Canandaigua Botanical Society History

The Canandaigua Botanical Society is the second oldest* botanical club in continuous existence in the United States, established on May 13, 1874! The early group was composed of avid botanists who sought out and studied all types of plants growing in the local area. An extensive collection of pressed specimens was prepared by the club most of which are currently housed in the Finger Lakes Herbarium at the local community college.

Today the society is made up of individuals who, while having a wide range of knowledge from novice to expert, share a love of nature. Interests range from wildflower enthusiasts to edible wild plant connoisseurs, from fern fanciers to mushroom afficionados.

Many of our members are active in related nature and conservation oriented organizations. Members enjoy leisurely paced hikes which allow time to see what is underfoot, overhead and all around us when we really look.

Check back to this blogsite and please join us for a Canandaigua Botanical Society field trip!


*Torrey Botanical Society was established in 1867