The Northern Neck Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society will host an open public meeting and program at the Lancaster Community Library, 235 School St. Kilmarnock, on Thursday, October 17th from Noon to 2:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to this free event.

Don't forget our meeting this Thursday at the Lancaster Community Library in Kilmarnock at noon.

Join botanist Zach Bradford for a program on the native orchids of the Northern Neck region. “We have over 65 different species of orchids in Virginia, making the Commonwealth a biological hotspot for orchids, said Kevin Howe, Vice President of the Chapter. I am sure that is a surprise to most people and, in fact, Virginia ranks in the top three states with the most species. Many are small and quite rare but all are beautiful and a treasure to find in the wild.”

Zach is the Chesapeake Bay Region Supervisor for Virginia’s Natural Heritage Program where he oversees the natural area preserves in our region. That includes our local Preserves – Hickory Hollow, Hughlett Point, Dameron Marsh and Bush Mill Stream as well as several others in the Coastal Plain. Virginia’s Natural Heritage Program is a Division within the Dept. of Conservation and Recreation.

Zach, a graduate of William and Mary, has spent thirty years studying and helping to protect the wild orchids of Virginia.

Following a short presentation on the Chapter’s October Plant of the Month and some announcements, Zach will impress all with orchids, which is the largest plant family in the world. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch or snack and enjoy a social gathering with members and light refreshments while announcements are presented. The orchid presentation will begin around 12:30.