Western Regional Conference: Welches, Oregon
Mike Stewart
Sandy, Oregon

Hold On! Don't put away that shovel just yet! You don't want to miss the 20th Annual Western Regional Conference the weekend of Oct. 26-28, 2001. The conference theme, "Rhododendrons Along the Oregon Trail," sets the stage for great speakers, fun clinics, and Dick Cavender's spectacular plant sale. It also provides perfect opportunity for a wide variety of recreational activities amid the fabulous fall color of the beautiful Cascade mountains.

The site, nestled between the lush Cascade forest and the high arid desert of eastern Oregon, is on Mount Hood at the stunning Resort at the Mountain in Welches, Oregon, just forty-five minutes from the Portland International Airport. With a nearby village named Rhododendron, you can be sure that this is our spot. Besides a rhododendron walk, the resort features twenty-seven holes of awe inspiring golf, world class lawn bowling and croquet, and all the other amenities expected of a first class resort.

Should you wish, you will be able to fish and hike in some of the most majestic old growth forests in the world, view wild salmon exhibits, and have a close-up of 11,235-foot Mount Hood with its famous Timberline Lodge and year round skiing. There is easy access to the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge, where you will find beautiful Multnomah Falls, and even parasailing for the brave. Within an hour's drive are the Northwest Indian cultural museums and gambling casinos of Kahneetah.

A diverse and stimulating program is planned to satisfy everyone from the seasoned veteran to the newcomer to the world of rhododendrons. Warren Berg, famous world traveler and plant collector, will present an interesting program that he calls "Why Frank Fujioka Loves Species." Frank, as you know, is a "crème de la crème" hybridizer from Washington State. Other speakers include the multi-talented Clint Smith who promises an informative and entertaining program. Michele Miller from Pro-Grow will tell us about soils rhododendrons love, including their latest research on all organic mixes, and Tim Lichatowich, horticultural specialist from Marion Ag, will speak on rhododendron cultural and disease problems. He also promises a few words about the great new soil amendment called Actino-Iron which strengthens plants with beneficial bacteria that colonize the roots.

This is only a small taste of what is to come. How-to clinics promise a wealth of information about many topics.

Register now to take advantage of the early registration bonus and room block. A registration insert has been included in this issue. The conference is being hosted by District 4 and the Portland Chapter. For more general information see the Portland Chapter website. For additional information on registration, please call John or Loni Welsh.