While Sutton, owner of Sutton Siding & Remodeling Inc., in Springfield, never became a scientist, he has played an important role aiding Lawrence W. Zettler, professor of biology, with the Illinois College Orchid Recovery Program.

Sutton recalls receiving a phone call from Marcia Short ’86, executive director of development and alumni relations, explaining Zettler’s project and how he might participate through his upcoming travel plans to Maui. Sutton immediately thought it sounded like a great way to connect to IC and spread the word about the school.

After a few conversations with Dr. Zettler, Sutton was prepared to transport the delicate orchid seedlings to be transferred to the proper authorities and eventually replanted in Hawaii. After overcoming a few setbacks with the paperwork, Sutton was ready to hand-care for the 26 seedlings. He met Dr. Zettler at the airport on the morning of his flight to get the precious cargo and accompanying paperwork.

Sutton landed in Hawaii and was met by an agricultural inspector and then by natural resources personnel to handle the plants. Sutton said that visiting the facility where the orchids would temporarily be housed in Olinda, Maui, was a highlight of the trip.

“What an experience to see these rare plants and listen to our hosts tell us about each one ... I am looking forward to have another opportunity to be the transporter of other orchids and learn about how the original orchids are thriving,” he said. Sutton was also able to make a return trip with a single test tube orchid in 2016.

A new development in Illinois College’s orchid research was recently announced with the Palau Orchid Conservation Initiative. The collaborative project, through the North American Orchid Conservation Center, includes research proposals to inventory orchids on the island and promote their conservation and restoration. Partners include the USDA, Smithsonian Institution and the Palau Forestry Bureau of Agriculture.