2017 Conference Field Trips
2017-09-26 - 2017-09-27
2017 Wetlands Conference Field Trips

Pigeon River Country Tour
Tour the Pigeon River Country (PRC) with Michigan Department of Natural Resources Staff, including:

Song of the Morning - Visit the site of the dam removal on the Pigeon River and hear the story of its removal. This privately owned dam had failed 3 times in the last century, each time causing a catastrophic loss of fish. Now after a lawsuit and agreement by the parties, the dam has been removed, which has restored the Pigeon River to its natural free flowing state.
PRC State Forest Headquarters and Discovery Center - We will visit the building complex built by the CCC in 1935, which houses the offices and visitor center. There we will learn a little of the history of the PRC and its significance in the history of conservation in Michigan. We will also tour the PRC Discovery Center, which is still under development, and learn about the latest initiative to tell the story of the PRC and introduce a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts to the "Big Wild".
Sinkhole Lakes - We will venture out past the Pigeon River to the scenic sinkhole lakes to learn about their unique geology and the challenges of managing these small gems.
After wrapping up at the PRC, we can head into the thriving town of Gaylord and visit Snowbelt Brewery on our way out of town for a cold beverage.

Bog and Brew
Come out and take a walk through a diverse northern Michigan forest that is filled with wildlife, multiple forest types and has diverse range of wetlands, at Johannesburg Lewiston Schools. The walk will start off stopping by a bog full of birds and wetland plants, then wander off into an aspen clear cut and then into an old growth maple forest with vernal pools and depressional wetlands. The walk will finish up by traveling through a thick black spruce wetland forest and ends with an ice cold brew only blocks away. Attendees will meet at entrance of conference building before heading over to site to go over site and parking details.

Trout Fishing
MWA is gauging interest in the number of people interested in a guided fly fishing trip on Friday afternoon. If there is enough interest, local fly fishing guides will take small groups to local streams to fly fish. Cost is dependent on the number of people to cover the cost of the guide services. Fly fishing equipment may be provided for additional costs. Participants are required to have proper fishing licenses. If you are interested, check the Fly Fishing box when you register for the conference.

2017 Conference Workshops
2017-09-26 - 2017-09-27
2017 Wetlands Conference Workshops

Protection and Restoration of Wild Rice
This workshop will focus on the protection and restoration of Wild Rice in Michigan. We will spend the afternoon learning about the different varieties of wild rice, or “Manoomin,” found in Michigan, habitat and growing conditions, range, Tribal significance, and restoration efforts. After these presentations we will head outside for “Wild Rice Camp” where we will participate in a live demonstration of processing harvested wild rice in the traditional tribal methods. It will be interactive, engaging, and outside!

Siting Wetland Mitigation and Restoration in a Watershed Context
This workshop will focus on assessing the functions and values of impacted wetlands using the Landscape Level Wetland Functional Assessment (LLWFA) approach and determining which restoration and mitigation sites will likely replace those functions. Participants will work in a small group setting to analyze impacts to wetlands, screen potential mitigation sites, and make decisions on likely outcomes of restoration projects. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has been working since 2006 on refining and expanding the use of the LLWFA across much of the state. This approach addresses both a current (2005) wetland inventory and a Pre-European Settlement inventory, to approximate change over time. Twenty watersheds have been thru the complete LLWFA process, and another ten watersheds are in some phase of completion. In, 2008 the U.S. Environmental Project Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) adopted the Federal Mitigation Rule which placed an emphasis on planning wetland mitigation and restoration projects using the watershed approach. This workshop will cover using MDEQ’s LLWFA, watershed plans and other information to plan wetland restoration and mitigation projects in the watershed context.

Management of Invasive Wetland Species
When invasive species take hold, they can cause serious environmental damage to wetland ecosystems and can be very difficult to manage. This workshop will focus on management of invasive wetland species and will include case studies on early detection and rapid response, monitoring and surveying for invasive species, cooperative invasive species management, and more.

Holiday Happy Hour
2017-12-14 16:00 - 18:00 UTC
Come join the MWA Board and other MWA members for a holiday happy hour! Our holiday happy hour will be on December 14, 2017 at 4 p.m. at Tavern and Tap in downtown Lansing. Please RSVP so we can save you a seat!

2018 Spring Workshop: Climate Change Adaptation for Wetlands
2018-05-15 10:00 - 16:15 UTC
2018 Spring Workshop: Adapting Wetlands to Climate Change

Dates: May 15, 2018

Location: Michigan Nature Association Conference Room, 2310 Science Pkwy #100, Okemos, MI 48864

Time: 10:00am to 4:15pm

Cost: $25 (MWA members), $30 (non-members)

Instructors: Danielle Shannon and Todd Ontl, USDA Climate Hub & Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS)

Danielle Shannon is the coordinator of the USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub and staff at the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS). Danielle helps land managers cope with and adapt to the challenges of climate change and is responsible for expanding the suite of adaptation resources at NIACS into the field of forest hydrology and the management of forested watersheds. Most recently, Danielle and her colleague Todd Ontl are leading efforts to help wetland managers adapt to climate change in the Midwest and Northeast. She has a M.S. from the University of Minnesota in Forest Hydrology and Watershed Management.

Todd Ontl is the Fellow for the USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub with the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science, and focuses on assisting natural resource managers in integrating climate change adaptation into land management. Todd’s areas of interests include applied research in understanding adaptation decision-making and synergies in adaptation and mitigation actions in forest management. His background includes an MS in plant community restoration, a PhD in plant-soil interactions and soil carbon dynamics, and post-doctoral research in climate change impacts to peatland ecosystems.

Workshop Description: This one day workshop will introduce wetland managers to the concepts of climate change adaptation and present opportunities to develop actionable steps to prepare for and adapt ecosystems to changing conditions. This workshop draws upon resources created at the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS), including the structured decision-making process known as the Adaptation Workbook (adaptationworkbook.org). Participants are invited to select their interest in non-forested or forested systems, restoration, conservation, wetland mitigation, or other topics. Lunch will be provided.

What are your areas of interest, or climate change adaptation questions? Let us know in the comments!

MWA 2018 Spring Workshop Info and Agenda

If you have any trouble booking, please email Anne Garwood at garwooda@michigan.gov.

Wetland Delineation Training
2018-05-21 08:30 - 2018-05-25 17:00 UTC
Name of Class: Wetland Delineation Training (5-Day) USACE Northcentral and Northeast Regional Supplement

Dates: May 21-25, 2018

Location: Field-Various areas in and around Lansing, Classroom- Michigan Nature Association/MWA Offices, Okemos

Time(s): 8:30am to 5:00pm

Instructors: Todd Losee, James Sallee, Keto Gyekis, Michael Pennington

Cost: $550 (MWA members), $650 (non-members)

Class Description: This is a 5-day course covering all aspects wetland delineation focusing on the procedures outlined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 87 Manual and the Northcentral and Northeast and Midwest Regional Supplements. The course will spend significant time on the criteria necessary to meet the wetland delineation standards for Wetland Hydrology, Hydric Soils, and Hydrophytic Vegetation. The course will focus on a variety of wetland types in and around Lansing, Michigan. Participants will learn all aspects of wetland delineation including how to properly complete the Wetland Data Form. Participants will be provided a Northeast Northcentral Supplement. Participants will be responsible for meals and lodging. Several lodging options are available in the Lansing area. This is a field course, participants should be prepared for varying field and weather conditions (rain gear, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.).

Instructor Bios:
Todd Losee – Todd has over 19 years of experience delineating wetlands while working in the public and private sectors. Todd served on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Supplement Development Committees for both the Midwest and Northeast Northcentral Supplements. Prior to his current job as a private wetland consultant, Todd served as the state’s expert in wetland identification and managed the DEQ’s Wetland Identification Program and the development of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands (MiRAM). He has served as an expert witness in administrative, criminal and civil wetland court cases; and he has completed hundreds of wetland delineations particularly at some of the most technically difficult and controversial sites. Todd is currently the President of the Michigan Wetlands Association.

James Sallee – James is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with over 19
years of experience working in Michigan’s wetlands. James currently works as a wetland consultant conducting wetland delineations and hydric soil reviews throughout Michigan. James led a research project on difficult hydric soils of Michigan that resulted in additional hydric soil indicators being developed and included in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers supplements. James also spent several years as the DEQ’s Wetland Specialist focusing on hydric soil identification. James has testified as a hydric soil expert in various administrative, criminal, and civil court cases. James also participated in the National Wetland Condition Assessment.

Keto Gyekis – Keto manages the Wetland Identification Program for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). He travels throughout the state, from urban centers in southern Michigan to the western end of the Upper Peninsula, conducting wetland delineations and inspecting consultants’ delineations. He conducts wetland jurisdictional determinations for the DEQ and assists staff with the wetland permit application review process and enforcement issues. Prior to DEQ, Keto had worked as a field ecologist for a consulting firm, delineating wetlands throughout Michigan and in three other states. He has maintained certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist. Keto was a co-developer of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands and has led several trainings on wetland function and values and wetland delineation.

