Cycas debaoensis Event & Rare Plant Auction June 17th, 2007

On Saturday morning, June 17th, at 10:00 AM, Willie Tang, a key member of the World Conservation Union Cycad Specialist Group, will give a presentation on the Cycas debaoensis project in China. This project involves preserving the wild Cycas debaoensis population in Debao, Guangxi, China through a local community-based nursery program. It is part of a worldwide effort to achieve sustainable use of wild cycad populations.

Willie is Past President of the Cycad Society and has published numerous articles on cycad conservation, cycad ecology and insect pollination.

There will be a rare cycad auction after the presentation, all proceeds of which will go toward the Cycas debaoensis project in China.

If you are outside Southern California and/or can't attend this event, we have posted an online proxy bid plant list so you can participate in the auction. Please see the link below for more information.

The Cycas debaoensis project began in 1999 and was developed by cycad enthusiasts and scientists in China, U.S. and Thailand. Its goal was to connect conservation-minded cycad growers in the U.S. with the village where this rare cycad occurs. By constructing a village school, the project managers hope to develop a conservation ethic in both children and adults and at the same time enable villagers to grow the cycad as a crop for profit.

The presentation will take place at our nursery, 11801 Stagg St., North Hollywood. The talk will begin at 10:00 AM, with the charity auction beginning at 11:30 AM.

Afterwards, in response to requests from a number of customers, we will open the nursery for a limited time to allow purchases, a portion of which will be donated to the China Cycas debaoensis Project.

For more information, you may contact us at info@cycads.com or phone the nursery at (818) 759-0600.