The Swamp School is offering an online and virtual field workshop series on stream restoration. Upon successful completion of the five-level program the student will be certified in stream assessment and restoration design. The program is divided into five key components and includes the latest state of the science methods and field techniques garnered from real world practical experience. Our program instructors have years of “in the field” experience with miles of stream restoration design knowledge.
Introduction to Stream Restoration
Stream restoration is a critical component of watershed management, aiming to restore degraded or impaired streams to their natural state. This process involves a comprehensive understanding of river morphology, hydrology, and ecology. The introduction to stream restoration provides a foundation for understanding the principles and practices of stream restoration, including the importance of a stream classification system, river restoration techniques, and the role of natural channel design. This section will cover the basics of stream restoration, including the definition, goals, and benefits of stream restoration, as well as the key factors that influence stream restoration, such as watershed characteristics, land use, and hydrology.
Course Overview
The Stream Restoration Level I course is a comprehensive online and virtual field workshop series designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for stream assessment and restoration design. The course is offered in collaboration with the Resource Institute, known for its specialized courses in river assessment and restoration. This program is meticulously divided into five key components, each covering the latest state-of-the-science methods and field techniques. Our experienced instructors, who have accumulated years of “in the field” experience and miles of stream restoration design knowledge, ensure that students receive expert guidance throughout the course. By the end of the program, students will be well-versed in the intricacies of stream restoration, ready to apply their skills in real-world scenarios. The course trains students in conducting geomorphic characterization and stream classification, emphasizing practical skills gained through hands-on learning. To secure a spot in this highly sought-after course, participants must complete the registration form available on our website.
Course format and course materials
This program is a blend of online presentations, supplemental reading assignments, hands-on/field assignments, quizzes and tests. It includes both lecture and field applications to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Virtual field workshops include a step-by-step demonstration of methodologies and techniques. The course also includes a monitoring course focused on river assessment and monitoring techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in field measurements, data analysis, and the importance of replicate studies for verifying data trends over time.
The student will need to identify a local stream to use for field assignment purposes.
Course Tuition and Registration
The course tuition for the Stream Restoration Level I course is $2,500, which includes all course materials, online presentations, and virtual field workshops. Registration for the course can be completed online through our website. A credit card is required to reserve a spot in the course, but payment will not be processed until confirmed acceptance into the course. Once payment is processed, it will not be refunded. Substitutions are encouraged, and arrangements to pay by check can be made, but a credit card is still required to reserve a spot.
Course schedule
The class is presented in a topics format and will run for a total of 14 weeks. Students can work at their own pace and complete the course in about 12-weeks. There is no specific time schedule when students can work on the class. This class is offered entirely online as a virtual classroom experience. However, this is an instructor lead class, and our instructors stand ready to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.
Time commitments
The student should plan on at least 3-4 hours per week with additional time in the field during data gathering days.
Weather contingencies
The field aspects of this class will require data collection that may be impacted by local weather conditions. Most of the field work can be done year-round so long as the stream being assessed is not covered by heavy snow or frozen solid. If the stream is flowing such that you can measure the channel you should not be impacted by the weather. If you are not able to conduct the field work with the course time frame due to bad weather conditions, a class extension will be granted and coordinated with your instructor.
Stream Classification System
A stream classification system is a crucial tool in stream restoration, allowing practitioners to identify and understand the unique characteristics of a stream. Our course delves into the fundamentals of stream classification, with a particular focus on the Rosgen classification system, which is widely recognized and used in the industry. Students will learn how to apply this system to assess various aspects of stream morphology, hydrology, and ecology. By mastering this classification system, students will be able to gather essential data that informs effective restoration design, ensuring that each project is tailored to the specific needs of the stream.
River Restoration Principles
River restoration is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of the underlying principles of fluvial geomorphology, hydrology, and ecology. Our course covers these key principles comprehensively, emphasizing the importance of watershed assessment and cumulative watershed assessment. Students will explore the concept of natural channel design, learning how to create restoration projects that harmonize with the natural dynamics of the river system. By applying these principles, students will be equipped to design restoration projects that not only enhance the ecological health of the river but also meet the needs of surrounding human communities.
Applied Fluvial Geomorphology
Applied fluvial geomorphology is the study of the shape and behavior of rivers and streams, and it forms a critical part of our course. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of river morphology, hydrology, and sediment transport. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, they will learn how to assess stream morphology and hydrology accurately. This information is vital for informing restoration design, ensuring that projects are based on a solid understanding of the river’s natural processes. By the end of this section, students will have a robust foundation in applied fluvial geomorphology, ready to tackle real-world stream restoration challenges.
Restoration Design and Implementation
The Stream Restoration Level I course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement effective stream restoration projects. The course covers the principles of natural channel design, watershed assessment, and cumulative watershed assessment. Students will learn how to apply the Rosgen stream classification system to assess various aspects of stream morphology, hydrology, and ecology. The course also covers the importance of monitoring and evaluation in stream restoration, including techniques for field measurements, data analysis, and interpretation.
Field Training and Exercises
The field training and exercises section provides hands-on experience in stream restoration techniques, including field measurements, data analysis, and interpretation. Our instructors, including those with extensive experience from the U.S. Forest Service, provide practical training in stream restoration techniques. This section is designed to complement the lecture and field applications of the applied fluvial geomorphology course, providing students with practical experience in stream assessment and monitoring. Students will participate in field exercises, including stream surveys, habitat assessments, and monitoring techniques, to gain a deeper understanding of stream restoration principles and practices. The field training and exercises section will cover topics such as:
- Stream survey techniques, including measurement of stream geometry, flow, and sediment transport
- Habitat assessment methods, including identification of aquatic habitats and assessment of habitat quality
- Monitoring techniques, including water quality monitoring and aquatic species surveys
Stream Assessment and Monitoring
The stream assessment and monitoring section provides a comprehensive overview of the methods and techniques used to assess and monitor stream health. This section builds on the principles of applied river morphology and watershed assessment, providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct stream assessments and monitoring. The stream assessment and monitoring section will cover topics such as:
- Stream classification systems, including the use of classification systems to assess stream health and identify restoration opportunities
- Stream assessment methods, including visual assessments, habitat assessments, and water quality monitoring
- Monitoring techniques, including the use of monitoring data to evaluate stream restoration effectiveness and identify areas for improvement
Please note that tuition payments received are non-refundable unless the course is cancelled.
This section will also cover the importance of cumulative watershed assessment and the role of wildland hydrology in stream restoration. Students will learn how to apply the principles of stream assessment and monitoring to real-world stream restoration projects, including the use of course materials and applied river morphology techniques.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Upon completion of the Stream Restoration Level I course, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of stream restoration. Students will be well-versed in the intricacies of stream restoration and will have gained practical skills through hands-on learning. The course is designed to provide a foundation for more advanced courses in river morphology and applications. Students who complete the course will be eligible to register for the Level II River Morphology and Applications course, which builds on the foundation provided by the Level I course.
