Brendan Larson is an assistant professor in the Department of Environment and Resource Studies, Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo. He has been a naturalist since his childhood in Carolinian Canada, and has obtained degrees from the University of Guelph (biology), the University of Toronto (pollination ecology), and the University of California at Santa Barbara (science and society). He has also taught at UC-Davis, regon State University, and Linköping University (Sweden), currently advises several graduate students, and teaches a field natural history course at Cabot Head at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula each spring. He has been invited to present his research at conferences and workshops around the world and has published it many times in international refereed journals across the spectrum of the natural and social sciences, ranging from pollination ecology to the role of metaphors in communication about biodiversity. His book, Metaphors for Environmental Sustainability: Redefining Our Relationship with Nature, will be published by Yale University Press this spring. He has served on the Board of Directors of World Wildlife Fund – Canada and is currently President of Ontario Nature
 (http://www.ontarionature.org.). For more information, please click here

Ethan Meleg

Ross McLean is a long-time volunteer with the Bruce Trail Conservancy, especially in the Bruce Peninsula, where he had helped out especially with trail design and development. Ross has a fascination with its geology, flora and fauna. He is an Honorary Director of the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club and is a Honorary (Life) Member of the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Ross is a past volunteer with the Friends of the Bruce Parks, especially on Flowerpot Island volunteer work crews. ("Honorary Citizen of Flowerpot Island"); also a former Board member and currently an Honorary Member. He is a former member of the Park Advisory Committee. He also does volunteer work with National Parks in the U.S.A. and the Caribbean. His goal is to help provide public access and preservation of a unique environment

Chuck Carson & Karin Adams have been active photographers for many years on their own and within local camera clubs. Karin was the President of Country Images Camera Club, based in Newmarket, for almost 20 years until recently, as Chuck took over the club’s leadership for the past three years. While both are passionate about Nature photography through flowers, critters, and landscapes, they are equally happy shooting junkyards, cityscapes, architecture and graphic design.

Both Karin and Chuck have been involved with the Orchid Festival since 2003, first assisting with and then leading the photographic workshops, sharing their enthusiasm with participants at all skill levels. The photo workshop will offer a blending of their expertise as Chuck will cover technical features while Karin will outline creative expressions. The workshop deals with various techniques and simple equipment, emphasizing the care and protection of the fragile orchids and other plants unique to the Bruce’s environment,

As advanced amateurs, both are accredited judges within the GTA camera club circuit and have presented numerous seminars on varied photographic topics for other camera clubs, horticultural societies, local schools, and public libraries. Karin was one of the founding members of the Greater Toronto Council of Camera Clubs which was formed to unite the over 20 clubs in the GTA while fostering communications and friendly competitions within the organization. Chuck has also been involved in the Council as Chairperson and with Interclub competition activities.

Garry Keast is a former teacher and has been involved with the Friends and FPI since 1995.  Was president for 9 years. He and his wife Heather are co-ordinators of the Flowerpot Island Volunteer Lightkeeper Program.  He has been involved in the Orchid Fest since its beginning.  He and his niece Alex have been leading the FPI Orchid Fest Hikes for the past few years.

Don Wilkes worked in national parks for 36 year and now does exhibit design work and tours in his retirement. He capped his career by coordinating the exhibit development in the Bruce/Fathom Five Visitor Centre. Don has always loved wild flowers and enjoys taking people to his favorite locations on the Bruce Peninsula.

Liz and her husband Derek have been coming up to the Bruce Peninsula for many years, enjoying camping, hiking and swimming. Over the last few years they have also joined the volunteer group at Flowerpot Island, and enjoy
Lightstation.

Liz holds a degree in graphic design and specializes in fine arts and illustration. She also enjoys working on stained glass in her spare time. Liz has made special small items that are for sale at the museum on Flowerpot Island.

This is Liz's first year hosting a workshop for the Orchid Festival and she is very excited about sharing her knowledge and skills with those attending her classes.

Tony Edwards

Tony Edwards

• Graduate of U of T, B.A. in Anthropology and Sociology
• Degrees also in Health and Physical Education and Environmental Science
• Retired Teacher ( 40 years teaching experience ); half of my career spent in the Outdoor/Environmental Education Field
• Currently work for Parks Canada as a Heritage Presenter, Park Naturalist and Diver Liaison Officer
• Member of The Bruce Trail Conservancy Association
• Member of Friends of The Bruce District Parks Association
• Member of the Bruce Peninsula Kayaking Group
• Interests include:The out-of-doors,people,wildlife,hiking,scuba diving, canoeing and kayaking,archery,travelling, conservation and reading