Million Orchid Project takes over Coconut Grove

Miami City Commissioner Ken Russell, the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District (BID) and botanists from Fairchild Botanical Garden, along with volunteers of all ages will mount 250 rare and endangered orchid seedlings onto tree trunks at the intersection of Main Highway, Grand Avenue and McFarland Road on Monday, September 24.

“Launching the Million Orchid Project to Coconut Grove brings all the things we love about the Grove together: environment, history and beauty," said Commissioner Russell. “This is just the beginning of a bigger vision for thoughtful beautification in Coconut Grove.”

To combat the near-extinction of South Florida’s native orchid population, Fairchild’s Million Orchid Program is helping reintroduce rare and endangered orchid species into our urban landscape. Schoolyards, hospitals and roadways are just some of the recipients of the reintroduction initiative, which aims to have the first generation of reestablished orchids blooming throughout South Florida within five years. 

The return of orchids to the Grove will reinforce the neighborhood’s ‘Garden District’ identity and beautify and enhance the street-level experience for workers, visitors, and residents alike. 

The agenda:
8:30 – 9:00 am: Welcome and coffee at The Bookstore and Kitchen (3444 Main Hwy) 
9:00 – 9:15 am: VIP remarks 
9:45 – 10:00 am: Orchid planting