Michael Pennington - Michael Pennington is the Wetland Mitigation Specialist for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Water Resources Division. Michael serves as the program administrator for DEQ’s Wetland Mitigation Banking program and provides assistance to staff on complex wetland mitigation issues. Michael also provides wetland education and training and he plays a pivotal role for the division by providing technical and regulatory guidance for the best protection and management of the state’s wetland resources. Before working for the DEQ, Michael managed MDOT’s Wetland Mitigation and Wetland Banking Programs for 14 years.

Class Cancellation Notification: Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees:

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to 14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

Aquatic Plant Identification
2018-07-11 08:00 - 2018-07-12 17:00 UTC
Name of Class: Aquatic Plant Identification

Dates: July 11-12, 2018

Location: Lansing/East Lansing, Michigan

Time(s): 8:00am to 5:00pm

Instructors: Dr. Jo Latimore, Michigan State University and Erick Elgin, Michigan State University Extension

Cost: $200 (MWA members), $250 (non-members)

Accommodations: Attendees are responsible for their own meals and accommodations; packing a lunch each day is recommended

Course Materials: Attendees should bring waders or water shoes, a write-in-the-rain notebook, hand lens, writing utensil and plant ID book(s)

Class Description: Two (2) day field/laboratory class covering identification of lacustrine wetland species, focusing on littoral zone submergents and emergents. Participants will have the opportunity to obtain a hands-on look at lake and pond species, and receive professional instruction for identification and determination at the species level. The class will visit field sites in the greater Lansing area, and participants will have the opportunity to examine specimens in a laboratory setting.

Dr. Jo Latimore Bio:
Jo Latimore is an Aquatic Ecologist and Outreach Specialist in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at MSU. Her work focuses in public participation in assessment and management of Michigan’s streams and lakes; science communication, outreach, and engagement; natural resources leadership development; and improving our understanding of aquatic ecosystem health by assessing responses to disturbance. As an Outreach Specialist, the majority of her work is focused on engaging with individuals and organizations to promote understanding and stewardship of aquatic ecosystems. Key partners in these efforts include Michigan State University Extension and Michigan Lake and Stream Associations.

Erick Elgin Bio:
Erick Elgin is an aquatic ecologist and Water Resource Educator with MSU Extension. Elgin has 10 years of experience with aquatic plant ecology, monitoring, and identification. As an Extension Educator Elgin focuses on inland lake education, outreach, protection, and management. Together with Jo Latimore, he also implements the Exotic Aquatic Plant Watch – a statewide citizen science aquatic invasive plant monitoring program.

Class Cancellation Notification: Five (5) days prior to the class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund participants 100% of the received class fee.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees:

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to 14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%); however, the spot may be transferred to another person

Wetland Plant Identification and Hike with Ellen
2018-07-23 09:00 - 12:00 UTC
Name of Class: Wetland Plant Identification and Hike with Ellen

Dates: July 23, 2018

Location: Sharon Hollow (Nan Weston Preserve of The Nature Conservancy), Washtenaw County, Michigan

Time: 9:00am to 12:00pm

Instructor: Ellen Weatherbee

Cost: $40 (MWA members), $50 (non-members)

Accommodations: Attendees are responsible for their own meals. Packing a lunch is recommended and there is a picnic area nearby. Attendees are invited to join lunch after class with Ellen.

Course Materials: Attendees should bring a sense of humor, write-in-the-rain notebook and writing utensil. Plant ID book(s) and a camera are optional.

Class Description: One half (1/2) day field class at Sharon Hollow, which is one of the top natural sites in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The preserve includes rich woods, stream sides, and hardwood swamp with groundwater seeps and springs. Boardwalks provide access through much of the wetter areas. Plant identification will include common, rare, and unusual species occuring in wetlands and transitional habitats. Instruction will include discussion of common and scientifc plant names, wetland ratings, and floristic quality index ratings. This is a field course, participants should be prepared for varying field and weather conditions (rain gear, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.).

Class Cancellation Notification: Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees:

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to 14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

This class is full - to join the wait list please send an email to mwa@miwetlands.org

Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands (MiRAM)
2018-08-29 08:30 - 2018-08-30 17:00 UTC
Name of Class: Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands (MiRAM)

Dates: August 29-30, 2018

Location: Lansing, MI

Time(s): 8:30am to 5:00pm

Instructors: Anne Garwood (Michigan DEQ), Amy Berry (Michigan DEQ), Keto Gyekis (Michigan DEQ), Amy Lounds (Michigan DEQ), Todd Losee (Niswander Environmental)

Cost: $125 (MWA members), $150 (non-members)

Accommodations: Attendees are responsible for their own meals. Packing a lunch is recommended.

Course Materials: Attendees should bring a write-in-the-rain notebook, hand lens, writing utensil and plant ID book(s).

Class Description: Two (2) day field class will cover the MiRAM system allowing all attendees to properly understand MiRAM Users Manual in order to complete the MiRAM Rating Forms. The MiRAM evaluates a wetland’s “functional value”, which includes a wetland’s ecological condition (integrity) and its potential to provide ecological and societal services (functions and values). This training will provide general guidance in assessing a wetland’s “functional value” using the MiRAM. The training will include a combination of classroom and field instruction. On the second day, attendees will complete the entire MiRAM review individually or in small groups. This is a field course, participants should be prepared for varying field and weather conditions (rain gear, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.).

Class Cancellation Notification: Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees:

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to 14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

Asters and Goldenrods in Michigan Wetlands
2018-09-19 08:00 - 2018-09-20 17:00 UTC
Name of Class: Asters and Goldenrods in Michigan Wetlands

Dates: September 19-20, 2018

Location: Washtenaw County, MI

Time(s): 8:00am to 5:00pm

Instructor: Tony Reznicek, Ph.D, University of Michigan Herbarium

Cost: $200 (MWA members), $250 (non-members)

Accommodations: Attendees are responsible for their own meals and accommodations; packing a lunch each day is recommended

Course Materials: Attendees should bring a write-in-the-rain notebook, hand lens, writing utensil and plant ID book(s) containing asters and goldenrods

Class Description: Two (2) day field class covering aster and goldenrod species found within wetland and transitional habitats. Participants will learn primarily through in-depth field instruction and some classroom instruction how to identify these tricky herbaceous groups using a variety of characteristics including leaves, flowers and stems. The class will visit diverse field sites in Washtenaw County in order to identify both commonly observed and less commonly observed species within these groups. This is a field course, participants should be prepared for varying field and weather conditions (rain gear, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.).

Class Cancellation Notification: Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees:

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to 14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

Hydric Soils Identification
2018-10-10 08:00 - 2018-10-11 17:00 UTC
Name of Class: Hydric Soils Identification

Dates: October 10-11, 2018

Location: Marquette, MI

Time(s): 8:00am to 5:00pm

Instructor: James Sallee, CPSS, PWS

Cost: $250 (MWA members), $300 (non-members)

Accommodations: Attendees are responsible for their own meals and accommodations; packing a lunch each day is recommended Several lodging options are available in the Marquette area.

Course Materials: Participants will be provided a copy of the USDA NRCS Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States, A Guide for Identifying and Delineating Hydric Soils, Version 8.1, 2017.

Class Description: Two day field class covering hydric soil identification in a variety of wetland and transitional habitats. Participants will learn through a combination of in-depth classroom instruction, lab exercises, and field study how to identify and properly describe organic, sandy, and fine textured hydric soils using the Field Indicators of Hydric Soils. The class will visit field sites in the Marquette area. Participants should be prepared to work outside in cool and potentially rainy weather. This is a field course, participants should be prepared for varying field and weather conditions (rain gear, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.).

Instructor Bio: James Sallee is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with over 20 years of experience working in Michigan’s wetlands. James currently works as a wetland consultant conducting wetland delineations and hydric soil reviews throughout Michigan. James led a research project on difficult hydric soils of Michigan that resulted in additional hydric soil indicators being developed and included in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers supplements. James also spent several years as the DEQ’s Wetland Specialist focusing on hydric soil identification. James has testified as a hydric soil expert in various administrative, criminal, and civil court cases. James also participated in the National Wetland Condition Assessment.

Class Cancellation Notification: Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees:

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to 14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

2018 Fall Meeting and Social
2018-12-05 16:00 - 18:00 UTC
Fall Meeting and Social
At Lansing Brewing Company, Lansing
December 5, 2018
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Come spend some time hanging out with MWA at Lansing Brewing Company!

Jessica Pruden from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will give a 20-minute update presentation on federally listed mussels and the Michigan Mussel protocol.

Price: $10 including appetizers and two beverage tickets.

Space is limited to the first 50 people to register.

Special thank you to our event sponsors!

Warner Norcross & Judd
and
CN Farm LLC

Test Event
2018-12-31
This is test event, so please do not apply.

We'll offer discount for paid members.

