Coastal Training Program upcoming events

Practical Aspects of Designing and Installing Wetland Mitigation and Restoration Projects - October 6 & 7 (Tuesday, October 06, 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

This two-day class is geared towards those who already have basic knowledge of plants, soils and hydrology and who design and implement compensatory mitigation and restoration projects, and/or those who review and condition mitigation plans and want more technical information. This class focuses on factors to consider when designing wetland projects and protocols to help ensure their success.

Participants will learn:

•      Factors to consider for site selection
•      How to develop realistic site-specific goals and objectives and measurable performance standards
•      Water (hydrology sources and potential hydroperiods - what to look for and evaluate)
•      Soils (salvaging, amendments, compaction)
•      Vegetation (source of plant material, salvaging, planting specifications, improving survival, establishing appropriate vegetation communities)
•      Invasive species (techniques for control and maintenance)
•      Habitat (design considerations)
•      Plan specifications (mulches, irrigation, plant materials, habitat features)
•      Construction and installation considerations
•      Contingencies, maintenance, and monitoring

Lunch will be provided both days. (12 AICP CM credits/ CEP Points)

The two-day, in person course will be held on the following days:

Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Class Location: Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (10441 Bayview Edison Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273)

Please reach out to Sara Brostrom (bros461@ecy.wa.gov) if you require an accommodation for this training (audio, visual, mobility, or other). Washington State Department of Ecology staff, if you need a reasonable accommodation to successfully attend this training, please contact the Core Training Team.

Additionally, we can offer scholarships to cover the registration fees with each training. Please reach out if you need a scholarship to participate in the training.

Instructors:

Susan Buis: Susan is a restoration ecologist and native plant horticulturist retired from working for the US Army Corps of Engineers and the WA State Dept of Transportation. She is also co-founder and former co-owner of Sound Native Plants, an Olympia company that provides a full spectrum of restoration services including design, installation, native plant propagation, maintenance, and monitoring. Before founding her company in 1991, she worked for Yosemite and Olympic National Parks, where she developed and managed restoration projects and native plant propagation. Ms. Buis has been teaching workshops in restoration design and installation to professional groups and agencies since 1996 and has published articles on creating restoration plant specifications in Hortus West and in Native Plants Journal. She is a regular guest lecturer on native plant topics in the coastal NW.

Lisa Palazzi: Lisa is a retired Certified Professional Wetland Scientist (SWS-PCP) and a Certified Professional Soil Scientist (SSSA). She has over 32 years of professional experience evaluating wetlands, soils and hydrology in the Pacific Northwest. Ms. Palazzi has provided expert advice and expert witness services on many hydric soils and wetlands hydrology functions in the Puget Sound region to many different municipalities and agencies. She consistently receives high marks as a teacher from her students and from workshop participants in these subjects, and she has taught in many different settings, ranging from University-level certification courses to professional conference workshops and even as a guest speaker in elementary, middle school and high school classes. Therefore, she is not only technically competent in her field of expertise, but capable of explaining that knowledge to a wide range of audiences. She is familiar with the most common mistakes and misinterpretations of soils and hydrology characteristics made that can cause a restoration project to fail.

Practical Aspects of Designing and Installing Wetland Mitigation and Restoration Projects - October 6 & 7 (Wednesday, October 07, 2026)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Participants will learn:

Lunch will be provided both days. (12 AICP CM credits/ CEP Points)

The two-day, in person course will be held on the following days:

Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Class Location: Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (10441 Bayview Edison Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273)

Additionally, we can offer scholarships to cover the registration fees with each training. Please reach out if you need a scholarship to participate in the training.

Instructors:

Practical Aspects of Designing and Installing Wetland Mitigation and Restoration Projects - October 13 & 14 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Participants will learn:

Lunch will be provided both days. (12 AICP CM credits/ CEP Points)

The two-day, in person course will be held on the following days:

1.Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
2.Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Class Location: Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98503

Additionally, we can offer scholarships to cover the registration fees with each training. Please reach out if you need a scholarship to participate in the training.

Instructors:

Practical Aspects of Designing and Installing Wetland Mitigation and Restoration Projects - October 13 & 14 (Wednesday, October 14, 2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Participants will learn:

Lunch will be provided both days. (12 AICP CM credits/ CEP Points)

The two-day, in person course will be held on the following days:

1.Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
2.Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Class Location: Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98503

Additionally, we can offer scholarships to cover the registration fees with each training. Please reach out if you need a scholarship to participate in the training.

