Aquatic Plants Collecting Trip

[krandall@world.std.com]

Hi Folks,

Charlene Nash, who is Aquatic Botanist at the Tennessee Aquarium, and with
whom I have become friendly over the last few years, contacted me last week
to invite me to join a trip she is planning to the Amazon next spring.  

Unlike all the other Amazon trips that focus on fish collecting or rain
forest photography, the main focus of this trip will be on collecting and
studying aquatic plants, particularly the Victoria lily.  (there will also
be ample opportunity for those who want to do some fishing and photography
on the side!<g>)  We will spend several days on the Amazon itself, and
several more on the Rio Negro, with one day to sight see and visit fish
collecting facilities in Manaus in between.

Participation is limited to not less than 15 or more than 19 people, and
there are several people who have already committed to go.  I'm really
excited about this trip.  I've always thought it would be great fun to go
on a collecting trip to the Amazon, but I've also known that the areas
frequented by fish collectors are not the best for finding plants.  This
trip will _specifically_ target areas likely to be of interest to "plant
people".  To me, it seems like a once in a life time opportunity.

I told Charlene that I would post a note on APD informing people about the
trip, but I thought I'd send this first to the people that I know best who
are seriously interested in aquatic plants.  If you're interested, you can
contact Charlene Nash at <ecn@tennis.org>.  If you _are_ considering going,
please let me know too... I'd like to know who of my friends will be coming
along!

Karen