Summary
NERRA's blog post "Orchids: Connecting Students to Science and Place" highlights innovative educational programs in Alaska that use native orchids to engage students in ecological research and conservation.
Photo: Pratt Museum staff show peat and orchid growth during a KBNERR Teachers on the Estuaries Training, planted by Homer Middle School Students as part of the Orchids in the Classroom program co-hosted by Kachemak Bay Research Reserve and Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.
Learn more about this program by reading NERRA’s blog post “Orchids: Connecting Students to Science and Place” which highlights an innovative educational program in Alaska that uses native orchids to engage students in ecological research and conservation. Led by the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, and the Pratt Museum, the initiative teaches students about the vital role of peatlands while providing hands-on experience in growing orchids under experimental conditions. By participating in real-time scientific studies, students are contributing valuable data on orchid-fungal relationships and helping to develop peatland monitoring strategies. The program fosters a deeper appreciation for science, conservation, and Alaska’s unique ecosystems, aiming to inspire future environmental stewardship.