Orchids are one of the most sought after plant species in the world. Two of the top seven most expensive flower purchases ever were of orchids, according to Mother Nature Network.

Because orchids are so valuable, they're difficult to find in the wild; most of the ones that grow naturally have been picked and sold.

Orchid picking has been an especially large problem in Florida. Before the railroad helped populate the area and allowed for easy transport of supplies to and from the region, the southern portion of the state had a seemingly "endless supply" of the species, according to Carl Lewis, director of the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. As new inhabitants recognized the beauty of the plant -- and both old and new recognized the profits -- the stems were picked by the thousands and put in pots. Suddenly, the orchid became an endangered species

To help restore the orchid in southern Florida, Lewis' lab is attempting to grow a million of the flowers, according to National Geographic. To do so, they're enlisting the help of area high schools (and their students). The collaboration will not only add extra manpower, but it will help establish a relationship between the community and the environment. Lewis believes that relationship is the future of conservationism.

"The basic concept is to get these orchids out into the community," Lewis told the Palm Beach Post. "We're trying to get them into some of the most population-dense urban areas here in South Florida."

Re-building orchids to their former glory might only be possible in the lab at this point, Lewis pointed out. Every pod contains thousands of seed, less than 10 of which end up in the requisite conditions to grow. Lewis' lab, however, can mimic ideal conditions so every one of the thousand seeds grows.