 years, where he cares for and curates an extremely diverse collection of orchid species and hybrids from all over the world. His position includes developing and producing huge educational exhibits using the collection plants that last up to 4 months, and that are enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Trained originally as a Marine Biologist, Tom made the switch to plants and orchids in his late 20s while living in Hawaii. Since then he has worked with orchids at NY Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden and an extensive private collection at Greentree Estate in Long Island. Tom was also the floor manager at the New York International orchid Show for many years during this period. For the last 6 years, Tom has contributed two columns each month for the American Orchid Society's publication, ORCHIDS magazine, and is developing a new book based on those writings. Tom travels frequently around the US and internationally, making presentations to diverse audiences, from scientists to the general public, about orchid ecology, pollination biology, strategies for orchid conservation. He is passionate about seeking collaboration between the worlds of Botanic Gardens, the hobbyist community, commercial growers and scientists to work together toward the goal of protecting orchids and their habitats. Currently working on a project to coordinate and centralize North American orchid conservation efforts, Tom hopes to extend the influence to other parts of the world where orchids are imperiled.
Topic to be determined.
Tom Mirenda to speak Jul 10 in Norther NJ
Hmmmmm...he was to come to our mtg(DCOS)but seems he couldn't do both so lucky you! The articles he writes in Orchids are superb,not only full of fun facts but humourous as well. What an interesting and diverse background he has. Heard him speak at Longwood and knew I'd want to meet him again. Maybe next year.
Linear Mode
