Wetlands are highly productive, diverse environments that provide critical habitat for specialist plants and wildlife, mitigate flooding, remove excess nutrients from water and provide natural fire breaks in the landscape. Though wetlands are protected and regulated in Canada, the loss and degradation of wetland habitats have been extensive.

The Wetland Delineation and Assessment (WDA) non-credit, micro-credential courses address an urgent need for rigorous, unbiased training on the assessment and delineation of wetland boundaries, with topics including wetland classification, functions and values, impact assessment and wetland policy.

Outcomes:

By the end of this program, you’ll be able to:

• Interpret causal factors influencing the occurrence of wetlands and explain protocols for delineating wetland boundaries.
• Identify and explain field indicators confirming the presence or absence of wetlands.
• Evaluate aerial photography to identify wetlands and use wetland function assessment tools applicable to BC wetlands.
• Use the Canadian Wetland Classification System, other common classification systems, and the Wetlands of British Columbia: A Guide to Identification Guidebook.
• Explain how BC regulations apply to wetlands and assess potential impacts from proposed development, identifying mitigation measures.
• Identify key field safety considerations for working in wetlands and complete a wetland impact and assessment report.

Who This Program is For

• Professionals with a university degree or college diploma in a science or engineering discipline

• Individuals seeking professional development (e.g., for a professional association or society)
• Practicing resource professionals: agrologists, biologists, engineers, hydrologists, industrial managers, foresters, technologists and planners
• Land managers employed in forestry, agriculture, fisheries, hydrology, water treatment, land development, and wildfire resiliency
• Different levels of government (municipal, provincial, federal, and Indigenous)
• Conservation organizations and agencies
• Individuals seeking employment in an environmental field
• Post-secondary students seeking to gain practical experience

Program Courses and Dates

WDA 1: Fundamentals of Wetland Delineation and Assessment (Online)

This is the first course in the Wetland Delineation and Assessment program. Held in an online classroom environment, this course builds foundational knowledge that complements the hands-on experience that will take place in the Field Training course.

WDA 2: Wetland Delineation and Assessment Field Training and Capstone Project (In-Person)

This is the second course in the Wetland Delineation and Assessment program and involves two days of fieldwork and a further 10 hours of coursework to complete an assessed capstone project.

How This Program is Delivered

Delivery Mode:

Hybrid

Structure:

The WDA micro-credential consists of online and in-person learning activities, delivered through the following two courses that stack to earn a credential.

Technology Requirements:

• Access to a computer with a recent operating system, web browser and updated version of Zoom
• High-speed internet connection
• Microphone, speakers and webcam

Transportation:

Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the field sites.

Program Instructors

Instructor biographies and detailed information will be made available in the near future.

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, learners are awarded a UBC Okanagan Letter of Proficiency (a non-credit credential).

The credential is provided in paper format. Learners will also receive a verifiable digital badge (which has descriptive metadata about the learning achievement) for sharing through digital channels.

REGISTER HERE