The Orchid Society of Northern Nevada (OSNN) had its beginnings in the summer of 1985 when Dr. Hugh Mozingo, A Professor of Botany at the University of Nevada, Reno, visited the offices of John Anundsen, an attorney and financial planner. Both men had been growing orchids in their homes. Both wondered if there were others in the Reno areas that were doing the same.

Chet Bramlett, who is still a member of OSNN, was known to both as growing orchids was contacted and a meeting was arranged. A decision then was made to put a notice in the paper to see if there were other people in the area who would enjoy participating in an orchid society. The response was surprising; fifteen people eagerly joined the newly formed society.

Meeting first in homes, the orchid society grew and then met in the May Museum at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno. By-Laws were drawn up in 1987. John Anundsen was the first president, Chet Bramlett Vice President. A newsletter was proposed and Hugh Mozingo became the first editor. In 1989 the May Museum asked for a yearly payment for the meeting room and John Templeton, a friend of one of the members, volunteered the auditorium at the Sierra Pacific building. This was the meeting place of the society until December 2001, when security concerns mandated that outside groups could no longer meet in the building.

February 2002 found the OSNN meeting in a store at the Parklane Mall. That remained the meeting place until October 2002 when member Dr. Eugene Horsley arranged with St. Mary’s Hospital for the use of a conference room once a month in the basement of the hospital. That room continues to be the meeting place of the society.

Northern Nevada is a unique challenge for growing orchids and the fluctuations of the number of members of the OSNN reflect that challenge. The society has been very fortunate in having excellent speakers who enjoy coming to the Reno area. Often they address the problems encountered by orchid growers in the high desert areas that make up the Reno environs.

The Orchid Society of Northern Nevada is an affiliate of of the American Orchid Society.

The Society meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month at St. Marys Hospital Conference Room. Various topics are covered such as planting and growing techniques. Speakers offer a variety of cultural information. Members are encouraged to bring an orchid or two to share with the group. There is also an orchid filled raffle table. A ticket to win an orchid of your choice can be purchased at the meeting for $2.00 a ticket. Remember if you bring a dessert you receive a free raffle ticket!
2006 speakers were: Ramon de los Santos, Alan Koch, Dick Stone, Sean Abbott, Dennis Olivas & Kathleen Barrett, Sue Wedengaertner, Lt. Col. Richard Butchter, Charles Sims.

Members are from a diverse group from all over Northern Nevada and California. Beginners to experts provide an excellent resource of knowledge and advice. Our members grow orchids under a variety of conditions, including greenhouses, underlights and even windowsills.

If you would like more information about Orchid Society of Northern Nevada or would like to join click here.

Dues are $22.00 per year payable in January. If you join in July or after dues will be $11.00 for the rest of the year.