2008 BOTANY BC PROGRAM

Thursday, May 15th – Welcome – Introductions & late Registrations

6:30 to 9:00 pm.  Meet and greet at Italian Hall – 5866 Lund St. (north Powell River)

Come and meet & greet old and new friends & botanists, enjoy some Italian appetizers, BYOB and enjoy a drink while we review the weekend program.  Coffee, tea & juice will also be available

7:30 to 8:00 pm.  Welcome from Sliammon First Nation and Mayor of Powell River

8:00 to 9:00 pm.  Presentation on the local geology and flora by Terry Ludwar and John Dove

Friday, May 16th - Texada Island

Depart by bus or carpools on the 8:30 am ferry to Texada Island (meet at ferry?)

First site: Blubber Bay area with large colonies of giant chain fern (Woodwardia fimbriata), points of geological interest, 30-40 minutes hiking each way (John Dove to lead)

Second site: Van Anda Lagoon with well developed salt marsh with limestone; Jaumea carnosa present; easy access (Terry Ludwar to lead)

Possible third site: Marshall Point on north end of island (walk-in access); more interesting limestone and groves of Juniperus maritima; possible Allium amplectens (John Dove to lead)

Depart for Powell River on the 5 pm ferry

Dinner on your own but evening botanical presentations and social activities beginning at 7:30 pm (venue and activities to be announced)

Saturday, May 17th - Powell River area

9:00 am.  Meet at parking lot of Italian Culture Centre adjacent to Wildwood Bluffs

First site: Wildwood Bluffs (traditional Sliammon lands known as T'ees Kwat); extensive coastal bluffs with Aspidotis densa, Pentagramma triangularis, large colonies of Piperia elongata and   Piperia transversa (Terry Ludwar to lead)

Second site: Deer Lake Bog; 15 min drive from Italian Cultural Centre and 45-60 min hike (Eagle Walz to lead)

Possible third site: Valentine Mountain; easy hike with vista

Return to Powell River by 5:00 pm.

6:30 to 8:30 pm. Banquet and Botany BC Annual General Meeting (“Where will Botany BC 2009 be held?”) in the Pow Wow Room at the Beach Gardens Resort http://www.beachgardens.com/main.htm ;

8:30 pm and onwards.  - ; spirited and scintillating social activities to be led by our stunning and creative social directors Andy MacKinnon and Claudia Schaefer 

Sunday, May 18th - Informal Trips

9:00 am. Conference adjourns but potential informal visits include Savary Island dunes (small group only), a return trip to Texada Island to search for more interesting ferns, or to Scout Mountain (1.5 hr hike each way but good botanizing) (more details to follow)