CON-235 Wetland Science and Practice

A survey and in-depth investigation of wetland terms and types, characteristic features and processes, and delineation, management and restoration practices. The course examines wetland hydrology and biogeochemical processes as well biotic adaptations to wetland environments. An emphasis is placed on achieving competency in recognizing the hydrophytic vegetation and hydric soil indicators commonly encountered in the non-tidal, freshwater wetlands of northeastern United States. The culmination of the course is an experiential project that applies this field-based knowledge with GIS resources to delineate a wetland on a local site according to current government standards.

Credits

3

Department

• Environmental Conservation and Horticulture

Semesters Course Will Be Offered

• Spring

For more detailed course information view the Course Outline

CON 235: Wetland Science and Practice

Department

Environmental Conservation and Horticulture

Course Description

A survey and in-depth investigation of wetland terms and types, characteristic features and processes, and delineation, management and restoration practices. The course examines wetland hydrology and biogeochemical processes as well biotic adaptations to wetland environments. An emphasis is placed on achieving competency in recognizing the hydrophytic vegetation and hydric soil indicators commonly encountered in the non-tidal, freshwater wetlands of northeastern United States. The culmination of the course is an experiential project that applies this field-based knowledge with GIS resources to delineate a wetland on a local site according to current government standards.

Credit Hours

3

Contact Hours

Lecture	3
Lab	0
Other	0

Grading Scheme

Letter

Semester(s) Course Will Be Offered

Spring

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge of different wetland types, defining hydrologic and biogeochemical processes, and biotic adaptations to the wetland environment (reading, professional competency)
2. Identify hydrophytic plants common to this area (professional competency).
3. Recognize hydric soil properties and demonstrate the ability to distinguish wetland soils from upland soils (professional competency).
4. Identify the hydric features used in defining regulatory wetlands (professional competency).
5. Practice using GIS to gather relevant data, plan fieldwork, and orally present final results of wetland delineation (citizenship, computer literacy, information resources, oral communication, professional competency).
6. Collaborate as a class to collate transect data and to delineate wetland boundary on a study site following current government regulations (ethics and values, citizenship, professional competency,).
7. Meet and interact with wetland professionals through guest lectures and field trips (citizenship).
8. Read articles in peer-viewed wetland journals and demonstrate knowledge of current issues in wetland science and applied practices (i.e., wetland delineation, management, and restoration) via written and orally presented literature reviews (reading, oral communication, citizenship, professional competency).

Topic Outline

1. Wetland functions and values 
2. Wetland classification (different types and defining properties) 
3. Biotic adaptations to the wetland environment 
4. Wetland regulations
5. Wetland plant identification 
6. Hydric soils
7. Wetland delineation, management, and restoration