Please sign up for the waitlist if this class is full.
This one-day class will emphasize winter field character identification of the wetland species and associated upland buffer species found in the Puget lowland region of Washington (approximately 12 trees and 60 shrubs, including willows). Class instruction will be oriented towards the needs of shoreline planners, delineators, and those involved with Ordinary High Water Mark determinations, and restoration.
The format will be a lecture/laboratory setup and taxa examined will include common lowland, freshwater (and a few estuarine) species. Fresh material will be provided if in season, and winter characteristics (buds, leaf scars, pith, and bark) will be covered in the winter season. Each class will begin with a short lecture covering the terminology and salient morphological characteristics needed for a taxonomic identification of the species of choice, field characteristics, some ecological aspects of the species’ common habitat, commonly associated species, distribution, potential use for restoration purposes, and any special ecological requirements. Lecture materials will include drawings, slides, and plant material.
(6.5 CM AICP Credits/CEP Points)
Suggested texts: Cooke. 1997. A Field Guide to the Common Wetland Plants of Western Washington and Northwestern Oregon. Seattle Audubon. Available through University Books Store, Audubon Books Store and Amazon.com.
Not required but recommended. (Dr. Cooke will supply much of the information) Gilkey, Halen. Winter Twigs. revised Edition: A Wintertime Key to Deciduous Trees and Shrubs of Northwest Oregon and Western Washington.
COVID-19 Considerations: For winter 2022, we request that everyone who participates in this training is fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by the implementation date. You will need to bring your COVID-19 vaccination card or a picture of your vaccination card to the training.
Additionally, all participants will need to complete an online health survey before entering the classroom and we will provide a full refund to anyone who is sick. All participants and instructors will wear masks during the course. All participants will have their own work station with their own microscope. These stations will be at least 6 feet apart. The training room will contain a maximum of 26 students and four instructors or Padilla Bay staff.
Reach out to Sara Brostrom (bros461@ecy.wa.gov) if you have any questions.
Instructor: Dr. Sarah Cooke specializes in wetland creation, restoration and enhancement projects, both in design and implementation. She excels in permitting assistance on the local, state, and national level. She has conducted scientific research on wetland ecosystems for the Puget Sound Wetland and Stormwater Management Manual. Her expertise includes restoration designs, wetland inventories, wetland delineation, OHWM studies, baseline studies, impact assessments, monitoring programs, rare plant surveys, soil surveys, vegetation mapping, and watershed analysis in the region.
