UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Swing by the AMWS table at the MACC Annual Environmental Conference in Worcester on March 3rd for your unique gift! Hint: It's green and goes "Psst!"

AMWS is fully committed to the professional development of our members. As a result, we offer a variety of workshops on wetland science and regulatory updates. Non-members are welcome to attend. However, membership is encouraged through reduced workshop rates and other benefits.

AMWS workshops are recognized for their value: nowhere else will you find top working wetland scientists "giving back" to the profession at such affordable rates. As a result, AMWS members only are offered the limited number of seats during the first two weeks of posting an event.

As an added value of AMWS membership, we also offer social networking opportunities with other environmental professionals. These events generally take place in central Massachusetts, and may include appetizers and drinks, as well as a speaker.

(Updated 02/02/12)

Left Photo: Courtesy Brent Baeslack (Haverhill ConCom) - Instructors Dwight Dunk (CDM) and Chad Sumner (SumCo Eco-Contracting) discuss the riprap foot of the restored slope at low tide during the field portion of the 9/30/11 AMWS Riverbank Stabilization Techniques Workshop in Haverhill, Mass. Of note, the tree stump in the water is secured by cables, and was added to aid stability and provide fish habitat.

Right Photo: Courtesy of Patrick Garner (Patrick Garner Co.) - Instructor Art Allen (EcoTec) at a deep hole featured at the AMWS Advanced Soil Identification Workshop, held June 22nd & 23rd, 2010, in Grafton, Mass.

Planning for 2012 workshops is underway, and additional workshops will be added to the preview below. For updates, please check AMWS newsletters and emails.

February 10, 2012 (Friday/half-day)

Master Teacher Winter Wetland Delineation
Hapgood Wright Forest, Concord, Mass.
9:00 a.m. - noon

Winter wetland delineation is challenging, but no less feasible than during growing season. This new, hands-on workshop will feature a 1-hour field demonstration by Master Teacher Bruce Griffin, who will delineate 10 – 20 points and explain his methodology as he does so. (Hint: In frozen conditions, use rebar to prepare a hole for your auger!) After his demonstration, participants will break down into two groups under the instructors' tutelage to delineate a point, following the Master's "talk" methodology. You will leave this workshop with practical knowledge in determining accurate winter wetland delineation. Botanist Karro Frost will assist.

Instructors: Long-time instructor Bruce Griffin is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist and an approved Soil Evaluator in Mass. He is also a Certified Wetland Scientist in New Hampshire. As a Senior Scientist with New England Environmental since 2000, he specializes in soils and wetland delineations. Karro Frost is a Senior Scientist with New England Environmental whose specialties include botany and wetland delineation.

Cost: AMWS member $100; non-member $150. Hours toward CEUs available. Limited spots. See above link for registration form.

Status: Almost full; email administrator@amws.org before sending in registration

March 23, 2012 (Friday/half-day "boutique" workshop)

Vernal Pools at Ice-Out (Surficial Geology)
Wildcat Reservation, Boxford, Mass.
9:00 a.m. - noon

Get an overview of the biological and physical components of vernal pool habitat. Learn late-winter vernal pool indicators, with an emphasis on watershed topography and surficial geology. This is one of AMWS's "boutique" workshops, planned for a small group on a narrow topic. The woods are your classroom as your instructor takes you on a ramble.

Instructor: John Dick (Hancock Associates); with assistance from Stacy Carpenter

Cost: AMWS member $50; non-member $75. Hours toward CEUs available. Very limited spots. See above link for registration form. Contact: administrator@amws.org

March 30, 2012 (Friday) NEW DATE!

Coastal Resource Delineation & Habitat Issues
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (Plum Island), Newbury, Mass.
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Coastal projects today range from house additions and septic system repairs to beach and dune nourishment to permitting for wharves, piers and dredging projects. Regulators and developers are frequently at odds because some view coastal resources as separate items defined by formulas and physical structures, rather than as a continuum of wetland functions and values. Further complicating permitting is the fact that our coastline is not well-represented by traditional models, so that resource definitions and performance standards are difficult to apply.

The difficulty of resource delineation and habitat issues in a dynamic environment will be covered in this full-day exploration. We’ll look at coastal delineation, and the use of the NOAA/NGS databases for conversion of tidal to "fixed" datums. Included in the mix will be discussions of the physical structure and surficial geology of coastal banks and dunes, and wildlife issues relating to the Spadefoot toad and interdunal swales as breeding habitat. A field trip will address the interaction of soil, vegetation, wind and water under an eroding coastal drumlin and on nearby sandbars and dunes, and will involve over a mile of hiking. Time permitting, we will also cross some interdunal swales along a boardwalk into prime toad habitat.

This is an unusual workshop exclusively offered by AMWS. We'll spend the morning classroom component at the National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters and the afternoon on the beach. Of note, the late winter timing allows us access to our surroundings that nesting site restrictions, vegetative cover and beachgoers do not. Bring your own lunch and wear layers! If you work on coastal projects, this is a "must attend" workshop.

