Stream Restoration Level IV – Natural Channel and Stream Design

The Swamp School is offering an online and virtual field workshop series on stream restoration.  Level 4 / 5.

 

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GSA Open Market Item
In The Field
Level IV
Online

$1,999.00

Course Includes
Certificate of Training
49 Professional Development Hours
Instructor Led Program

By gathering all of the data derived from the first three parts we are able to move into design. This program will provide the information needed to look for solutions for physical and ecological stream impairments. Using examples from a number of successful stream restoration projects we will highlight what works and what should be avoided. The emphasis will be on natural channel design but we will also highlight when hardscaping may be necessary. Course topics include:

  • Natural channel design
  • Sustainable design techniques
  • Best management practices
  • Adaptive management
  • Contingency planning
  • Innovative engineering solutions
  • Ecological restoration
  • Site planning and stabilization
  • Planting design
  • Regulatory considerations

Course format

This program is a blend of online presentations, discussions, assignments and tests. Virtual field workshops include demonstrations of methodologies and techniques.

The student will need to identify a local stream to use for field assignment purposes.

Course schedule

The class is presented in a topics format and will run for a total of 14 weeks. Students can work at their own pace and complete the course in about 12-weeks. There is no specific daily schedule when students can work on the class. This class is offered entirely online as a virtual classroom experience. However, this is an instructor lead class and our instructors stand ready to help you with any questions or clarifications you may have.

Time commitments

The student should plan on at least 3-4 hours of dedication to the class per week with additional time in the field during data gathering days.

Weather contingencies

The field aspects of this class will require data collection that may be impacted by local weather conditions. Most of the field work can be done year-round so long as the stream being assessed is not covered by heavy snow or frozen solid. If the stream is flowing such that you can measure the channel you should not be impacted by the weather. If you are not able to conduct the field wok with the course time frame due to bad weather conditions, a class extension will be granted and coordinated with your instructor.

Student Provided Equipment

You will need a builder’s laser level and rod to conduct the stream surveys. You will also need measuring tapes (>100’). You will not need full survey capabilities but you will need to be able to accurately measure stream pattern, dimension and profile.

For the design class you will need access to a drafting program like AutoCAD or MicroStation. However, you can also manually draft your designs if you do not have these resources. Alternatively, you can also use some of the free drafting programs like Google Drawings or similar.

It is highly recommended that you do the field work with a partner. Ideally, a fellow co-worker who is also taking the class.

Prerequisites

Level 1 – Applied Fluvial Morphology/Stream Physics

Level 2 – River Morphology and Applications/Stream Site Assessment Techniques

Level 3 – Stream Ecology (Swamp School)

This course requires a background in stream ecology that is covered by our Level 3 program.

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