The fourth annual Bruce Peninsula Orchid Festival will take place on May 27-29, 2005 in Tobermory, Ontario. The festival is a celebration of the beauty, diversity and preservation of orchids and other wildflowers on the upper Bruce Peninsula. This area is renowned for its diversity of native orchids. An astonishing 44 orchid species occur on ‘the Bruce’, ranging from abundant Yellow Lady Slippers to rare species such as the Ram's Head Lady Slipper. For a small area, the Bruce Peninsula has one of the greatest varieties of natural orchids in North America.

Festival activities are varied, and offer a chance to see native orchids and wildflowers in the wild, to learn from experienced naturalists and be inspired by the rugged scenery of the area. Hosted by the Friends of Bruce District Parks, events include guided hikes, photo workshops, car-caravan orchid tours, a live demo with a flying squirrel, and much more! A highlight of the festival is a feature presentation by renowned Canadian nature photographer Ron Erwin.

Full details are available by visiting: www.orchidfest.ca or by contacting Lenore Keeshig-Tobias at Parks Canada (519-596-2444 ext. 304). Please note that some activities have limited space and require pre-registration. All proceeds support local efforts by the non-profit Friends of Bruce District Parks.

The Bruce Peninsula Orchid Festival emphasizes sensitive visitation to view and photograph orchids, so that healthy populations will remain for the future.

www.orchidfest.ca

---------------------------------------------------
Ethan Meleg
Outreach Coordinator
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Fathom Five National Marine Park
(519) 596-2444 ext. 318