Winter Wetland Plant Identification
2019-03-14 09:00 - 16:00 UTC
Name of Class: Winter Woody Plant Identification (1 Day)

Dates: March 14, 2019

Location: Field: Various Trails on Chippewa Nature Center property in Midland, MI; Classroom: Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland, MI 48640 MAP

Time(s): 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Instructors: Martha Holzheuer and Bryana J. Guevara

Cost: $100 (MWA members), $125 (non-members)

Class Description:

A one-day class focusing on identification of woody wetland and upland plant species based upon winter appearance. Instruction will be through introductory classroom lecture, in-depth field instruction, and indoor practice and review with collected specimens. The field portion of the class will examine woody plants in a variety of wetland habitats at the Chippewa Nature Center. Participants will be responsible for lunch and lodging, if needed. Several lodging options are available in the Midland area. This is a winter field course, and participants should be prepared for varying field and weather conditions (rain gear, base layers, gloves, waterproof knee-high winter boots, etc.). All class attendees are encouraged to bring a hand lens (10x), write-in-the-rain notebook, pencil, and plant identification books. Other helpful tools include: binoculars, pocket-knife, camera, zip-lock bags, and/or clipboard.

Instructor Bios:

Martha Holzheuer – Martha is the Midwest Ecology Program Manager at Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. and has over a decade of professional experience consulting on a variety of private and public sector projects including ecological restoration; wildlife habitat improvement; environmental education; community outreach; rare species surveys and monitoring; floristic quality assessments; invasive species management; and native planting design and management. She is a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner, Certified Ecologist, Certified Arborist, and Professional Landscape Architect. Martha is currently a Board Member for the Society for Ecological Restoration Midwest-Great Lakes Chapter. She maintains excellent working knowledge of plant identification in all seasons, happily shares her tips and tricks gained from teaching field labs for the Woody Plants course at the University of Michigan, and truly enjoys helping people refine their identification process for Michigan’s flora in the field!

Bryana J. Guevara – Bryana has experience in a variety of ecological and environmental services and prior to working as Marx Wetlands LLC, she worked at another consulting firm as a field lead, environmental consultant, and land development specialist. Bryana is recognized as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) through the Society of Wetland Scientists Professional certification program and is a certified ISA Arborist with field experience in more than 30 local municipalities throughout Southeast Michigan. Bryana specializes in tree and plant surveys; wetland delineations; wetland mitigation monitoring; woodland habitat assessments; ecological restoration; threatened and endangered species habitat assessments; permit application assistance; and soil erosion and sedimentation control monitoring. She took the Woody Plants course at the University of Michigan and has continued to use her skills through regular field work and by attending seasonal plant courses. She enjoys sharing helpful field tips for positive tree identification and looks forward to assisting with this winter woody plants class.

Class Cancellation Notification

Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

This class is currently full. To sign up for the waiting list click here.

Vernal Pool Identification Training
2019-04-11 09:00 - 16:00 UTC
Name of Class: Vernal Pool Identification

Dates: April 11, 2019

Location: Annex Building, Proud Lake State Recreation Area, 2700 Glengary Road, Commerce Twp., MI 48390

Time(s): 9:00am to 4:00pm

Instructors: Yu Man Lee, Herpetologist; Phyllis Higman, Botanist; Daria Hyde, Conservation Planner/Zoologist

Cost: $100 (MWA members), $150 (non-members)

Accommodations: Attendees are responsible for their own meals; packing a lunch is recommended.

Course Materials: Attendees should bring write-in-the-rain notebook, writing utensil, tall rubber boots or waders, and a herpetological field ID book if desired.

Class Description:

A one day field class which will cover the identification and functions and values provided by vernal pools. We will begin with a classroom portion providing an overview of vernal pool characteristics. Then participants will learn through hands on field instruction how to identify key indicators found in vernal pools such as fairy shrimp or evidence of breeding activity by certain amphibian species. The class will visit field sites at Proud Lake State Recreation Area, including several vernal pools previously known to provide habitat for breeding amphibians. We also will provide information about how participants can contribute to a statewide vernal pool mapping and monitoring program.

Instructor Bios:

Yu Man Lee – Herpetologist

Yu Man Lee has been a Conservation Scientist and Herpetologist with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) since 1997. Her primary responsibilities at MNFI include conducting surveys, research, and monitoring to assess the status and distribution of rare animal species across the state, particularly amphibians and reptiles; maintaining Michigan’s Natural Heritage Database; conducting environmental review assessments; and providing technical assistance, education and outreach on rare species and natural communities to natural resource professionals, conservation groups, general public, and other stakeholders to inform biodiversity conservation. Yu Man has been working with partners to increase knowledge and understanding of vernal pools in Michigan by providing trainings and implementing a statewide citizen science-based vernal pool mapping and monitoring program. Yu Man also co-chairs the Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership, a public-private partnership to promote awareness and conservation of vernal pools. Yu Man earned her BS in Natural Resource Management from The University of Michigan and her MS in Wildlife Science from Oregon State University.

Phyllis Higman – Botanist

Since joining MNFI in 1993, Phyllis has conducted training and education on the biodiversity conservation of Michigan’s native ecosystems; surveyed and identified plants and ecosystems, including floristic quality assessments; and conducted research, training, and education on invasive plants and climate change. Her seminal work on invasive phragmites has resulted in a regionally recognized early detection and response strategy, a framework and field guides for addressing invasive plants, support for an online or phone app system for mapping their occurrences (Midwest Invasive Species Information Network), current distribution maps, best treatment strategies, and many new partners statewide. Phyllis earned her BS in Biological Sciences, her Teacher Certification from the University of Michigan, and her MS in Biological Sciences (Botany) from Central Michigan University.

Daria Hyde – Conservation Planner/Zoologist

Since joining MNFI in 1994, Daria has conducted animal surveys and worked with partners to promote the protection of Michigan’s natural resources. She provides technical support to governmental agencies, collaborates with the Mitchell’s satyr Working Group to conserve this rare butterfly, and helps local communities understand and protect their natural assets. She helped to initiate vernal pool monitoring programs and coordinates citizen scientists, teachers, and students to collect data on these ecosystems. Daria earned her BS in Wildlife Management at Michigan State University and her MS in Conservation Biology at Central Michigan University.

Class Cancellation Notification

Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to 14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

Threatened and Endangered Species Training
2019-04-16 09:00 - 2019-04-17 16:30 UTC
Name of Class: Threatened and Endangered Species Training

Dates: April 16 and 17, 2019

Location: Woldumar Nature Association, 5739 Old Lansing Rd, Lansing, MI 48917

Time(s): 9:00am to 4:30pm

Instructors: U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Cost: $200 (MWA members), $250 (non-members)

Accommodations: Attendees are responsible for their own meals and accommodations.

Class Description:

Join Threatened and Endangered (T&E) Species experts from U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to learn about current information on Michigan’s T&E species, including:

State and federal T&E requirements and updates and the DEQ Screening Process
Michigan T&E Mussels and the Michigan Mussel Protocol
The “Bat Tool” for Indiana and Northern Long-eared Bat
Federal Protections and BMPS for the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake

Class Cancellation Notification

Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to 14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

Wetland Delineation
2019-05-20 09:00 - 2019-05-24 16:00 UTC
Name of Class: Wetland Delineation Training , USACE Northcentral and Northeast Regional Supplement

Dates: May 20-24, 2019

Location: Field: Various areas in and around Lansing; Classroom: Michigan Nature Association/MWA Offices, Okemos

Time(s): 8:30am to 5:00pm

Instructors: Todd Losee, Michael Pennington, James Sallee, Keto Gyekis

Cost: $550 (MWA members), $650 (non-members)

Class Description: This is a 5-day course covering all aspects wetland delineation focusing on the procedures outlined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 87 Manual and the Northcentral and Northeast and Midwest Regional Supplements. The course will spend significant time on the criteria necessary to meet the wetland delineation standards for Wetland Hydrology, Hydric Soils, and Hydrophytic Vegetation. The course will focus on a variety of wetland types in and around Lansing, Michigan. Participants will learn all aspects of wetland delineation including how to properly complete the Wetland Data Form. Participants will be provided a Northeast Northcentral Supplement. Participants will be responsible for meals and lodging. Several lodging options are available in the Lansing area. This is a field course, participants should be prepared for varying field and weather conditions (rain gear, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.).

Instructor Bios:

Todd Losee – Todd has over 20 years of experience delineating wetlands while working in the public and private sectors. Todd served on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Supplement Development Committees for both the Midwest and Northeast Northcentral Supplements. Prior to his current job as a private wetland consultant, Todd served as the state’s expert in wetland identification and managed the DEQ’s Wetland Identification Program and the development of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands (MiRAM). He has served as an expert witness in administrative, criminal and civil wetland court cases; and he has completed hundreds of wetland delineations particularly at some of the most technically difficult and controversial sites.

Michael Pennington Michael Pennington is the Wetland Mitigation Specialist for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Water Resources Division. Michael serves as the program administrator for DEQ’s Wetland Mitigation Banking program and provides assistance to staff on complex wetland mitigation issues. Michael also provides wetland education and training and he plays a pivotal role for the division by providing technical and regulatory guidance for the best protection and management of the state’s wetland resources. Before working for the DEQ, Michael managed MDOT’s Wetland Mitigation and Wetland Banking Programs for 14 years.

James Sallee – James is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with over 20

years of experience working in Michigan’s wetlands. James currently works as a wetland consultant conducting wetland delineations and hydric soil reviews throughout Michigan. James led a research project on difficult hydric soils of Michigan that resulted in additional hydric soil indicators being developed and included in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers supplements. James also spent several years as the DEQ’s Wetland Specialist focusing on hydric soil identification. James has testified as a hydric soil expert in various administrative, criminal, and civil court cases. James also participated in the National Wetland Condition Assessment.

