Annual Symposium

The NOC annual symposium is the highlight of the year for many native orchid enthusiasts. This four day event was initiated in 2002 in North Carolina and has been held every year since.  Other venues have included: Alberta, California, Delaware, Florida, Manitoba, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ontario, Oregon, South Carolina, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

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A typical symposium includes two days of lectures by well-known individuals who are highly respected in their field.  An overview of the history, culture, geology and natural history of the venue is included.  In addition, research topics, travelogues, conservation reports, taxonomic changes and other related subjects add to the interesting lecture line-up.  There are also two days of field-trips to nearby sites which have been staked-out by local NOC volunteers and students.  It is normal to see between ten and twenty species of orchids.  The symposium is timed to coincide with peak bloom times so most of the plants are in flower.  Photography opportunities abound.

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A most enjoyable feature of the symposium is the chance to socialize with old friends as well as the opportunity to make new ones.  Many lasting friendships and professional relationships began at an annual NOC symposium.  

     OLYMPIC PENINSULA SYMPOSIUM RE-SCHEDULED
The twice cancelled Olympic Peninsula Symposium is now planned for JUNE 24-27, 2022.   Click on the links below for complete symposium information and registration form:                     SYMPOSIUM FLYER - REGISTRATION - LODGING

    NOC VIRTUAL LECTURE SERIES 
Presentations will be conducted via Zoom starting at 5:30 PM Pacific time (8:30 PM Eastern time). You will receive additional information and login instructions one week prior, and a reminder one day prior, to the event. 

            October 26

            Protecting Cypripedium candidum and Platanthera leucophaea in Illinois

                        Cathy Bloome - Citizen Scientist; NOC Director

            November 23           

            Seed Collection and Germination of Platanthera dilatata

                        Doug Martin, Ph.D. - Case Grant Chair & Linnea Hanson, Membership Chair

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            January 25

            Orchids of the Sky Islands

                         Ben Rostron - Past President, NOC

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                                                        Previous lectures may be viewed below.

  My Three Decade Affair with the Ghost Orchid

Mike Owen 3/30/2021

 Orchids of the Plumas

Linnea Hanson 4/27/2021

Aggregated Pollen:  Why and Why Not 
Tatyana Livshultz 6/15/2021