MGV Field Trip to NC Zoo Oct.25th 2007

an informative behind-the-scenes tour of the horticultural workings of the zoo. The tour interpreter was Virginia (Gin) Wall, Curator of Horticulture, who heads a staff of over three dozen people who select, install and maintain the plant material used in zoo exhibits and landscaping. Wall’s staff manages about 1500 acres in all. In addition to the zoo site, they are responsible for a few protected sites of botanical significance, including two that are home to the endangered Schweinitz’s sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii).

The group visited parts of the Streamside exhibit that features some of the plants and animals that could be found along a stream as it flows from the mountains to the coastal plain.

We also visited the R. J. Reynolds Forest Aviary, a free-flight exhibit of plants and birds from rainforests around the world.

article by Sheilah Lombardo.  To read this in its entirety go to

Zoo Article

Orchid Trip to Seagrove

On May 3, 2007 , fifteen FCMGVs traveled to Seagrove , NC , to visit Seagrove Orchids, a delightful orchid breeding and growing facility masterminded by Linda Thorne.

A morning with Linda and her prize winning orchids culminated in an orchid buying frenzy.  The Trip Committee is looking into more local visits such as Salem College and Old Salem itself.