Keto Gyekis – Keto manages the Wetland Identification Program for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). He travels throughout the state, from urban centers in southern Michigan to the western end of the Upper Peninsula, conducting wetland delineations and inspecting consultants’ delineations. He conducts wetland jurisdictional determinations for the DEQ and assists staff with the wetland permit application review process and enforcement issues. Prior to DEQ, Keto had worked as a field ecologist for a consulting firm, delineating wetlands throughout Michigan and in three other states. He has maintained certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist. Keto was a co-developer of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands and has led several trainings on wetland function and values and wetland delineation.

Class Cancellation Notification

Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

This class is currently full. To sign up for the waiting list click here.

2019 Spring Meeting and Social
2019-06-12 14:00 - 18:00 UTC
Spring Meeting and Social
Topic: Recent changes to Parts 301 and 303 in 2018 PA 631
Bell's Brewery Eccentric Cafe
355 E. Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo

Presentation: DEQ Wetland Regulation Changes 2019

Come spend some time with MWA at the Eccentric Café, Bell’s back room! Learn about what changes were made in PA 631 and how Waters of the United States (WOTUS) applies to Michigan's wetlands, lakes, and streams program.

Amy Berry and Keto Gyekis from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will give a presentation on the statute changes and determining WOTUS as defined in the 2015 Clean Water Rule. There will be some time after the presentation for questions and answers, and then a few hours for networking with your wetland friends.

Space is limited to the first 50 people to register.

$25 price includes an assortment of food and drink from Bell’s unique menu.

Sponsorship opportunities are available! For more information on sponsorships, send an inquiry to tlosee@niswander-env.com

Sedges of Michigan Wetlands
2019-06-18 09:00 - 2019-06-19 16:00 UTC
Name of Class: Sedges of Michigan Wetlands

Dates: June 18-19, 2019

Location: Park Lyndon North, Washtenaw County, Michigan

Time(s): 8:30am to 4:30pm

Instructors: Mike Penskar

Cost: $200 (MWA members), $250 (non-members)

Class Description: Two-day field class covering wetland sedge identification (with a focus on the genus Carex) in the field. Plants encountered in the field will be identified and distinguishing flowering and non-flowering characteristics will be given. The course will focus on a variety of wetland types in and around the Pinckney Recreational Area. Participants should bring a bagged lunch each day. Lodging options are available in Chelsea or Ann Arbor.

Instructor Bios:

Michael Penskar – Mike Penskar is currently a Visiting Research Investigator at the University of Michigan Herbarium. As a former Senior Conservation Scientist and Lead Botanist for the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (1988-2013), Mike has conducted ecological and botanical inventories throughout Michigan. These surveys effectively covered all of the state’s known natural community types, with a particular focus on wetlands including fens, bogs, peatland complexes, Great Lakes marsh, emergent and submergent marsh, lakeplain prairie, coastal plain marsh, hardwood to conifer swamps, and very rare communities such as wet prairies, intermittent wetlands, and inland salt marsh. He is a co-author of the Michigan Floristic Quality Assessment System and a member of the state rare plant technical committee since 1988.

Class Cancellation Notification

Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

Wetland Grass Identification
2019-08-20 08:30 - 2019-08-21 17:00 UTC
Name of Class: Wetland Grass Identification

Dates: August 20-21, 2019

Location: Niles, Berrien County, Michigan

Time(s): 8:30am to 5:00pm

Instructors: Tony Reznicek, Ph.D.

Cost: $200 (MWA members), $250 (non-members)

Class Description: Two (2) day field class covering native and non-native wetland and upland grass species found within wetland and transitional habitats. Participants will learn primarily through in-depth field instruction how to identify native and non-native grasses using a variety of field and laboratory characteristics The class will visit field sites in Berrien County, including at least one successional/disturbed area to identify disturbed ground and lower quality site species.

Instructor Bio: Tony Reznicek, Ph.D. - Dr. Reznicek is a research scientist and curator of vascular plants at the University of Michigan Herbarium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His major research interest is the systematics and evolution of sedges (Cyperaceae), especially the large and complex genus Carex. In his research, he emphasizes a multi-level approach concentrating on several aspects, including development of new characters useful in systematics, monographic studies of major groups, and processes and patterns of evolution. He also conducts research on the biogeography of the northeastern North American flora, concentrating on the Great Lakes region, and primarily focusing on plant migration and colonization, the origin and persistence of relict plant species and communities, and the biogeography and conservation of rare species. Dr. Reznicek has a broad knowledge of Michigan plants, and was instrumental in updating and consolidating Voss’s three volume Michigan Flora, with the publication of the Field Manual of Michigan Flora in 2012. Dr. Reznicek has instructed many training courses in the past for MWA, including classes on shrubs, grasses, sedges, asters, goldenrods and others.

Class Cancellation Notification: Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees:

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to 14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

Northern Michigan Wetland Plant Identification
2019-08-20 09:00 - 2019-08-21 17:00 UTC
Name of Class: Northern Michigan Wetland Plant Identification

Dates: August 20 and 21, 2019

Location: Field: Various areas in and around Marquette, Classroom: Michigan DEQ Upper Peninsula District Office

1504 W Washington St. Marquette, MI 49855

Time(s): 9:00am to 4:30pm

Instructors: Susan Klimas

Cost: $200 (MWA members), $250 (non-members)

Accommodations: Attendees are responsible for their own meals; packing a lunch is recommended.

Course Materials: All class attendees should bring a hand lens, write-in-the-rain notebook, pencil, and plant identification books.

Class Description: A two-day class focusing on identification of wetland plant species.

Instruction will be majority field based focusing on recognizable field characteristics. The class will examine both common and unique wetland species in a variety in wetland habitats around the Marquette area. Attendees should be prepared for all weather conditions. Waterproof boots, sunscreen and bug spray are recommended.

Instructor Bios:

Susan Klimas is a botanist living in northern Michigan. Susan has worked with the Great Lakes Environmental Center on field botany for the State of Michigan Wetland Monitoring Program, conducted rare and threatened plant species surveys for the US Forest Service throughout the Ottawa National Forest, taught a college course in Tropical Conservation and Survey Techniques in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, and authored the botany section of the field manual for this course. Susan coordinated the Forest Health Monitoring Program at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, including identifying and mapping forest types throughout the property.

Class Cancellation Notification

Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to 14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

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2019 Hike With Ellen - Wetland Plant ID
2019-08-26 10:00 - 13:00 UTC
Name of Class: Hike With Ellen - Wetland Plant Identification

Date: August 26, 2019

Location: Albany Creek, Chippewa County, Michigan (U.P.) between Detour and Cedarville, toward the eastern tip of the UP. The site is on M-123 and lies just south of a road turn-out which is about a mile east of M-48 (N 45º 58’ 11.70” W 084º 04’ 31.64”)

Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (1/2 day training event)

Instructor: Ellen Weatherbee

Cost: $50 (MWA members), $60 (non-members)

Accommodations: Attendees are responsible for their own meals. Packing a lunch is recommended and there is a picnic area nearby. Attendees are invited to join lunch after class with Ellen.

Course Materials: Attendees should bring a sense of humor, write-in-the-rain notebook and writing utensil. Plant ID book(s) and a camera are optional.

Class Description: Just south of a roadside turn-out in Chippewa County in eastern Upper Peninsula, many of the Upper Peninsula’s botanical treasures grow gathered naturally together is a small area near Albany Creek. August is the perfect time to renew identification skills for common woody and herbaceous plants, as well as seeing an impressive array of more unusual plants. The site contains both the threatened Houghton’s goldenrod, as well as the look-alike Ohio goldenrod. Other specialties include butterworts (special concern), calamint (with a smell so intense you can recognize it blindfolded), white camas (that is deadly to eat), tasty edible cranberries, several orchids, pitcher plants, creeping snowberry, sweet-gale, trailing-arbutus, willows, and many other dune-and-swale specialties.

Included is a plant list for the area with both common and scientific names, wetland rating, and FQI rating-all of which you will understand by the end of the class. Edible, poisonous, and protected plants will be discussed in Ellen’s usual scientific (and-fun-filled) fashion.

Instructor Bio: Ellen has taught botany at the University of Michigan for thirty-three years and is the founder of the Adult Education Program at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. She has been on the editorial board of the Michigan Botanist and is active in environmental groups in the United States, Canada, and Europe. She is the author of Guide to Great Lakes Coastal Plants and coauthor of Edible Wild Plants: A Guide to Collecting and Cooking. She published the results of a multiple-year study of the Flora of Cockburn Island, Canada, in the Jan., 2016 Michigan Botanist and currently holds an all-species Michigan Endangered Species Permit (#1555) issued by the Michigan DNR Wildlife Division.

