The Orchid Species Preservation Foundation (OSPF) was established in 1991 by a group of local orchid enthusiasts working in collaboration with the Muttart Conservatory. The goal, set in 1991, was to develop a ‘world renowned’ orchid species collection for the citizens of Edmonton, orchid enthusiasts, and conservationists around the globe.
The base of the collection was a large personal collection of Orchid Species was donated to the city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada by the Lorne Stewart family of Vancouver, B.C. This initial donation has grown to over 4500 orchids, representing over 1000 individual species. This wonderful orchid collection is housed at the Muttart Conservatory located in the city’s beautiful river valley.
As a volunteer, registered non-profit charitable foundation, the OSPF is managed by a ten-member Board of Directors which is elected annually by the members of the foundation.
In 1995 – 96 the outer shell of a dedicated orchid greenhouse was constructed with funds raised by the Foundation. In 2001 -2002 sufficient funds had been raised to complete internal plumbing, electrical and mechanical installations.
In May of 2004 the OSPF officially opened this dedicated greenhouse for the orchid species collection.
The greenhouse has a total of 5000 square feet of growing space, a 1200 sq. ft. cool section, 1200 sq. ft. intermediate section and a 2600 sq. ft. warm growing section.
Included were state of the art mechanical and electronic devices, computer controlled to establish the ideal growing conditions for the orchid collection. A high pressure misting system and air conditioning has now been added.
A segregated holding and isolation area was constructed to control insects and diseases from entering the greenhouse from plants that had been on display or donated to the collection.
The orchid species collection is a living heritage for the citizens of Edmonton and orchid conservationists around the world. The collection plays a leading role in the complex efforts to conserve species orchids from becoming extinct. The OSPF supports and endorses the conservation and educational efforts of all orchid conservation groups and organizations.