Amphibian Identification and Survey Techniques
- Start Date: April 15, 2026
- End Date: June 18, 2026
- Time: Dates and times vary! - see schedule below
- Venue: Online & in the field
- Instructor: Elke Wind
- Registration open
Course description
This hybrid introductory course provides students with an opportunity to improve their amphibian species identification skills, learn about standard survey techniques, permits and disease control, and get a hands-on experience surveying and handling amphibians, in a variety of settings. This course will include two half-day of online training sessions and a full day of outdoor field surveys (offered in two location options).
A detailed course outline is available by request.
Online sessions*
April 15-16, 2026, 9am – 12:15pm Pacific time (via Zoom)
Field day options
- June 15, 2026: Squamish, hosted in partnership with the NW Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. This field day will include an additional session on surveying for stream amphibians.
- June 18, 2026: various field sites around Revelstoke BC
- There is an option to attend both locations for the keeners! Please note a $10 fee will apply to attend both field sessions.
*Please note that attendance at the online training session is mandatory in order to participate in field sessions
Course objectives
Students who complete the course will have:
- A basic understanding of the ecology of amphibians in BC as it pertains to sampling (e.g., activities and habitat use at different times of the year)
- Improved species identification skills
- Awareness of safe handling and disease control practises
- Experience with standard techniques used for sampling amphibians
Note: This course has been scheduled such that the Revelstoke field day would pair well with a Wetlands Description course taking place in Revelstoke June 15-17. Follow that link for more info.
Our instructor
Elke Wind obtained her M.Sc. in Conservation Biology from UBC in 1996 where she studied the effects of habitat fragmentation on Wood Frogs in AB. She is a Registered Professional Biologist, a self-employed contract biologist, and she has more than 30 years experience studying amphibian populations. She specializes in the habitat associations and requirements of amphibian populations in relation to timber harvesting, rural and urban development, linear infrastructure projects, and non-native species. She has been involved in numerous projects requiring extensive amphibian salvage operations. In addition, Ms. Wind has built or restored more than 20 wetlands and written numerous amphibian related reports for government, species recovery teams, and non-profit organizations including Best Management Practices, status reports, and chapters within amphibian field guides.
Who should take this course?
This course is aimed at students, naturalists, consultants, land managers, and field technicians. It is designed to provide a basic understanding of amphibian ecology, species identification, and the field techniques used for inventories, monitoring, and salvage.
Preparation and what to bring
For the online sessions it is assumed you will have:
- Zoom. Follow that links for info on system requirements
- A good internet connection, microphone, and webcam. Two computer monitors are suggested
For the field sessions you will need:
- Be prepared for whatever nature throws your way – these sessions are entirely outside
- Required: waders, gumboots, hat, sunscreen, water, lunch (unless you order one upon registration), polarized sunglasses (if possible)
- Optional (if you have them): hand lens, field identification guides, hand / dip nets
Registration
Members: $325*
Non-members: $380
Bagged lunches $17/day, optional.
Registration is limited, register immediately to secure your spot.
*Memberships can be purchased and renewed while you register. More about membership here.
NOTE: Once registration fills, you can request to be added to the cancellation list for the course. Anyone on this list will have the chance of filling registration cancellations as well as being the first to be notified when we open up registration for next season’s course. Email office@cmiae.org to be placed on the list.
Where to stay?
Revelstoke
CMI members and event registrants are eligible for accommodation discounts with Basecamp Revelstoke. Various locations and room rate options are listed below:
- Discount code of 15% via the online booking tool using the promo code “CMI”
- Basecamp Resort: Just outside of town towards Revelstoke dam. About a 15min drive to the School District 19 (SD19) admin building where this course starts each day
- Basecamp Suites: A brand new build downtown Revelstoke, about a 10min walk or 5min drive to the SD19 admin building
- Northwinds Hotel: A lower-budget option at this newly acquired hotel in the Farwell area of town which is still walk-able to the downtown area.
Squamish recommendations to come
Thank you
A big thank you to our event partner, NW Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation for supporting this educational opportunity, and in particular, the Squamish field location.