Class Cancellation Notification: Five (5) days prior to the class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund participants 100% of the received class fee.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees:

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to 14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%); however, the spot may be transferred to another person

2019 Advanced Wetland Delineation
2019-09-25 08:30 - 2019-09-26 17:00 UTC
Name of Class: Advanced Wetland Delineation (Chapter 5 of the NC/NE USACE Regional Supplement)

Dates: September 25-26, 2019

Location: Outdoor Discovery Center, Holland, Michigan

Time(s): 8:30am to 5:00pm

Instructors: Todd Losee (Niswander Environmental), Keto Gyekis (MDEQ), Michael Pennington (MDEQ)

Cost: $200 (MWA members), $250 (non-members)

Accommodations: Attendees are responsible for their own meals and accommodations; packing a lunch each day is recommended, however, local fast food options (including subway) are also available.

Course Materials: All class attendees should bring a write-in-the-rain notebook, pencil, plant identification books, hydric soils manual and copy of the Regional Supplement for the Northcentral and Northeast Region.

Class Description: Two day class focusing on Chapter 5 Difficult Wetland Situations of the USACE Regional Supplement for the Northcentral and Northeast Region. Participants will learn how to use the manual to identify problem area wetlands that lack one of more wetland indicators. Instruction will be through classroom lectures and in-depth field investigations. Participants will be organized into small groups to delineate a variety of natural and disturbed wetlands in the Holland area. There will also be discuss on regulatory status of wetlands and implications of the adoption of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) definition. This is an advanced class and participants should have experience delineating wetlands and using the Regional Supplement.

Instructor Bios:

Todd Losee – Todd has over 20 years of experience delineating wetlands while working in the public and private sectors. Todd served on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Supplement Development Committees for both the Midwest and Northeast Northcentral Supplements. Prior to his current job as a private wetland consultant, Todd served as the state’s expert in wetland identification and managed the DEQ’s Wetland Identification Program and the development of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands (MiRAM). He has served as an expert witness in administrative, criminal and civil wetland court cases; and he has completed hundreds of wetland delineations particularly at some of the most technically difficult and controversial sites.

Michael Pennington Michael is the Wetland Mitigation Specialist for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Water Resources Division. Michael serves as the program administrator for DEQ’s Wetland Mitigation Banking program and provides assistance to staff on complex wetland mitigation issues. Michael also provides wetland education and training and he plays a pivotal role for the division by providing technical and regulatory guidance for the best protection and management of the state’s wetland resources. Before working for the DEQ, Michael managed MDOT’s Wetland Mitigation and Wetland Banking Programs for 14 years.

Keto Gyekis – Keto manages the Wetland Identification Program for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). He travels throughout the state, from urban centers in southern Michigan to the western end of the Upper Peninsula, conducting wetland delineations and inspecting consultants’ delineations. He conducts wetland jurisdictional determinations for the DEQ and assists staff with the wetland permit application review process and enforcement issues. Prior to DEQ, Keto had worked as a field ecologist for a consulting firm, delineating wetlands throughout Michigan and in three other states. He has maintained certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist. Keto was a co-developer of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands and has led several trainings on wetland function and values and wetland delineation.

Class Cancellation Notification

Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund participants 100% of the received class fee.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to 14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%); however, the spot may be transferred to another person

2019 Fall Meeting: A Focus on PFAS and Wetlands
2019-10-08 09:30 - 14:30 UTC
Fall Meeting: A Focus on PFAS and Wetlands
October 8, 2019
9:30am to 2:30pm
GVSU Eberhard Center, 301 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Speakers: Adam Near, Golder Associates; Wes Flynn, Purdue University; Joe Bohr, EGLE; and Connor Kowalke, CMU
WOTUS Update also given by Melanie Burdick, EPA and Marla Stelk, ASWM
Cost: $25 A lunch will be provided as part of the registration.
PRESENTATIONS:

Wes Flynn - Wetlands and PFAS: Amphibians

Connor Kowalke - MWA 2019 PFAS Talk

Adam Near - MWA PFAS Presentation

Joe Bohr - MWA PFAS in MI Fish 10-8-2019

WOTUS update R5 State and Tribal Wetlands Meeting 10-2019

Learn about how PFAS may affect wetland ecosystems. Per- and poly-flouroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of contaminants of emerging concern nationwide. Impacts to drinking water and potential impacts on human health have been widely reported. The impact of this group of contaminants on wetland ecosystems is also of concern but has been less discussed. Presentations begin to delve into wetland concerns with PFAS and includes an overview of PFAS issues, the history and status of monitoring in Michigan and Great Lakes coastal wetlands, and understanding the potential for PFAS impacts on amphibians.

MWA social afterwards at New Holland Brewing Co. in GR from 3-6. RSVP for that separately so we can get an estimated number attending. (http://miwetlands.org/events/2019-fall-social/)

2019 Fall Social
2019-10-08 15:00 - 18:00 UTC
Fall Social
October 8, 2019
New Holland Brewing - The Knickerbocker
417 Bridge Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
3pm-6pm
FREE!!!
Come be social with your MWA cohorts and have a drink and appetizers on us!
RSVP so that we can estimate how many people will be attending.

Winter Woody Plant Identification (1 Day)
2020-03-18 09:00 - 16:00 UTC
Name of Class: Winter Woody Plant Identification

Dates: March 18, 2020

Location: Classroom portion will be at Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland, MI 48640

Field portion will be on various trails on Chippewa Nature Center property in Midland, MI

Time(s): 9am to 4pm

Instructors: Martha Holzheuer and Bryana Guevara

Cost: $100 (MWA members), $125 (non-members)

Class Description: A one-day class focusing on identification of woody wetland and upland plant species based upon winter appearance. Instruction will be through introductory classroom lecture, in-depth field instruction, and indoor practice and review with collected specimens. The field portion of the class will examine woody plants in a variety of wetland habitats at the Chippewa Nature Center. Participants will be responsible for lunch and lodging, if needed. Several lodging options are available in the Midland area. This is a winter field course, and participants should be prepared for varying field and weather conditions (rain gear, base layers, gloves, waterproof knee-high winter boots, etc.). All class attendees are encouraged to bring a hand lens (10x), write-in-the-rain notebook, pencil, and plant identification books. Other helpful tools include binoculars, pocket-knife, camera, zip-lock bags, and/or clipboard.

Instructor Bios:

Martha Holzheuer – Martha is the Midwest Ecology Program Manager at Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. and has over a decade of professional experience consulting on a variety of private and public sector projects including ecological restoration; wildlife habitat improvement; environmental education; community outreach; rare species surveys and monitoring; floristic quality assessments; invasive species management; and native planting design and management. She is a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner, Certified Ecologist, Certified Arborist, and Professional Landscape Architect. Martha is currently a Board Member for the Society for Ecological Restoration Midwest-Great Lakes Chapter. She maintains excellent working knowledge of plant identification in all seasons, happily shares her tips and tricks gained from teaching field labs for the Woody Plants course at the University of Michigan, and truly enjoys helping people refine their identification process for Michigan’s flora in the field!

Bryana J. Guevara – Bryana has experience in a variety of ecological and environmental services and prior to working as Marx Wetlands LLC, she worked at another consulting firm as a field lead, environmental consultant, and land development specialist. Bryana is recognized as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) through the Society of Wetland Scientists Professional certification program and is a certified ISA Arborist with field experience in more than 30 local municipalities throughout Southeast Michigan. Bryana specializes in tree and plant surveys; wetland delineations; wetland mitigation monitoring; woodland habitat assessments; ecological restoration; threatened and endangered species habitat assessments; permit application assistance; and soil erosion and sedimentation control monitoring. She took the Woody Plants course at the University of Michigan and has continued to use her skills through regular field work and by attending seasonal plant courses. She enjoys sharing helpful field tips for quick plant identification and looks forward to this winter woody plants class.

Class Cancellation Notification: Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified if a class is being canceled for any reason. When classes are canceled by MWA, the MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees:

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
An attendee that cancels prior to 14 days of the start of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
An attendee that cancels 1-13 days from the start of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
An attendee that cancels within less than 1 day of the start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

Wetland Delineation Training (5 days)
2020-05-18 08:30 - 2020-05-22 17:00 UTC
Name of Class: Wetland Delineation Training (5-Day) USACE Northcentral and Northeast Regional Supplement

Dates: May 18-22, 2020

Location: Field-Various areas in and around Lansing, Classroom- Michigan Nature Association/MWA Offices, Okemos

Time(s): 8:30am to 4:30pm

Instructors: Todd Losee, Michael Pennington, James Sallee, Keto Gyekis

Cost: $550 (MWA members), $650 (non-members)

Class Description: This is a 5-day course covering all aspects wetland delineation focusing on the procedures outlined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 87 Manual and the Northcentral and Northeast and Midwest Regional Supplements. The course will spend significant time on the criteria necessary to meet the wetland delineation standards for Wetland Hydrology, Hydric Soils, and Hydrophytic Vegetation. The course will focus on a variety of wetland types in and around Lansing, Michigan. Participants will learn all aspects of wetland delineation including how to properly complete the Wetland Data Form. Participants will be provided a Northeast Northcentral Supplement. Participants will be responsible for meals and lodging. Several lodging options are available in the Lansing area. This is a field course, participants should be prepared for varying field and weather conditions (rain gear, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.).