Instructors: John Dick (Hancock Associates); James Panaccione (National Wildlife Refuge); Les Smith (Epsilon Associates); Stacy Carpenter (Blue Lion)

Cost: AMWS member $125; non-member $175. Hours toward CEUs available. Limited spots. See above link for registration form.

Contact: administrator@amws.org

***

AGENDA/COASTAL RESOURCE DELINEATION & HABITAT ISSUES

8:30-9:00 Registration (coffee & donuts)

9:00-9:15 Workshop Overview

John Dick (Hancock Associates)

Developing coastal areas requires us to determine physical resources and habitat values in relation to Mean High Water. There is typically a high engineering and land surveying component for permitting, so communication between professionals about the nature and extent of resources is critical to overall success.

We’ll start the day with what’s most affected—wildlife and its habitat—and expand our scope to analyze the physical structures in terms of surficial geology. We’ll move from there to the technical issues of delineation and learn how to convert tidal databases to fixed datums. Then we’ll head to the beach to observe resources that are often difficult to flag. There we’ll learn how to prepare notes so that definitive features can be survey-located, and how to conduct a wildlife habitat assessment (such as the recognition factors for Least Tern and Piping Plover nesting and foraging areas and the shelter and breeding requirements of the Spadefoot Toad). Time permitting, we will also cross some interdunal swales along a boardwalk through prime toad habitat.

9:15-9:45 Wildlife issues relating to beaches, dunes and interdunal swales as breeding habitat

James Panaccione (Parker River National Wildlife Refuge)

The ecology, habitat and distribution of a state-listed endangered species, the Eastern Spadefoot Toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii), will be presented. Survey techniques and detection challenges will also be discussed as the existence of this threatened species is a strong deterrent to site development.

9:45-10:30 How to prepare a complete site assessment (addresses briefing the land surveyor and assessing site-specific habitat values)

John Dick and Stacy Carpenter (Blue Lion)

This segment, given by a Professional Land Surveyor and a wildlife specialist, will address the research required for a land surveyor. We’ll also discuss MassGIS and LiDAR remote sensing, which are valuable tools for the all-important “ground-truthing” that allows a complete (and one-pass) site assessment by a wetland scientist.

10:30-10:45 Break/Q & A

10:45-11:30 Physical structure and surficial geology of coastal banks and dunes, including delineation

Les Smith (Epsilon Associates)

The geology and wetland delineation of coastal bank and dune landforms and their performance standards will be presented.

11:30-noon Using NOAA/NGS databases for conversion of tidal to “fixed” datums

John Dick

The use of simple instruments, tide tables, and direct observation will be discussed, with emphasis on keeping complete and coherent field notes.

12:00-12:30 Lunch/Q & A (in classroom; bring your own)

12:30-12:45 Carpool to beach

12:45-3:30 Field Observation of interaction of soil, vegetation, wind and water under an eroding coastal drumlin and on nearby sandbars and dunes

John Dick and Stacy Carpenter

Emphasis will be on the observation of coastal processes and the development of proper field notes for the land surveyor, as well as the preparation of a complete site report (including bank profiles and site-specific habitat assessment).

April 27, 2012 (Friday/half-day "boutique" workshop)

Spring Ephemerals
Wildcat Reservation, Boxford, Mass.
9:00 a.m. - to noon

Spring's first flowers--such as Hepatica, Bloodroot and Uvularia--are often found near wetlands. Learn the differences between often confusing ephemerals, many of which are key wetland indicator plants. A few small plants may shift your determination from wetland to upland. Their brief, seasonal occurrence makes correct identification critical. This is one of AMWS's "boutique" workshops, planned for a small group on a narrow topic. The woods are your classroom, and you'll ramble through them while your instructor identifies various ephemerals.

Instructor: John Dick (Hancock Associates); with assistance from Stacy Carpenter (Blue Lion)
Cost: AMWS member $50; non-member $75. Hours toward CEUs available. Very limited spots. See above link for registration form.

Contact: administrator@amws.org

June, 2012

Vernal Pool Macroinvertebrates and Amphibian Larvae

September 28, 2012

Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in Massachusetts

October, 2012

Difficult Wetland Delineation

November, 2012

AMWS Annual Meeting: MassDEP's New WPA Regulations

NOTE: ALL AMWS WORKSHOPS HAVE LIMITED SPACE. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION, YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED!

Not an AMWS member? See "Join" section on this website!

AMWS WORKSHOP POLICY:
(1) All fees are due in advance of workshop. Should you require reimbursement by your employer, an invoice will be provided upon request.
(2) If you must cancel, your fee will be applied toward another workshop or membership, if possible. Substitutions are fine, as long as the difference between member & non-member fees is paid, and there is no one on the Wait List. If you find that you cannot make the workshop, please contact AMWS so the Wait List can be tapped or the instructor can work around your absence!
(3) Registration is only guaranteed when you are given confirmation by email or regular mail. Do not assume you are registered otherwise. Workshop participants often receive box lunches or supplies that are not ordered in excess. Additionally, the instructor/participant ratio must be maintained for optimal learning.
(4) Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. A waiting list will be maintained.
(5) CEUs are usually available from the certifying authority. All participants are given a Certificate of Attendance.

