A while back...I think it was in the letter to the AOS thread...I posted that the AOS should create a page to help people find their nearest orchid society.
I was curious how difficult it might be...so I put one together. It's rather experimental due to its collaborative nature. Meaning, anybody can add their society and update it when appropriate. The openness of the structure makes me somewhat nervous...but based on what I've seen on this forum...people are quite good at taking online collaborative projects with a grain of salt.
Instead of just orchid societies...it's been expanded to include fern and bromeliad societies as well. Ferns and bromeliads are frequently found growing epiphytically with orchids in nature and their hobbyists often mount their epiphytic plants. So of all the various plant groups...people from those groups can most easily start branching off into orchids.
The presentation topics are included as well. Actually, the presentation is displayed first...followed by the presenter and then the orchid society. I think that when many younger people think of societies they think of funny hats, secret handshakes, strange rituals and even stranger members. Focusing slightly more on local events is a subtle distinction that perhaps might have greater appeal. The emphasis is more on the portrayal of societies as sources of information versus societies for societies' sake.
I'm posting in this category because the page also includes local shows...that and there's no society category in this forum.
What else...? The scope of events is global...versus just the United States.
The page displays best in
Chrome - Google's browser. If you use Explorer and the map doesn't work then check out
this page.
I think that's everything. Have fun with it and let me know if you have any questions.
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