Events

Native Orchids of Illinois with Kathleen Garness
Many people are completely unaware of Illinois’ incredible biological diversity, and its national and international leadership role in conservation. Kathleen will present an overview of all of Illinois’ native orchid species with some considerations about their conservation and future as ‘canaries in the coal mine’ of habitat and surface water quality.

Kathleen has been studying and illustrating orchids - native and tropical - for decades. Her artwork has been exhibited widely and her articles published in many venues, including Chicago Wilderness Magazine, Smithsonian in Your Classroom, and Keys to Nature - Orchids on the Field Museum website. Kathleen brings both an artist’s and a natural areas steward’s perspective to native orchid conservation.

Cypripedium candidum Photo: Kathleen Garness

Free and open to the public.   Park on the east side of The Priory and enter through the door on the east.  Follow the hallway to the end, turn left, and follow that hallway.  Turn right up the stairs (or go straight to the elevator), and head up to the second floor.

For the accessibility entrance, enter through the south doors.   There is an elevator, which goes to the second floor.  Exit the elevator and turn left for Room 259.