INTRODUCTION TO WETLANDS AND WETLANDS ECOLOGY
Wetlands are crucial for the proper functioning of our human-influenced landscape. In this illustrated talk followed by a short field walk, wetland scientist William Kuriger will highlight some of the characteristics and functional values of our local wetlands. Intended for a non-professional audience, this program will help us understand how wetlands work to enhance water absorption and filtration, while serving as a rich resource for wildlife. The ecological interactions between wetland plants, animals, and the unique wetland environment will be illustrated both in the talk and during a late-morning ramble through wetland portions of the Hitchcock Center’s property.
Sunday, October 21, 12–3:30 p.m.
Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Amherst, MA
Course Code: WET4005
Instructor: William Kuriger
Fee: $35M/$42NM
Limit: 20 Credit: Elective–all certificates
INTERMEDIATE WETLAND
DELINEATION WORKSHOP
This is a hands-on workshop, featuring lectures and fieldwork, for those who have already been introduced to wetland delineation concepts and methods. You will learn current regulatory standards and conduct a wetland delineation in the field. The morning lectures will review field indicators for vegetation, soils, and hydrology, as well as manual requirements by the Massachusetts and Army Corps methods. The afternoon fieldwork will take place at a nearby wetland system and will include delineations at a number of transects. Bring field notebooks, a bag lunch, and clothes for fieldwork.
Friday, October 26, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA
Course Code: WET2012
Instructor: William Kuriger
Fee: $90M/$105NM
Limit: 15 Credit: Elective–FB; Core–Adv. FB
WETLAND SPECIES IDENTIFICATION IN WINTER
This program will help you recognize wetland trees and shrubs in winter. The morning session will be spent indoors learning key identification features. After lunch, we will go out into the field to see the plants in their habitats and determine wetland boundaries. Some familiarity with common wetland plants and taxonomy is helpful. Dress warmly and prepare for cold, wet field conditions. Bring a hand lens and a bag lunch.
Saturday, January 5, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA
Course Code: WET1002
Instructor: Dennis Magee
Fee: $66M/$78NM
Limit: 18 Credit: Elective–all certificates
VERNAL POOL ECOLOGY
During the end of the last ice age, retreating glaciers carved some of New England’s most unique habitats: vernal pools. These ephemeral bodies of water harbor an array of plants, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and other wildlife. This two-part program will begin with an introduction to the geology and ecology of these pools. We will discuss the natural history of the organisms inhabiting them, devoting particular attention to those that rely upon vernal pools for successful reproduction. Our second session will bring us into the field where we will take a firsthand look at the Garden’s Lost Pond, a classic woodland vernal pool. We’ll then examine a slightly different vernal pool ecosystem at a nearby location, taking a closer look at some of the vernal pool residents and discussing current research to better understand the interactions of organisms inhabiting these pools. Bring a lunch and rubber boots for the field day.
Thursday, April 10, 7–9 p.m., and Saturday, April 12, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA
Course Code: WET3011
Instructor: Mark D. Cooperman
Fee: $77M/$90NM
Limit: 15 Credit: Elective–all certificates
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