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21st ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM April 25 -29, 2024
We are pleased to announce that the NOC annual symposium will convene in an area of the country we have not visited as a group - The Longleaf Pine Flatwoods of Texas and Louisiana!
Join us as we visit this unique venue, present a full slate of outstanding speakers and enjoy two full days of guided field trips which could yield as many as twelve blooming orchid taxa.
Click HERE for details
Registrations are now being accepted.
As usual, we are limited to 100 participants
Click HERE to register!
Annual Symposium
The NOC annual symposium is the highlight of the year for many native orchid enthusiasts. This multi-day event was initiated in 2002 in North Carolina and has been held every year since. Other venues have included: Alberta, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Manitoba, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, West Virginia, Washington 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.
