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May 6, 2024 Editor, the News-Gazette: Last week, we were shocked and dismayed to find that a large number of orchids had been dug up and removed from the Brushy Hills Preserve. This action both betrays community trust and compromises the local ecosystem.
Most native orchids are in decline, and attempts to transplant them almost always fail because they do not tolerate environmental changes well. Once a population is wiped out, it does not come back. If you see an orchid anywhere in the wild, it’s essential to leave it in place. This will allow everyone to continue to enjoy these beautiful flowers for years to come.
All the native plants in the Preserve, including the orchids, are an integral part of the forest ecosystem. These plants have increasingly flourished in recent years thanks to volunteers who have spent many thousands of hours removing invasive non-native plants.
We urge visitors to enjoy the beautiful woodland just as it is. If you must take something, take a photo! ALEXIA SMITH Coordinator, Friends of Brushy Hills
