OUR MISSION
The mission of the Naples Orchid Society is to promote the appreciation and cultivation of orchids as a hobby and preserve wild orchids indigenous to Southwest Florida through education and research.
To these ends, NOS sponsors year-round activities intended to educate individuals in how to obtain and grow healthy blooming orchids which do well in our area. These activities include a highly regarded series of culture classes offered each winter; in the spring we hold our annual show and in the fall, a large orchid sale is held each October. We also offer scholarships and internships to promote research.
Founded in 1962, the NOS currently has approximately 225 members from a wide variety of backgrounds. Our members range from novice, to advanced hobbyist (many award winning), to recognized commercial growers. Other than payment of modest annual dues, the only requirement for membership is an interest in learning more about orchids and how they grow.
To learn more about the benefits of becoming a member of the NOS and how to join, please visit our Membership page.
The History of Naples Orchid Society
The Society’s first meeting was held on May 3, 1963, at the Voodoo Orchid Range. Twenty-one people attended the meeting. The first order of business was to form a nominating committee. Its slate of officers and trustees was elected unanimously, the first President being Lloyd Easterling, then Mayor of Naples. It was decided to meet on the first Thursday of every month. The amount of dues was determined and paid. Members were asked to bring … Continue reading →
(NOS History) The Next Twenty-Five Years – 1992 – 2017
The year 1992 marked the 30th Anniversary year of the Naples Orchid Society. The occasion was recognized with a Celebration Dinner and Award Banquet held at the Windstar Country Club on Thursday May 14, 1992—prime rib or baked red snapper were the entree choices. Eighty members and guests attended. In that same year NOS established a “Naples Orchid Society Scholastic Memorial Award” (in memory of Elinor Yocom)—to be awarded to a graduating high school student … Continue reading →