Instructor Bios:
Todd Losee – Todd has over 20 years of experience delineating wetlands while working in the public and private sectors. Todd served on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Supplement Development Committees for both the Midwest and Northeast Northcentral Supplements. Prior to his current job as a private wetland consultant, Todd served as the state’s expert in wetland identification and managed the EGLE’s (then DEQ) Wetland Identification Program and the development of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands (MiRAM). He has served as an expert witness in administrative, criminal and civil wetland court cases; and he has completed hundreds of wetland delineations particularly at some of the most technically difficult and controversial sites.

Michael Pennington - Michael Pennington is the Wetland Mitigation Specialist for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) Water Resources Division. Michael serves as the program administrator for EGLE's Wetland Mitigation Banking program and provides assistance to staff on complex wetland mitigation issues. Michael also provides wetland education and training and he plays a pivotal role for the division by providing technical and regulatory guidance for the best protection and management of the state’s wetland resources. Before working for EGLE, Michael managed MDOT’s Wetland Mitigation and Wetland Banking Programs for 14 years.

James Sallee – James is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with over 20 years of experience working in Michigan’s wetlands. James currently works as a wetland consultant conducting wetland delineations and hydric soil reviews throughout Michigan. James led a research project on difficult hydric soils of Michigan that resulted in additional hydric soil indicators being developed and included in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers supplements. James also spent several years as the DEQ’s (now EGLE) Wetland Specialist focusing on hydric soil identification. James has testified as a hydric soil expert in various administrative, criminal, and civil court cases. James also participated in the National Wetland Condition Assessment.

Keto Gyekis – Keto manages the Wetland Identification Program for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) Water Resources Division. He travels throughout the state, from urban centers in southern Michigan to the western end of the Upper Peninsula, conducting wetland delineations and inspecting consultants’ delineations. He conducts wetland jurisdictional determinations for the DEQ and assists staff with the wetland permit application review process and enforcement issues. Prior to DEQ, Keto had worked as a field ecologist for a consulting firm, delineating wetlands throughout Michigan and in three other states. He has maintained certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist. Keto was a co-developer of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands and has led several trainings on wetland functions and values and wetland delineation.

Class Cancellation Notification: Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified if a class is being canceled for any reason. When classes are canceled by MWA, the MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees:

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
An attendee that cancels prior to 14 days of the start of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
An attendee that cancels 1-13 days from the start of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
An attendee that cancels within less than 1 day of the start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

Wetland Delineation Training
2021-04-19 08:00 - 2021-04-22 12:00 UTC
UPDATE: If you are having trouble logging into the Zoom meeting or didn't receive the link in a previous email, contact Todd Losee at mwapresident@miwetlands.org as soon as possible. Please include your PayPal receipt in your email message.

Name of Class: Wetland Delineation Training PART ONE - Four Half Days of Virtual Classroom Learning

Dates: April 19-22, 2021

Time(s): 8:00am - 12:00pm

Instructors: Todd Losee, James Sallee, Keto Gyekis, Michael Pennington

Cost: $200 (MWA members), $250 (non-members)

Class Description:

This is a 4-day, mornings only, course covering all aspects wetland delineation focusing on the procedures outlined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 87 Manual and the Northcentral and Northeast and Midwest Regional Supplements. The course will spend significant time on the criteria necessary to meet the wetland delineation standards for Wetland Hydrology, Hydric Soils, and Hydrophytic Vegetation. Participants will learn all aspects of wetland delineation including how to properly complete the Wetland Data Form. This is a Part One of a two-part course. MWA is expecting to offer Part Two of this training to include a field component in the fall of 2021 (pending current COVID-19 mandates) to participants of the Part One training for an additional fee. Should Part 2 be offered in the fall, only participants of Part 1 will be allowed to attend Part 2. At the time of registration, you will need to indicate if you are interested in Part 2. This will allow MWA to plan the needed courses (please note that Part 2 will have limited spaces).

Instructor Bios:

Todd Losee – Todd has over 23 years of experience delineating wetlands while working in the public and private sectors. Todd served on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Supplement Development Committees for both the Midwest and Northeast Northcentral Supplements. Prior to his current job as a private wetland consultant, Todd served as the state’s expert in wetland identification and managed the EGLE’s Wetland Identification Program and the development of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands (MiRAM). He has served as an expert witness in administrative, criminal, and civil wetland court cases; and he has completed hundreds of wetland delineations particularly at some of the most technically difficult and controversial sites.

Michael Pennington Michael Pennington is the Wetland Mitigation Specialist for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s (EGLE) Water Resources Division. Michael serves as the program administrator for EGLE’s Wetland Mitigation Banking program and provides assistance to staff on complex wetland mitigation issues. Michael also provides wetland education and training, and he plays a pivotal role for the division by providing technical and regulatory guidance for the best protection and management of the state’s wetland resources. Before working for the EGLE, Michael managed MDOT’s Wetland Mitigation and Wetland Banking Programs for 14 years.

James Sallee – James is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with over 23 years of experience working in Michigan’s wetlands. James currently works as a wetland consultant conducting wetland delineations and hydric soil reviews throughout Michigan. James led a research project on difficult hydric soils of Michigan that resulted in additional hydric soil indicators being developed and included in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers supplements. James also spent several years as the EGLE’s Wetland Specialist focusing on hydric soil identification. James has testified as a hydric soil expert in various administrative, criminal, and civil court cases. James also participated in the National Wetland Condition Assessment.

Keto Gyekis – Keto manages the Wetland Identification Program for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). He travels throughout the state, from urban centers in southern Michigan to the western end of the Upper Peninsula, conducting wetland delineations and inspecting consultants’ delineations. He conducts wetland jurisdictional determinations for the EGLE and assists staff with the wetland permit application review process and enforcement issues. Prior to EGLE, Keto had worked as a field ecologist for a consulting firm, delineating wetlands throughout Michigan and in three other states. He has maintained certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist. Keto was a co-developer of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands and has led several trainings on wetland function and values and wetland delineation.

PAYMENT - You will be directed to pay by Paypal after you send your booking. If paying by mailed in check, enter the coupon code CHECKPMT to save your spot. If we do not receive your check by April 7, 2021 your spot in the training will no longer be held.

Class Cancellation Notification

Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

MWA 2021 Member Webinar Series - Ecohydrology of Interdunal Wetlands on Lake Michigan's Eastern Coastline
2021-05-13 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
EXCLUSIVE FOR MWA MEMBERS ONLY!
MWA 2021 Member Webinar Series: Ecohydrology of Interdunal Wetlands on Lake Michigan's Eastern Coastline

Dates: May 13, 2021

Location: Zoom link will be sent to registered attendees

Time: 12:00 to 1:00pm

Cost: Free for MWA members; Become a member for $20 to enjoy our webinar series!

Instructor: Dr. Tiffany Schriever, Assistant Professor at Western Michigan University

Dr. Tiffany Schriever is an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Western Michigan University, with a joint appointment in the Institute of the Environmental and Sustainability studies program. Schriever is a freshwater ecologist interested in how environmental variation influences ecological dynamics across temporal and spatial scales from individuals to the ecosystems. She leads a research team comprised of undergraduates, graduate students, and colleagues, which investigates community and ecosystem ecology in freshwater habitats. Schriever implements experimental and comparative approaches in field settings to tackle the complexities of herpetofauna and aquatic macroinvertebrates communities. Her work is important to achieving a better understanding of spatial and temporal patterns of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

Webinar Description: This members only lunchtime webinar is a technical discussion on interdunal wetland research intended to shed light on this ecosystem's incredibly complex patterns and hydrology. Coastal wetlands provide essential ecosystem functions such as water quality, maintaining the health of the Great Lakes and offer critical habitat for aquatic biodiversity. Interdunal wetlands, develop in wind-formed depressions within open dunes or between beach ridges along the coastlines of the Great Lakes. Despite the paramount importance of interdunal wetlands in the Great Lakes ecosystem, the ecology and hydrology of this habitat remains virtually unknown. The Schriever lab group has focused on identifying biodiversity patterns at local and regional scales, while examining the influence of and change across environmental gradients both in terms of genetic diversity and functional diversity as well as characterizing the hydrology of interdunal wetlands. Our work has produced the first estimates of aquatic biodiversity, population genetic structure, and clues to the dynamic hydrologic conditions in interdunal wetlands.

MWA 2021 Member Webinar Series - Common Wetland Plants of Michigan
2021-07-13 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Detroit)
EXCLUSIVE FOR MWA MEMBERS ONLY!
MWA 2021 Member Webinar Series: Common Wetland Plants of Michigan

Dates: July 13 and 20th (2-part series), 2021

Location: Zoom link will be sent to registered attendees

Time: 9:00 to 10:00am both dates

Cost: Free for MWA members; Become a member for $20 to enjoy our webinar series!

Webinar Description: This fun and interactive webinar is presented by Dr. Robert Hollister of Grand Valley State University who will provide an overview, in two sessions (July 13th and 20th), of wetland plants, focusing on the most common species occurring in various wetland plant communities in Michigan. The first session on July 13th will discuss wetland plant identification and provide a tour of native plants at his cottage. After the first session, students will be given access to short YouTube videos produced by Dr. Hollister that focus on plant identification in a variety of wetland communities. In the second session on July 20th, Dr. Hollister will answer students' questions and, in a Stump the Prof segment, identify plants presented by students. The webinar is only open to members of MWA. Registration on this form is for both sessions, July 13th and 20th.

