Inaugural Botanical Symposium to Blossom in Yosemite National Park October 28-30

Noted botanists to lead weekend program for flora and forest enthusiasts.

An extraordinary team of experts and professionals in the field of botany will gather together for the first Yosemite Botanical Symposium October 28 to 30, 2005 at the Wawona Hotel in Yosemite National Park. The program will be conducted by the Yosemite Association, an award-winning non-profit organization that offers a wide variety of interpretive programs and field classes throughout the year.

The weekend’s activities include numerous indoor and field presentations on topics such as: new and rare plant species, park resource management issues, Giant Sequoias, the botanical studies of John Muir, Sierra trees and forests, fire ecology and management, flora unique to Yosemite, memories of field time with ranger/professor Carl Sharsmith, and more. Some excursions will involve carpooling or hiking to local destinations.

One of the program’s noted speakers will be Dr. Peter Raven, Director of the Missouri Botanical Garden and Professor of Botany at Washington University. Dr Raven’s discussions entitled “Sustainability and Our Common Future,” “The Origins of California’s Unique Biodiversity,” and “Where We’re Headed – What We Can Do” are highly anticipated components of the Symposium.

Dr. Raven will be joined by Stephen Botti, author of the seminal An Illustrated Flora of Yosemite National Park, representatives from the California Native Plant Society, the National Park Service, the USGS Biological Resources Division, and a host of other experts, to discuss various subjects related to the park’s flowering and non-flowering plants.

“This Symposium will offer something of interest for every level of attendee,” said Pete Devine, Yosemite Association’s Educational Programs Director. “From casual wildflower enthusiasts to academic level devotees, this will be an enjoyable weekend for all in the spectacular setting of southern Yosemite.”

Cost for the weekend symposium is $230 per person, and Yosemite Association members receive their usual 15% discounted registration fee. The $20 park entrance fee is waived for registered participants. To register for the program, call (209) 379-2321 or sign up online at http://www.yosemite.org/seminars/index.html.

Symposium attendees have a choice of free camping at the Wawona Campground or may opt to reserve a room at the Wawona Hotel, at the specially reduced rate of $85 to $170 per night. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-321-5261. Additional lodging may be available in Yosemite Valley, and reservation information can be obtained by calling 1-559-252-4848.

About the Yosemite Association

The Yosemite Association offers over 80 field courses annually on a wide variety of outdoor related topics throughout Yosemite. Subjects include art and writing, astronomy, birding, cultural history, interpretive backpacks, Native American, natural history, outdoor skills, photography, volunteer service, wildflowers and botany, as well as classes customized for families, children and women.

Founded in 1923, Yosemite Association revenues are used to support education, museum, research and environmental programs in Yosemite through donations to the National Park Service.

Yosemite Outdoor Adventure participants do not have to be a member of Yosemite Association to attend field courses. However, those who wish to become a steward of Yosemite, one of the world’s most beautiful places, can join the Yosemite Association with memberships starting at $35 per year. Membership benefits include discounted room rates in and around Yosemite, a 15% discount on all outdoor adventures, subscription to “ Yosemite,” the quarterly journal of the Association, 15% discount on all books, maps, posters and calendars, and regular email newsletters.

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