Orchids of Newfoundland
Newfoundland (Canada) has an amazing orchid flora, given how far north it is. Perhaps the Slipper Orchids are the stars of the show. Orchids we hope to see include Yellow Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium pubescens), Showy Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium reginae) Platanthera hookeri, Platanthera huronense, Platanthera aquilonis, and the rare Corallorhiza striata var. vreelandii. Enjoy the blooms in the fabulous landscapes of Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The serpentine barrens and moonscapes features botanical gems such as Silene acaulis, Primula egaliksensis and the disjunct fern Adiantum aleuticum. We will see lots of alpine flowers! Other sites feature Iris, Primula, fossils, pitcher plants, sundews, ancient Native American and early viking sites. We can enjoy a boat trip out of St. Anthony and enjoy fabulous seafood meals.
Dates & Prices
Price per person: $4200 (shared accommodation) or $5200 single
Dates: July 12-19, 2024
Key Deadlines:
Deposit $1000. Due Jan 15, 2024. Deposits are refundable up to this point.
Balance of payment: March 15, 2024. This is not refundable unless a replacement can be found
Price Includes: Hotels, ground transportation, entrance to parks and historic sites, meals.
Price does not include: round trip airfare, alcoholic beverages, tips, souvenirs, items of a personal nature.
April 10 Guests arrive in Catania and transfer to our accommodation nearby. Welcome dinner. Overnight at the Catania International Airport Hotel.
April 11 Orchid-hunting on the slopes of Mt. Etna (Bronte & Linguaglossa).
Overnight Agriturismo A’Cunziria
April 12 Orchids of the Ferla area
Overnight Agriturismo A’Cunziria
April 13 Orchids of the Monte Lauro area
Overnight Agriturismo A’Cunziria
April 14 Visit the ancient city of Siracusa in the morning. Tour of the baroque town of Noto in afternoon.
Professional English speaking guides for the tours
Overnight Agriturismo A’Cunziria
April 15 Orchids of the Dirillo river valley and Priolo area.
Transfer day – Drive to new base for the next few days. There are several sites for orchids in the middle of the island where we can stop for comfort breaks and leg-stretches en route.
Overnight at Masseria Rossella
https://www.masseria-rossella.com/
April 16 Orchids of Madonie Massif area
Overnight at Masseria Rossella
April 17 Orchids of Madonie Massif area
Overnight at Masseria Rossella
April 18 Visit Agrigento for guided tour of the archaeological sites, Valley of the Temples, museum,
Professional English speaking guide for cultural heritage
Overnight at Masseria Rossella
April 19 Transfer to Palermo airport. Participants should plan on taking flights in the afternoon/evening home.
Todd Boland graduated from the Memorial University of Newfoundland with a Masters in plant ecology. Today he is the Research Horticulturist at the Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden. One of his many roles there is maintaining the ex situ population of rare endemic and near-endemic Newfoundland plants. He is one of the founding members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Wildflower Society and he is the current chair of the Newfoundland Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society. A prolific photographer, lecturer and writer, he has authored six field guides on the flora of Atlantic Canada. In his spare time he is an avid birder and has travelled throughout the Americas to fulfil his avian passions.