Current Projects:
Conservation Consultation
NOCI regularly comments on proposed government policy and legislation, management plans for provincial parks, and the like. If you have an issue that concerns the conservation of native orchids or other rare plants, please give the President a call at 204-223-8209 or email president@nativeorchid.org.
Orchids of Manitoba, a field guide, Second Edition (2016)
First Edition (2005) The first edition of Orchids of Manitoba, a field guide was intended to educate the general public about Manitoba’s 36 orchid species and the need to conserve their habitat. As a result of resource extraction, agriculture, development and digging of native species we realized that there is a significant threat to our Manitoba orchids and their habitat. Orchids are a part of the natural legacy of this province and of interest to eco-adventurers from all over the world. The book was supported by the Shell Environmental Fund, the Special Conservation Fund of the Province of Manitoba and the Winnipeg Foundation.
Second Edition (2016) By 2014 we had sold almost all of our books and the board determined that there were enough changes to warrant a second edition. The new book was published in June 2016 and is available on the Shopping page. Along with one new orchid and three new genus name changes, we included a couple of pages describing NOCI’s history, objectives and accomplishments. We updated some other sections and provided a couple of new features such as a quick reference guide for fast identification, a rearranged table of blooming times, and a couple of pages on two special places in southern Manitoba where visitors can safely view and enjoy some of our native orchids, the Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail and the Agassiz Trail at the Tall Grass Prairie Preserve.
The second edition is available on the Shopping page and at McNally Robinson Booksellers, the Forks Trading Company and other fine gift shops in Winnipeg, and select shops around the Province.
Photo by David Johannesen
Photo by Will Milne
Photo by Peggy Bainard Acheson
Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail
After the Ecological Reserve was declared (see Brokenhead Wetland Ecological Reserve under Completed Projects), Lawrence Smith, an Elder from Brokenhead Ojibway Nation (BON) suggested that an interpretive trail be built to foster an appreciation of the significance of the wetlands to the First Nation people and to provide a safe place for all to learn about the diversity of this amazing area. A non-profit organization called Debwendon Inc. was formed with members of BON, NOCI and the Manitoba Model Forest with support from the Parks Branch of the Manitoba government. The trail was built by the Manitoba government with the support of an endowment fund provided by former NOCI board member Eugene Reimer (The Eugene Reimer Environment Fund, Winnipeg Foundation). The trail was officially opened to the public on June 22, 2016. For a more detailed description of the history of Debwendon and current hours, please go to www.debwendon.org.
Orchid Salvage projects
NOCI conducts orchid salvage operations when necessary. Plants are transplanted to public areas such as Fort Whyte Alive.
If you know of some lady’s-slippers or other orchids that are at risk of destruction from developments such as road repair, ditch cleaning, or building projects, please contact NOCI at president@nativeorchid.org or phone 204-223-8209.
Some Yellow lady’-slippers (Cypripedium parviflorum) NOCI rescued from a ditch about to be deepened near Anola in 2004. The plants were transplanted to the Fort Whyte Alive Nature Centre and reportedly are still doing fine. Photo by Eugene Reimer.
Apps for Manitoba Orchids
Grab your smartphone or tablet, you can now take Manitoba’s native orchids with you wherever you go! The ‘Lite’ version of the Android version is available for FREE and includes 10 of Manitoba’s orchids with their descriptions, photographs and range maps. The full version of the app with all of Manitoba’s beautiful orchids as well as additional features and material is available for $10 at Google Play Store. NOCI was fortunate to have two very talented people, Heather Miltenburg and Jon Boisvert, volunteer their skills and time to create this app.
The same ‘Lite’ version of the apps is now available for Apple users! The full version will soon be available as well. Keep your eyes open for the announcement on this website.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a continued Internet connection for the app to function?
A: Once the app is on your device, it no longer needs an Internet connection, so it can go anywhere you do, including in the field!
Q: Will it work on my Blackberry? Or my Windows/Apple device?
A: The current version is for Android devices. The ‘Lite’ version for Apple is available now and the full version will be available soon. We do not anticipate creating a version for Blackberry devices.
Release Information:
Native Orchids of Manitoba App – Lite (for Android devices): available – Here
Native Orchids of Manitoba App – Full (for Android devices): available – Here.
Native Orchids of Manitoba App – Lite (for Apple devices): available – Here (Need link)
Native Orchids of Manitoba App – Full (for Apple devices): Coming soon.
Field Trips
NOCI conducts field trips for members and groups every spring and summer to showcase the orchids as they come into bloom as well as other wildflowers and plants. See the field trip tab for the current and past schedules as well as notes and species lists.
In April or May check the website for the 2017 Field Trip Schedule!
Field trip to Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail, July 9, 2016. Photo by Karen Burridge.
Heather Miltenburg, NOCI Membership Chair at 2016 MOS Show with NOCI display. Photo by Peggy Bainard Acheson.
Displays and Presentations
NOCI has developed educational poster boards of the wild orchids and some of our projects for public display and regularly displays at the MOS Orchid Show and Prairie Day (Tall Grass Prairie Preserve). If you would like NOCI to bring a display to your event, please contact the President at president@nativeorchid.org.
We also have volunteer speakers available to speak on Manitoba’s native orchids and the Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail. For more information, please send an email to president@nativeorchid.org. An honorarium to cover expenses and a donation would be appreciated.
Orchid Pins
NOCI still has a few leather orchid pins available for sale on our website as a fundraiser. Unfortunately our supplier, Elizabeth Petrucci has now retired and is no longer making the pins. If you have any ideas for a similar project, please contact the President at president@nativeorchid.org.
Moccasin flower orchid pin. Photo by David Johannesen.