Instructor: Dr. Robert Hollister, Professor at Grand Valley State University

Dr. Hollister is a professor in the Department of Biology at Grand Valley State University. Dr. Hollister is an ecologist interested in the interactions between humans and natural ecosystems. He has taught Aquatic and Wetland Plants at GVSU for over 15 years. In addition to his interest in Michigan wetlands, he studies long-term vegetation change in northernmost Alaska.

Wetland Shrub Identification
2021-08-12 08:00 - 2021-08-13 17:00 UTC
Name of Class: Wetland Shrub Identification

Dates: August 12-13, 2021

Location: Eddy Discovery Center, Chelsea, Michigan

Time(s): 8:00am to 5:00pm

Instructors: Tony Reznicek, Ph.D.

Cost: $200 (MWA members), $250 (non-members)

Accommodations: Attendees are responsible for their own meals and accommodations; packing a lunch each day is recommended

Course Materials: Attendees should bring a write-in-the-rain notebook, hand lens, writing utensil and shrub ID book (Michigan Shrubs and Vines is recommended, but not required)

Class Description: Two (2) day field class covering native and non-native wetland and upland shrub species found within wetland and transitional habitats. Participants will learn primarily through in-depth field instruction and some review of collected specimens how to identify native and non-native shrubs by a variety of characteristics including leaves, flowers, buds and twigs. The class will visit field sites in the Waterloo-Pinckney area, including at least one successional/disturbed area to identify disturbed ground and lower quality site species.

Instructor Bio: Tony Reznicek, Ph.D. - Dr. Reznicek is a research scientist and curator of vascular plants at the University of Michigan Herbarium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His major research interest is the systematics and evolution of sedges (Cyperaceae), especially the large and complex genus Carex. In his research, he emphasizes a multi-level approach concentrating on several aspects, including development of new characters useful in systematics, monographic studies of major groups, and processes and patterns of evolution. He also conducts research on the biogeography of the northeastern North American flora, concentrating on the Great Lakes region, and primarily focusing on plant migration and colonization, the origin and persistence of relict plant species and communities, and the biogeography and conservation of rare species. Dr. Reznicek has a broad knowledge of Michigan plants, and was instrumental in updating and consolidating Voss’s three volume Michigan Flora, with the publication of the Field Manual of Michigan Flora in 2012. Dr. Reznicek has instructed many training courses in the past for MWA, including classes on shrubs, grasses, sedges, asters, goldenrods and others.

Class Cancellation Notification: Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees:

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to 14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot may be transferred to another person.

COVID-19 Policy for Attendees:

MWA is offering this class in-person and expects that all attendees be respectful of others and act responsibly with regards to COVID-19, following current state guidance and not attending the class if feeling ill or if you have been in contact with others who have or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. All may choose to do so, but those not fully vaccinated will be expected to wear masks and social distance whenever practicable during the class.

Wetland Delineation Training: Part 2 - Field, Lansing Area
2021-08-25 08:30 - 2021-08-27 16:30 UTC
Name of Class: Wetland Delineation Training (3-Day) USACE Northcentral and Northeast Regional Supplement

Dates: August 25-27, 2021

Location: Field-Various areas in and around Lansing

Time(s): 8:30am to 4:30pm

Instructors: Jeff Bridgland, Keto Gyekis, Todd Losee, Michael Pennington

Cost: $350 (MWA members), $400 (non-members)

Class Description: This course is a 3-day field training covering all aspects of wetland delineation focusing on the procedures outlined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 87 Manual and the Northcentral and Northeast and Midwest Regional Supplements. The course will spend significant time on how to identify the criteria necessary to meet the wetland delineation standards for Wetland Hydrology, Hydric Soils, and Hydrophytic Vegetation in the field. Participants will learn all aspects of wetland delineation including how to properly complete the Wetland Data Form and delineate a wetland. Participants will be responsible for meals and lodging. Several lodging options are available in the Lansing area. This is a field course, participants should be prepared for varying field and weather conditions (rain gear, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.).

Note: The course is a continuation (field portion) of MWA’s virtual delineation training that was held in April, 2021. MWA highly recommends that participants that take this training have either taken Part 1 and/or have some experience with wetland delineation and the delineation manual.

COVID POLICY - Only vaccinated people are encouraged to attend this class. Unvaccinated people will have to social distance and wear a mask. Both vaccinated and non-vaccinated people will have to sign a waiver noting their vaccination status to attend the class. If participants choose not to sign a waiver noting their vaccination status, they will not be allowed to attend the class.

Instructor Bios

Jeff Bridgland – Jeff Bridgland is a Professional Wetland Scientist specializing in wetland and terrestrial habitat assessment, and is currently the Conservation Easement Coordinator for EGLE, where he works to preserve wetlands and other natural resources. Prior to his employment with EGLE, he served as an Ecologist in the private consulting sector, and was responsible for conducting wetland delineations, Floristic Quality Assessments, habitat evaluations, T&E surveys, and land use mapping. He has extensive field experience and a strong knowledge of Midwestern flora, and has delineated thousands of wetlands over his 20+ year career. He currently assists with EGLE’s Wetland Identification Program, performing Level 2 delineations and Level 3 wetland assessments, and assists with the Wetland Monitoring Program that collects baseline vegetative and hydrologic data at wetland sites throughout Michigan.

Keto Gyekis – Keto manages the Wetland Identification Program for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). He travels throughout the state, from urban centers in southern Michigan to the western end of the Upper Peninsula, conducting wetland delineations and inspecting consultants’ delineations. He conducts wetland jurisdictional determinations for the EGLE and assists staff with the wetland permit application review process and enforcement issues. Prior to EGLE, Keto had worked as a field ecologist for a consulting firm, delineating wetlands throughout Michigan and in three other states. He has maintained certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist. Keto was a co-developer of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands and has led several trainings on wetland function and values and wetland delineation.

Todd Losee – Todd has over 23 years of experience delineating wetlands while working in the public and private sectors. Todd served on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Supplement Development Committees for both the Midwest and Northeast Northcentral Supplements. Prior to his current job as a private wetland consultant, Todd served as the state’s expert in wetland identification and managed the EGLE’s Wetland Identification Program and the development of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands (MiRAM). He has served as an expert witness in administrative, criminal and civil wetland court cases; and he has completed hundreds of wetland delineations particularly at some of the most technically difficult and controversial sites.

Michael Pennington Michael Pennington is the Wetland Mitigation Specialist for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s (EGLE) Water Resources Division. Michael serves as the program administrator for EGLE’s Wetland Mitigation Banking program and provides assistance to staff on complex wetland mitigation issues. Michael also provides wetland education and training and he plays a pivotal role for the division by providing technical and regulatory guidance for the best protection and management of the state’s wetland resources. Before working for the EGLE, Michael managed MDOT’s Wetland Mitigation and Wetland Banking Programs for 14 years.

Class Cancellation Notification:

Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

MWA 2021 Member Webinar Series - Ferns of Michigan
2021-09-10 15:30 - 17:00 (America/Detroit)
EXCLUSIVE FOR MWA MEMBERS ONLY!

Name of Class: MWA 2021 Member Webinar Series: Ferns of Michigan

Dates: September 10, 2021

Location: Virtual via Zoom

Time(s): 3:30pm - 5:00pm

Instructor: Dr. Gary K. Greer, Professor at Grand Valley State University

Cost: Free to MWA members

Become a member for $20 to enjoy our webinar series!

Class Description: End your week on a high note! This members-only webinar will explore fern taxonomy and ecology, focusing on diagnostic traits. Dr. Greer will provide an overview of common upland- and wetland-ranked ferns found throughout Michigan, highlighting species useful for assessing wetland boundaries. The class will include a field assignment that attendees can complete independently.

Instructor Bio

Dr. Greer is a professor in the Department of Biology and the Frederik Meijer Honors College at Grand Valley State University. Dr. Greer researches the evolutionary ecology of plants, including the community ecology of ferns (temperate and tropical), invasive species (Ailanthus altissima), and the evolution and ecology of tree architecture.

Learn more about Dr. Greer here.

You must be logged in as a member to register. If you have trouble logging in, please contact Amelia (amelia@miwetlands.org)

Wetland Delineation Training: Part 2 - Field, Jackson Area
2021-09-22 08:30 - 2021-09-24 16:30 UTC
Name of Class: Wetland Delineation Training (3-Day) USACE Northcentral and Northeast Regional Supplement

Dates: September 22-24, 2021

Location: Field-Various areas in and around Jackson/Chelsea

Time(s): 8:30am to 4:30pm

Instructors: Jeff Bridgland, Keto Gyekis, Todd Losee, Michael Pennington

Cost: $350 (MWA members), $400 (non-members)

Class Description: This course is a 3-day field training covering all aspects of wetland delineation focusing on the procedures outlined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 87 Manual and the Northcentral and Northeast and Midwest Regional Supplements. The course will spend significant time on how to identify the criteria necessary to meet the wetland delineation standards for Wetland Hydrology, Hydric Soils, and Hydrophytic Vegetation in the field. Participants will learn all aspects of wetland delineation including how to properly complete the Wetland Data Form and delineate a wetland. Participants will be responsible for meals and lodging. Several lodging options are available in the Lansing area. This is a field course, participants should be prepared for varying field and weather conditions (rain gear, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.).

