Wetland Classification

• Start Date: June 21, 2018
• End Date: June 22, 2018
• Time: 9am - 5pm
• City: Revelstoke, BC
• Venue: Revelstoke - Okanagan College and local field sites
• Instructor: Ryan Durand
• This course sold out!

Course Description

The half day classroom portion of this course will be spent learning about wetland classification, with a focus on using the provincial Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) system. Federal wetland classes will be discussed, as well as the physical and biological characteristics that can be assessed in the field in order to describe and classify wetlands.

The remaining 1.5 days of this course will be spent in the field in the Revelstoke area, visiting 3-4 areas to practice the wetland classification process in the field using provincial field forms as well as the Wetlands of BC handbook and the Describing Ecosystems in the Field manual.

Learning objectives for this course include:

• Wetland classification to the Federal Wetland Classes
• Wetland classification using the provincial Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) system
• Collection of ecological data using provincially recognized methodologies
• Introductory wetland plant identification
• Introductory organic soil descriptions

 

 

This course has been approved by the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) as a for-credit course! Students will earn 14 continuing education credits with SER’s Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) program.

 

Our Instructor

 

Ryan Durand, RPBio

Ryan Durand is a Registered Professional Biologist from EcoLogic Consultants. He has been working as a consulting biologist for 18 years with a focus on vegetation inventories, ecosystem classification, and ecosystem mapping. For the last decade, his main focus has been on wetland classification and mapping, including projects in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, North West Territories, and Nunavut.

 

Who should attend?

This course is geared towards biologists and natural resource professionals who know the basics of wetland ID, but would like to learn more in-depth knowledge. Experience in ecosystem classification, plant ID, and soils would be a benefit.

Preparation and what to bring

Essential:

• Students should review online PDF versions of Wetlands of BC and Describing Ecosystems in the Field prior to attending the course
• Field gear for rain or sun
• Waders (gumboots for sure)
• Clipboard

Bring if you can:

• Soil auger
• pH meter (such as this one)
• Plant ID books
• Tape measure
• Vehicle: we’ll car-pool for this course. Please indicate in your registration form if you have space to take passengers in your vehicle.

What is Included in the Course?

• A wetland training manual and workbook
• Two soil augers, a pH meter, and several copies of ID books will be supplied for the group to use, but please bring your own if you have one.
• Students will provide their own transportation but will likely be able to car-pool with others during the field sessions.
• Food: There will be an opportunity to order bagged lunches and snacks. Refreshments will be provided for the classroom portions of this course.

Thank you to our host Okanagan College