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| Flora-Quest '08 NOW ON LINE Click here for registration Detailed Trip Descriptions Complete Agenda Established in 2007, Flora-Quest is a hand’s-on learning adventure focusing on wild plants. Centered at the beautiful Shawnee State Park resort in the middle of Ohio’s largest contiguous forest, the 65,000-acre Shawnee State Forest, a mind-boggling array of plants is at our fingertips. Roughing it is hardly necessary; facilities at the lodge are top-notch and good hotels are within 25 minutes in the city of Portsmouth. Just to the west of Shawnee is the sprawling Edge of Appalachia preserve. Filled with unusual habitats and possessing one of the state’s highest concentrations of rare plants, the Edge is a botanical paradise. Flora-Quest trips are split between Shawnee and the Edge, and these packages offer participants the greatest botanical adventure to be had in Ohio, at the best time of year to explore this region. Upwards of 1,000 species of native plants are found in this area – there are only about 1,900 natives in all of Ohio. In addition to learning about common plants, most of which we’ll see in profusion, Flora-Quest participants will also have the opportunity to observe a number of great rarities. Particularly noteworthy are the Appalachian plants found no further north than Shawnee. Newcomers are often amazed to see southerners like umbrella magnolia, pinxter-flower azaleas, and early stoneroot in the forest. We are fortunate to have some of Ohio’s most gifted botanists and naturalists leading Flora-Quest expeditions. All of them know the area well, and are very familiar with the plant life of the region. Their leadership is invaluable, as first-timers (even second, third, and fourth!) are often overwhelmed by the vastness of Shawnee and the Edge, and scarcely know where to begin. Most of our guides are also well-versed in other facets of natural history, such as birds, butterflies, mosses and lichens, geology, etc. which only adds to the enjoyment of the trips. May is a time of rebirth in the natural world, and there is no better place to be than in the wildlands of Adams and Scioto counties to experience spring. We hope to see you at Flora-Quest! |
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'08 Location: Shawnee Lodge Registration: Agenda: Our Speakers: Our Guides: Field Trips: Photos: Birds Butterflies Flowers Trees Shawnee Plant List: Conservation: Housing: The Lodge Portsmouth Contact us: Paula Webmaster Photos provided by: Paula Harper Jim McCormac |
| May 2-4, 2008 |
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| Housing must be booked directly with Shawnee Lodge (or other options listed at our housing link). Registrations for: Appalachian Butterfly Conference Aug. 8-10, 2008 will be on line in March |
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