NOTE: As of 1/01/11, Continuing Ed units are no longer pre-approved by the N.H. Board. You still need continuing education, but it is now call Continuing Education Hours (versus units), w/ 1 hour = 1 CEH. It is the responsibility of the candidate to decide whether or not the course is relevant to the practice of Soil or Wetland Science. For more info, see www.nh.gov/jtboard/home.htm

WORKSHOPS OUTSIDE OF AMWS

AMWS ALSO LISTS ENVIRONMENTAL WORKSHOPS OFFERED BY OTHER GROUPS that may be of interest to our members. Mention of a particular conference, course, or company does not imply endorsement by AMWS.

March 1 - April 5, 2012

Restoring the Bay's Natural Resources

Buzzards Bay Coalition

Free Decision Maker Workshop Series

**This free three-part workshop series will help participants answer the questions:**

Why Restore: What are the benefits to natural resources?
Thursday March 1, 2012 – Buzzards Bay Coalition, New Bedford
- Site Visit - Acushnet River restoration sites
- Keynote Speaker - Brendan Annett, VP, Watershed Protection, Buzzards Bay Coalition
- Topics Include: How restoration can undo damage to natural resources, types of restoration and ecological benefits.
Restoration in the Community: What are the safety and economic pros and cons of restoration?
Thursday March 22, 2012 - Briarwood, Monument Beach
- Site Visit - Sippewisset Marsh
- Keynote Speaker - David Gould, Environmental Resources Manager, Town of Plymouth
- Topics Include: Determining and managing stakeholders, economic benefits, flooding hazards mitigation, and drinking water source protection.
Making Restoration Happen: How are these projects implemented in my community and what is my role in their success?
Thursday April 5, 2012 - Cranberry Station, East Wareham
- Site Visit - Red Brook River
- Keynote Speaker - Tim Purinton, Director of Division of Ecological Restoration, Mass Department of Fish and Game
- Topics Include: Managing multi-source funding, permitting, planning and design, and managing construction.

How to get involved: To register for one or all of the free workshops contact Shannon McManus at mcmanus@savebuzzardsbay.org or (508)999-6363 x 226. Visit their website for more information.

***

March 7 - 8, 2012

18th Annual ELA Conference & Eco-Marketplace

Springfield, Mass.

Wednesday, March 7th, offers you a choice fromtwo full-day intensive workshops:

Bringing Life to Urban Landscapes: New Ideas in Urban Design
"Pro"active Protection of Wetlands: Conservation and
Landscape Professionals Collaborate

Wednesday's Keynote luncheon features international invasive plant authority, Mike Clough from the United Kingdom. Clough specializes in the latest strategies for dealing with Japanese Knotweed and other invasive plant species. Evening activities includea trip to the Smith College Spring Bulb Show and ELA's 20th birthday celebration!

Thursday, March 8th three concurrent educational tracts offer
12 separate sessions that include:

Native Plant System Design to Increase Habitat Diversity
Designing Perennial Plant Food Systems
Case Study: The Sustainable Sites Initiative
Knowing the Enemy: Practical Solutions for Deer and Other Pests
Going to Extremes: How Climate Change Could Impact Invasives
Water Neutral Gardens: The Greywater Component
And more...

New this year: ELA at the Movies [pdf document] offers a screening room on March 8th featuring a series of ecological documentaries.

Thursday's concurrent Eco-Marketplace showcases the latest in ecological services, products, and technologies.

The Jazz Social Hour begins when the Marketplace closes and presents a great opportunity for you to connect informally with colleagues, speakers, and exhibitors.

Conclude your Conference experience with dinner and Keynote presentation by well-known author and designer, Ben Falk. Falk specializes in land production and restoration methods aimed at increasing resiliency in the face of peak oil and climate change. His presentation will focus on Strategies at the Intersection of
Edible Landscaping and Homesteading.

***

July 9 - 13, 2012

Summer Wildlife Workshop at Segreganset Field School

(Part of Bristol County Agricultural High School)

135 Center Street, Dighton, Mass.

The Segreganset Field School, in its inaugural year, offers a condensed learning opportunity to college students and practicing professionals in field biology in the Northeast. Instructors are regional experts in a broad range of disciplines. This workshop is "hands-on, soggy sneakers" field biology, and will expand the methodological tool box of any field biologist. Each of the five days includes exercises of on-the-ground (or in the lab) techniques, to be done by students with the guidance of the instructors. Students should expect moderately challenging field conditions and be ready to "do" right out of the gate.

For more info, see: http://www.edline.net/pages/Bristol_County_Agr_High/sfs

If you have an event to list, please contact AMWS Administrator

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