Instructors:

Alternatives to Bulkheads: Course #5 - Techniques for Erosion Control, including Construction Materials and Maintenance (virtual) (Tuesday, October 20, 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

This course will explore the range of erosion control measures and restoration techniques applicable to Washington state shorelines as described in the Marine Shoreline Design Guidelines and developed for the Puget Sound region. Descriptions of each of the techniques and where they are appropriate to use will be discussed. The course will also cover the effects of these techniques, provide design examples, and present successful and unsuccessful examples. Included are construction materials, methods, and maintenance. The purpose of this course is to familiarize attendees with various technical assistance and support options.

(6 AICP CM Credits/CEP Points).

This course is offered as part of a series of six courses related to Alternatives to Bulkheads. Courses 1-4 will be offered during Winter 2025 and Spring 2026, and Courses 5-6 will be offered during Fall 2026. These courses are endorsed by the Shore Friendly program and the content is consistent with Shore Friendly recommended practices. Here is a link to more information.

Please email the Coastal Training Program (ecyrectpadmin@ecy.wa.gov) if you require an accommodation for this training (audio, visual, mobility, or other). Additionally, the program can offer a couple of scholarships to cover the registration fees with each training. Please reach out if you need a scholarship in order to participate in the training.

Instructors

Kathy Ketteridge, PhD, PE, is a coastal engineer with Blue Coast Engineering. Her background includes civil engineering, coastal engineering, hydrodynamic modeling, and restoration projects. She has completed many complex modeling efforts for remediation projects in the Pacific NW, British Columbia, and New York State. Kathy lives in Bellingham and has been a co-owner of Blue Coast since 2020.

Susan Buis: Susan is a restoration ecologist and native plant horticulturist retired from the US Army Corps of Engineers and the WA State Dept of Transportation. She is also co-founder and former co-owner of Sound Native Plants, an Olympia company that provides a full spectrum of restoration services including design, installation, native plant propagation, maintenance, and monitoring. Before founding her company in 1991, she worked for Yosemite and Olympic National Parks, where she developed and managed restoration projects and native plant propagation. Ms. Buis has been teaching workshops in restoration design and installation to professional groups and agencies since 1996 and has published articles on creating restoration plant specifications in Hortus West and in Native Plants Journal. She is a regular guest lecturer on native plant topics in the coastal NW.

Alternatives to Bulkheads: Course #5 - Techniques for Erosion Control, including Construction Materials and Maintenance (virtual) (Wednesday, October 21, 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

(6 AICP CM Credits/CEP Points).

Instructors

National Estuarine Research Reserve System Sector Meeting for Research and Stewards (Monday, October 26, 2026)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

National Estuarine Research Reserve System Sector Meeting for Research and Stewards

This event is by invitation only and is exclusively for members of the Research and Stewardship sectors from the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS).

Registered participants can access additional meeting logistics on the Research and Monitoring and Stewardship-GIS pages, including links to the Guesthouse and Ride Share sign-up spreadsheets.

Please email Niki Kirihara from July 31 - August 28 at nkir461@ecy.wa.gov and Sara Brostrom after August 28 at bros461@ecy.wa.gov if you have issues registering or payment related questions.

National Estuarine Research Reserve System Sector Meeting for Research and Stewards (Tuesday, October 27, 2026)

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

National Estuarine Research Reserve System Sector Meeting for Research and Stewards

This event is by invitation only and is exclusively for members of the Research and Stewardship sectors from the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS).

Registered participants can access additional meeting logistics on the Research and Monitoring and Stewardship-GIS pages, including links to the Guesthouse and Ride Share sign-up spreadsheets.

Please email Niki Kirihara from July 31 - August 28 at nkir461@ecy.wa.gov and Sara Brostrom after August 28 at bros461@ecy.wa.gov if you have issues registering or payment related questions.

National Estuarine Research Reserve System Sector Meeting for Research and Stewards (Wednesday, October 28, 2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

National Estuarine Research Reserve System Sector Meeting for Research and Stewards

This event is by invitation only and is exclusively for members of the Research and Stewardship sectors from the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS).

Registered participants can access additional meeting logistics on the Research and Monitoring and Stewardship-GIS pages, including links to the Guesthouse and Ride Share sign-up spreadsheets.

