06/02/2026
Illinois College is proud to celebrate another international honor in orchid conservation research as the collaborative Orchid Conservation Chelsea exhibit earned a Gold Medal at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London.
Illinois College played a central role in the award-winning effort through the leadership of Hitchcock Professor of Biology Lawrence Zettler. This marks the second consecutive year the project has received the prestigious award.
This year's exhibit, The Orchids of China – Beauty & Conservation, brought together leading researchers and institutions from around the world to showcase the beauty, diversity and urgent conservation needs of one of the world's most endangered plant families.
A special congratulations to IC students Sydni Maggart ’27 and Jena Sellers ’26, as well as alum Adam Herman ’18, who gained hands-on experience working alongside global conservation partners and contributing to this award-winning effort.
Illinois College has once again earned international recognition for orchid conservation research, as its collaborative Orchid Conservation Chelsea exhibit was awarded a second consecutive Gold Medal at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London.