2020 Wild Orchids Forever Stamp Booklet – Celebrate America’s Native Orchids

2020 Wild Orchids (Booklet) – A Tribute to America’s Native Orchids

Showcasing the Beauty and Diversity of Wild Orchids

The 2020 Wild Orchids Forever stamps feature nine different species of orchids native to the United States, with one species shown twice. These orchids, often hidden in wetlands and swamps, symbolize nature’s delicate beauty. As a result, the set highlights the rarity of these species and serves as a reminder to protect their habitats.

Stamp Details and Features

• Stamp Category: Definitive
• Face Value: 73¢ First-Class Mail Rate (Forever)
• First Day of Issue: February 21, 2020
• First Day City: Coral Gables, Florida
• Quantity Issued: 500,000,000
• Printed By: Banknote Corporation of America
• Printing Method: Offset
• Format: Double-sided Booklets of 20
• Perforations: Serpentine die cut 10 ¾ x 11 on 2 or 3 sides
• Tagging: Phosphor tagged paper, block

About the Stamp Design

The 2020 Wild Orchids stamps showcase 10 photographs by Jim Fowler, each capturing the beauty of a different wild orchid species. These include the California lady’s slipper, crested coralroot, showy lady’s slipper, and marsh lady’s tresses. Interestingly, one species is shown twice. These stamps highlight the orchids’ beauty and their rarity.

First Day of Issue in Coral Gables, Florida

The First Day of Issue Ceremony for the 2020 Wild Orchids stamps took place in Coral Gables, Florida. Originally, the ceremony was to be held at the American Orchid Society’s headquarters, but it was adjusted due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, it celebrated both the beauty and fragility of wild orchids, even with limited attendance.

Why the Stamp Was Issued

The USPS issued the Wild Orchids stamps to celebrate the beauty and diversity of wild orchids in the U.S. Moreover, these stamps raise awareness about the challenges these species face. As such, they encourage conservation efforts to protect these orchids for future generations.

The History Behind Wild Orchids

North America is home to about 200 native orchid species. These orchids grow in wetlands, swamps, and bogs, and they can be difficult to spot in the wild. The 2020 stamps showcase nine wild orchid species, including the marsh lady’s tresses and greater purple fringed. Regrettably, these species are rare and hard to find today.

In addition, orchids are vulnerable to environmental changes. They depend on specific animals and fungi to survive. Since many species are found only in wetlands, and these areas are disappearing rapidly, the stamps highlight the urgent need for orchid conservation.

Conservation Efforts for Wild Orchids

Organizations like the North American Orchid Conservation Center (NAOCC) are working to protect wild orchids. The NAOCC is jointly operated by the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and the U.S. Botanic Garden. Through their efforts, they aim to restore orchid populations across the country. Because of this, there is hope for the future of wild orchids.

Protecting Wild Orchids

While it may be tempting to collect wild orchids, this action can harm their fragile ecosystems. Therefore, to preserve them, it is important to respect their habitats. By observing orchids in the wild, we ensure they remain for future generations to enjoy.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the 2020 Wild Orchids Forever stamps honor the wild orchids of North America. They remind us of the delicate balance in nature and the importance of conservation. In conclusion, these stamps celebrate the beauty of these rare flowers and encourage action to protect them. Whether you’re an orchid enthusiast or nature lover, these stamps highlight a species worth preserving.