Society of Wetland Scientists
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COURSE INFO PROVIDER: SWSPCP Webinar
COURSE TITLE: Identifying Hydric Soils workshop

INSTRUCTORS Jacob Berkowitz

COURSE DESCRIPTION Field indicators of hydric soils are used in conjunction with vegetation and hydrology data to identify wetlands and delineate their boundaries. Workshop participants will engage in hands-on activities to improve their understanding of hydric soils and the application of the field indicators of hydric soils during 1/2 day classroom and 1/2 day field sessions. Specific workshop topics will include hydric soil formation, terminology, morphology, identification, and delineation. The hydric soil technical standard, difficult hydric soil determinations, and tools/technologies applicable to hydric soil studies will also be discussed. The field session will utilize the Harding University Gilliam Biological Research Station, where attendees will have the opportunity to observe and describe a variety of hydric soil field indicators and participate in a hydric soil delineation exercise. All field and instructional materials will be provided in addition to lunch, drinks, and snacks. Attendees must wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the field session. This workshop is appropriate for students, practitioners, and natural resource managers of all levels of experience. Please join us to improve your ability to identify and document hydric soil conditions, see some beautiful wetlands, have fun, and get your hands a little dirty.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Dr. Jacob Berkowitz is a Senior Research Soil Scientist and the Team Leader for wetlands research at the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center. He also holds faculty appointments at Louisiana State University and several other universities. He is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist, a Professional Wetland Scientist, is a member of the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils, and serves on the editorial board for the journal Wetlands. Dr. Berkowitz has conducted wetland studies in 40 states resulting in more than 90 peer-reviewed journal publications, technical reports, and book chapters. His research focuses on ecological assessment and restoration, biogeochemistry, and improving approaches to wetland resource management through teaching and public outreach.

Credit Points: 0.50

SYLLABUS/TOPICAL OUTLINE The workshop will communicate hydric soils concepts, field indicators, and identification techniques to students, wetland delineation practitioners, and natural resource managers. The workshop will include a 1/2 day class session, followed by a 1/2 day field session, during which participants will observe multiple field indicators of hydric soils and delineate a hydric soil boundary. SYLLABUS/TOPICAL OUTLINE 0800-0830 Introductions and course overview 0830-0930 Soils background, morphology, 0930-1100 Field indicators of hydric soils 1100-1130 Hydric soil technical standard 1130-1200 Problematic/disturbed hydric soils 1200-1300 Lunch 1300-1500 Field exercise: describing hydric soils 1500-1700 Field exercise: delineating hydric soils

COURSE CONTACT

Jacob Berkowitz
1554 Applewood Rd, Baton Rouge , LA 70808
jacob.f.berkowitz@usace.army.mil
P: 6015293115
F:

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