Please email Niki Kirihara from July 31 - August 28 at nkir461@ecy.wa.gov and Sara Brostrom after August 28 at bros461@ecy.wa.gov if you have issues registering or payment related questions.

National Estuarine Research Reserve System Sector Meeting for Research and Stewards (Thursday, October 29, 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

National Estuarine Research Reserve System Sector Meeting for Research and Stewards

This event is by invitation only and is exclusively for members of the Research and Stewardship sectors from the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS).

Registered participants can access additional meeting logistics on the Research and Monitoring and Stewardship-GIS pages, including links to the Guesthouse and Ride Share sign-up spreadsheets.

Please email Niki Kirihara from July 31 - August 28 at nkir461@ecy.wa.gov and Sara Brostrom after August 28 at bros461@ecy.wa.gov if you have issues registering or payment related questions.

Using the 2021 Interagency Wetland Mitigation Guidance - virtual (Wednesday, November 04, 2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Using the 2021 Interagency Wetland Mitigation Guidance

This class is designed for those who develop mitigation plans and for those who review and approve such plans. The training, which is divided into four modules, is based on the 2021 interagency document, "Wetland Mitigation in Washington State," Part 1, Agency Policies and Guidance.

This class provides an in-depth overview of the contents of Part 1. Topics include mitigation sequencing, site selection, compensation approaches and methods, determining the amount of compensation, buffers, and more. Several class exercises and poll questions allow participants to apply the concepts being taught.

This course does NOT provide technical specifications for how to design or condition mitigation projects. Also, this training will include involve breakout rooms and groupwork. You will have about 1-3 hours of pre-work depending on your background knowledge. The pre-work will be provided to you 1 week before the training. Additionally, you will need a laptop or desktop to participate in this training.(11.0 CM Credits)

Link to guidance: https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Wetlands/Mitigation/Interagency-guidance

The registration fee is $114.14, which is the base fee $105 including tax.

Additionally, we can offer scholarships to cover the registration fees with each training. Please reach out if you need a scholarship in order to participate in the training.

Instructors

Patricia Johnson is a wetland specialist with the Washington Department of Ecology. She conducted Ecology's Washington State Wetland Mitigation Evaluation Study (Phase 1 and 2) and co-authored Wetlands in Washington - Volume 1: A Synthesis of the Science, the 2006 Interagency guidance document Wetland Mitigation in Washington State, as well as the 2021 update to Part 1. Patricia follows up on wetland mitigation projects to ensure compliance. Patricia has a master’s degree in environmental studies from the Evergreen State College.

Dana Mock is a wetland mitigation specialist for the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program at the Washington State Department of Ecology. She coordinated the development of the 2006 interagency wetland mitigation guidance document "Wetland Mitigation in Washington State," as well as the 2021 update to Part 1. Dana tracks and follows up on wetland mitigation projects across Washington to ensure compliance with the conditions of Section 401 water quality certifications and Administrative Orders for non-federally regulated wetlands.

Teresa Opolka is the Wetlands Policy Lead with the Washington State Department of Ecology, where she works to ensure statewide consistency of the implementation of laws and policies. She is a Professional Wetland Scientist with 25 years of experience in the delineation, assessment and regulation of wetlands in Washington State. Prior to coming to Ecology, she was a consultant where she guided projects through the permitting process. Teresa has a B.S. in Biology from Seattle University.

Using the 2021 Interagency Wetland Mitigation Guidance - virtual (Thursday, November 05, 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Using the 2021 Interagency Wetland Mitigation Guidance

Link to guidance: https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Wetlands/Mitigation/Interagency-guidance

The registration fee is $114.14, which is the base fee $105 including tax.

Additionally, we can offer scholarships to cover the registration fees with each training. Please reach out if you need a scholarship in order to participate in the training.

Instructors

Using the 2021 Interagency Wetland Mitigation Guidance - virtual (Monday, November 09, 2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Using the 2021 Interagency Wetland Mitigation Guidance

Link to guidance: https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Wetlands/Mitigation/Interagency-guidance

The registration fee is $114.14, which is the base fee $105 including tax.

Additionally, we can offer scholarships to cover the registration fees with each training. Please reach out if you need a scholarship in order to participate in the training.

