The Swamp School is offering an online and virtual field workshop series on stream restoration. Level 3 / 5.
Course format
This program is a blend of online presentations, discussions, assignments and tests. Virtual field workshops include demonstrations of methodologies and techniques.
The student will need to identify a local stream to use for field assignment purposes.
Course schedule
The class is presented in a weekly format and will run for a total of 14 weeks. Students can work at their own pace. 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 clarifications you may have.
Time commitments
The student should plan on at least 3-4 hours of dedication to the class 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 wok with the course time frame due to bad weather conditions, a class extension will be granted and coordinated with your instructor.
Student Provided Equipment
You will need a builder’s laser level and rod to conduct the stream surveys. You will also need measuring tapes (>100’). You will not need full survey capabilities but you will need to be able to accurately measure stream pattern, dimension and profile. You will also need sampling equipment for macroinvertebrate surveys including dip nets, kick nets, seine nets and collection buckets.
For the design class you will need access to a drafting program like AutoCAD or MicroStation. However, you can also manually draft your designs if you do not have these resources. Alternatively, you can also use some of the free drafting programs like Google Drawings or similar.
It is highly recommended that you do the field work with a partner. Ideally, a fellow co-worker who is also taking the class.
Prerequisites
Level 1 – Applied Fluvial Morphology/Stream Physics
Level 2 – River Morphology and Applications/Stream Site Assessment Techniques
A certificate of training listing the training organization and training date should be provided prior to the start of class. The Swamp School will accept training from qualified outside organizations to satisfy this prerequisite.
