About Us

Founded in 1990, today the Coalition for Orchid Species is an AOS affiliate with members througout the world. 

History:
The dream to start an all-species orchid club was actually the brain child of Janet Travis, and after much discussion with several orchid enthusiasts, we made a decision to meet and talk over the formation of a club. As orchids comprise the largest flowering plant group in the world, and with the increased destruction of their natural habitat, the reasons for starting this unusual club was conservation, and to educate the public about orchid species. The nucleus of that first meeting back in 1990, was held at the home of Ramona and Gene Dangler. The original group consisted of Janet Travis, Gene Dangler, Bonnie and Will Riley, Doug Beard, and Lou Lodyga.

Topics covered that night were what to name the club, what types of programs would be given, who would present these programs, the possibility of having an all orchid species show with AOS judging (we had 6 AOS judges in the club), where to hold the meetings, as well as ways to raise money to buy orchid books and run the club. One basic idea that everyone agreed with was that we (the club members) all would give talks and not just sit there and be expected to be entertained by the other members. That night we also dealt with creating a constitution and by-laws, tax exemption status, and affiliation with the American Orchid Society.

Meetings were held at the Dangler’s house. We all threw money into a "pot" to start a nest egg which would cover the startup costs for the club. As Janet Travis declined to accept the role as the first president, it was given to Gene Dangler. As president, he also took care of sending out meeting notices, collecting dues and maintaining the roster. We all took turns giving programs as well as procuring some top notch speakers. One thing enjoyed by all members was the plant table. Species, from all over the world, covered the tables as members talked about their plants and gave cultural advice. Members could also "silent auction" divisions of their plants, contribute to and purchase plants from auctions which we held yearly.

As the membership in COS increased, we all agreed that Fairchild Tropical Gardens would be the best place for us to move to, but that was not to be. We moved into the meeting room of Christ the King Lutheran Church on Red Road and Gene was elected to another term in office. Lou Lodyga was elected as the second president in 1992 & 1993. Part of our agreement with the church was that we establish some orchids on the oaks which were scattered over the property. Members donated plants and helped secure them onto the trees. The orchids did great in their new location, the flowers gave much pleasure to members and church goers alike- then came Hurricane Andrew! Wow! Many of the trees and orchids were destroyed. Shortly after this, the church decided they were going to remodel, so we had to move. During this time, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden became our new home.

Our membership continues to increase, and the COS Board has added new events to keep everyone’s interest levels high. One such event, started in 2007, was an all-species symposium. This has been an overwhelming success, and we are now planning our 4th Species Symposium for 2010. Another sell-out activity is our annual June bus trip to various orchid nurseries in Florida. We sure know how to give our membership more orchids and more fun! Be sure to get your tickets for both events early, before they sell out! We also have an annual all-species auction in the fall, so be sure to watch the website and newsletter for this event, which always guarantees terrific plants and satisfied orchidists!