Instructors

Using the 2021 Interagency Wetland Mitigation Guidance - virtual (Tuesday, November 10, 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Using the 2021 Interagency Wetland Mitigation Guidance

Link to guidance: https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Wetlands/Mitigation/Interagency-guidance

The registration fee is $114.14, which is the base fee $105 including tax.

Additionally, we can offer scholarships to cover the registration fees with each training. Please reach out if you need a scholarship in order to participate in the training.

Instructors

Using the Washington State Wetland Rating System in Western Washington - In-person on November 12 & 13 in Thurston County (Thursday, November 12, 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

This two-day intensive workshop will provide wetland regulators and consultants with practical information and experience in using the 2014 update to the rating system for wetlands in western Washington. It is specifically designed for those who will be using the rating system in the field. You will gain a working knowledge of topics such as the hydrogeomorphic classification of wetlands, how to separate wetlands into units for rating, and how to answer all the questions on the field form. The purpose of the class is to provide you with knowledge so that you can fill out the rating form on your own. You will receive a copy of the rating system manual.

It is important that you already have some experience and/or education in delineating wetlands and identifying natural wetland features such as outlets, boundaries of basins, vegetation classes, and some ability to distinguish between different plant species. The morning sessions will be held inside. The afternoon sessions will be conducted in local wetlands, so dress appropriately.

Both sessions will be in-person on November 12 & 13, 2026, from 9 am - 4:30 pm in Thurston County.

The registration fee is $163.05, which is the base fee $150 including tax (13 CM AICP Credits/CEP Points).

Link to rating system:
https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/1406029.html

Lunch is provided.

Additionally, we can offer scholarships to cover the registration fees with each training. Please reach out if you need a scholarship to participate in the training.

Instructors: Dr. Amy Yahnke is the senior wetland ecologist for the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program at the Washington State Department of Ecology. She holds a Certificate in Wetland Science and Management, BS in Environmental Horticulture, MS in Forest Resources, and PhD in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences. She has studied wetland ecology within the contexts of amphibians, invasive plants, and stormwater management. Dr. Yahnke has experience teaching a wide range of environmental topics to audiences of all ages.

Using the Washington State Wetland Rating System in Western Washington - In-person on November 12 & 13 in Thurston County (Friday, November 13, 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Both sessions will be in-person on November 12 & 13, 2026, from 9 am - 4:30 pm in Thurston County.

The registration fee is $163.05, which is the base fee $150 including tax (13 CM AICP Credits/CEP Points).

Link to rating system:
https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/1406029.html

Lunch is provided.

Additionally, we can offer scholarships to cover the registration fees with each training. Please reach out if you need a scholarship to participate in the training.

Using the Credit-Debit Method for Estimating Mitigation Needs (in-person) (Thursday, December 03, 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

This 1-day class will provide wetland regulators and consultants with a practical tool for calculating if mitigation projects will adequately replace the functions and values lost to altered wetlands. The class is based on a new method developed by the Department of Ecology called ""Calculating Credits and Debits for Compensatory Mitigation in Wetlands of Western Washington"" (Ecology Publication #10-06-11). This method is designed to provide guidance for both regulators and applicants during two stages of the mitigation process: 1) estimating the functions and values lost when a wetland is altered, and 2) estimating the gain in functions and values that result from the mitigation.

The Credit Debit Method is based on the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington (Ecology publication #04-06-025). This workshop however does not provide training in the wetland rating system. Training in the wetland rating system is strongly suggested as a PRE-REQUISITE for this workshop.

This training will take place at the Lacey Community Center and include instruction wetlands in near the training site, so dress appropriately.

The registration fee is $114.14, which is the base fee $105 including tax (6 CM AICP Credits/CEP Points).

You will receive a copy of the “Credit-Debit” manual. Note: This class will qualify you to use the 2014 Wetland Rating System if you have already taken the 2-day training in the older rating system in Western WA.

Additionally, we can offer scholarships to cover the registration fees with each training. Please reach out if you need a scholarship in order to participate in the training.

Instructor:

Dr. Amy Yahnke is the senior wetland ecologist for the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program at the Washington State Department of Ecology. She holds a Certificate in Wetland Science and Management, BS in Environmental Horticulture, MS in Forest Resources, and PhD in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences. She has studied wetland ecology within the contexts of amphibians, invasive plants, and stormwater management. Dr. Yahnke has experience teaching a wide range of environmental topics to audiences of all ages.