Presentation will discuss the fascinating genus of Pachypodiums, both in habitat and in cultivation. 

Brief Biography of

Wendell S. (Woody) Minnich, 2024

Woody, as he is commonly known, grew up in the Mojave Desert and has had an attraction to desert plants and animals since the early 1950’s. He has been involved with the cactus and succulent world for over 52 years, as a grower, field explorer, club and organization leader, writer, photographer, lecturer and presenter.

Having been a speaker all over the world, Woody is most often associated with giving presentations on his field work from the wild places he has traveled. This talk will be featuring his encounters with many beautiful flowering cacti and other succulents, as well as his observations of their pollinators. He has published numerous articles and his photography is featured in many books including; “The Copiapoa” by Schulz, “The Mammillaria Handbook” by Pilbeam, “The Cactus Lexicon” By Hunt and Charles, as well as many others. As of November 2017, he is featured as the primary photographer in the sold out book “The Xerophile.” This book specializes in what the authors call, The Obsessed Field workers from around the world. 

Woody and his wife, Kathy, live in Cedar Grove, New Mexico. He is a retired secondary school teacher of 32 years where he taught Graphics, Art and Architecture. In the cactus and succulent hobby, Woody is recognized for his high energy and creative spirit. As an educator, he has become an important part of the hobby and thus is an honorary life member of thirteen C&S societies across the country. Woody has also served on the CSSA board and in many leadership positions with numerous other societies. He is a co-creator, and currently the president, of the Santa Fe Cactus and Succulent Club. With 52 years in the hobby and 64 years in the field, he has many experiences to share and thousands of photos to show. If you’re like Woody, put your glasses on and turn up your hearing aids, and we’ll all have some fun.