Note: The course is a continuation (field portion) of MWA’s virtual delineation training that was held in April, 2021. MWA highly recommends that participants that take this training have either taken Part 1 and/or have some experience with wetland delineation and the delineation manual.

COVID POLICY - Only vaccinated people are encouraged to attend this class. Unvaccinated people will have to social distance and wear a mask. Both vaccinated and non-vaccinated people will have to sign a waiver noting their vaccination status to attend the class. If participants choose not to sign a waiver noting their vaccination status, they will not be allowed to attend the class.

Instructor Bios

Jeff Bridgland – Jeff Bridgland is a Professional Wetland Scientist specializing in wetland and terrestrial habitat assessment, and is currently the Conservation Easement Coordinator for EGLE, where he works to preserve wetlands and other natural resources. Prior to his employment with EGLE, he served as an Ecologist in the private consulting sector, and was responsible for conducting wetland delineations, Floristic Quality Assessments, habitat evaluations, T&E surveys, and land use mapping. He has extensive field experience and a strong knowledge of Midwestern flora, and has delineated thousands of wetlands over his 20+ year career. He currently assists with EGLE’s Wetland Identification Program, performing Level 2 delineations and Level 3 wetland assessments, and assists with the Wetland Monitoring Program that collects baseline vegetative and hydrologic data at wetland sites throughout Michigan.

Keto Gyekis – Keto manages the Wetland Identification Program for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). He travels throughout the state, from urban centers in southern Michigan to the western end of the Upper Peninsula, conducting wetland delineations and inspecting consultants’ delineations. He conducts wetland jurisdictional determinations for the EGLE and assists staff with the wetland permit application review process and enforcement issues. Prior to EGLE, Keto had worked as a field ecologist for a consulting firm, delineating wetlands throughout Michigan and in three other states. He has maintained certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist. Keto was a co-developer of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands and has led several trainings on wetland function and values and wetland delineation.

Todd Losee – Todd has over 23 years of experience delineating wetlands while working in the public and private sectors. Todd served on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Supplement Development Committees for both the Midwest and Northeast Northcentral Supplements. Prior to his current job as a private wetland consultant, Todd served as the state’s expert in wetland identification and managed the EGLE’s Wetland Identification Program and the development of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands (MiRAM). He has served as an expert witness in administrative, criminal and civil wetland court cases; and he has completed hundreds of wetland delineations particularly at some of the most technically difficult and controversial sites.

Michael Pennington Michael Pennington is the Wetland Mitigation Specialist for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s (EGLE) Water Resources Division. Michael serves as the program administrator for EGLE’s Wetland Mitigation Banking program and provides assistance to staff on complex wetland mitigation issues. Michael also provides wetland education and training and he plays a pivotal role for the division by providing technical and regulatory guidance for the best protection and management of the state’s wetland resources. Before working for the EGLE, Michael managed MDOT’s Wetland Mitigation and Wetland Banking Programs for 14 years.

Class Cancellation Notification:

Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

Winter Woody Plant Identification
2021-11-04 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit)
Name of Class: Winter Woody Plant Identification (1 Day)

Date: November 4, 2021

Location:

Field: Various Trails on Chippewa Nature Center property in Midland, MI
Classroom: Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland, MI 48640

Time(s): 9am to 4pm

Instructors: Martha Holzheuer and Bryana J. Guevara

Cost: $100 (MWA members), $125 (non-members)

You MUST be logged into your account to receive the membership rate.

Class Description: A one-day class focusing on the identification of woody wetland and upland plant species based upon winter appearance. Instruction will be through introductory classroom lecture, in-depth field instruction, and indoor practice and review with collected specimens. The field portion of the class will examine woody plants in a variety of wetland habitats at the Chippewa Nature Center. Participants will be responsible for lunch and lodging if needed. Several lodging options are available in the Midland area. This is a winter field course, and participants should be prepared for varying field and weather conditions (rain gear, base layers, gloves, waterproof knee-high winter boots, etc.). All class attendees are encouraged to bring a hand lens (10x), a write-in-the-rain notebook, a pencil, and plant identification books. Other helpful tools include binoculars, pocket-knife, camera, zip-lock bags, and/or clipboard.

COVID POLICY - Only vaccinated people are encouraged to attend this class. Unvaccinated people will have to social distance and wear a mask. Both vaccinated and non-vaccinated people will have to sign a waiver noting their vaccination status to attend the class. If participants choose not to sign a waiver noting their vaccination status, they will not be allowed to attend the class.

Instructor Bios

Martha Holzheuer – Martha is a landscape ecologist and owner of Nature Niche LLC, a nature-focused gift and supply store in Midland. She spent ~15 years working as an environmental consultant, specializing in threatened and endangered species protection and permitting, native plant design, invasive species management, wildlife habitat enhancement, and ecological restoration. She is a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner, Certified Ecologist, Certified Arborist, and Professional Landscape Architect. Martha is currently a Board Member for the Society for Ecological Restoration Midwest-Great Lakes Chapter. She maintains excellent working knowledge of plant identification in all seasons, happily shares her tips and tricks gained from teaching field labs for the Woody Plants course at the University of Michigan, and truly enjoys helping people refine their identification process for Michigan’s flora in the field!

Bryana J. Guevara – Bryana has experience in a variety of ecological and environmental services and prior to working at Marx Wetlands LLC, she worked at another consulting firm as a field lead, environmental consultant, and land development specialist. Bryana is recognized as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) through the Society of Wetland Scientists Professional certification program and is a certified ISA Arborist with field experience in more than 30 local municipalities throughout Southeast Michigan. Bryana specializes in tree and plant surveys; wetland delineations; wetland mitigation monitoring; woodland habitat assessments; ecological restoration; threatened and endangered species habitat assessments; permit application assistance; and soil erosion and sedimentation control monitoring. She took the Woody Plants course at the University of Michigan and has continued to use her skills through regular fieldwork and by attending seasonal plant courses. She enjoys sharing helpful field tips for quick plant identification and looks forward to this winter woody plants class.

Class Cancellation Notification:

Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to 14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

MWA/EGLE Webinar: Jurisdictional Determination of Wetlands under Part 303 (The Zoom link will be emailed as the event gets closer.)
2022-04-20 10:00 - 11:30 UTC
Name of Class: MWA/EGLE Webinar: Jurisdictional Determination of Wetlands under Part 303

Dates: April 20, 2022

Location: Virtual via Zoom (Registrants will receive a Zoom link before the webinar).

Time(s): 10:00am to 11:30am

Instructors: Keto Gyekis

Cost: FREE

Class Description: Keto Gyekis of EGLE’s Wetland Identification Program will discuss wetland jurisdictional aspects of Michigan’s wetland statute (Part 303) and administrative rules. The presentation will also focus on a broad range of scenarios that have been encountered in administering the Wetland Identification Program and Part 303. Diagrams and photos will illustrate common and uncommon situations that wetland professionals face within Michigan when determining state regulatory status of wetlands.

Waitlist: Wetland Delineation Training (5 Days)
2022-05-23 08:30 - 2022-05-27 16:30 UTC
THIS EVENT IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT, PLEASE JOIN THE WAITLIST BELOW.

Name of Class: Wetland Delineation Training (5-Day) USACE Northcentral and Northeast Regional Supplement

Dates: May 23-27, 2022

Location: Field-Various areas in and around Lansing/Charlotte areas, Classroom- Alive, 800 W Lawrence Ave, Charlotte

Time(s): 8:30am to 4:30pm

Instructors: Todd Losee, Michael Pennington, James Sallee, Keto Gyekis

Cost: $700 (MWA members), $800 (non-members)

Class Description: This is a 5-day course covering all aspects wetland delineation focusing on the procedures outlined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 87 Manual and the Northcentral and Northeast and Midwest Regional Supplements. The course will spend significant time on the criteria necessary to meet the wetland delineation standards for Wetland Hydrology, Hydric Soils, and Hydrophytic Vegetation. The course will focus on a variety of wetland types in and around Charlotte, Michigan. Participants will learn all aspects of wetland delineation including how to properly complete the Wetland Data Form. Participants will be provided with a Hydric Soils Indicator Manual, Wetland Data Forms, and Wetland Plants List. Participants will be responsible for meals and lodging. Several lodging options are available in the Lansing/Charlotte area. This is a field course, participants should be prepared for varying field and weather conditions (rain gear, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.).

Instructor Bios:
Todd Losee – Todd has over 20 years of experience delineating wetlands while working in the public and private sectors. Todd served on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Supplement Development Committees for both the Midwest and Northeast Northcentral Supplements. Prior to his current job as a private wetland consultant, Todd served as the state’s expert in wetland identification and managed EGLE’s Wetland Identification Program and the development of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands (MiRAM). He has served as an expert witness in administrative, criminal and civil wetland court cases; and he has completed hundreds of wetland delineations particularly at some of the most technically difficult and controversial sites.

Michael Pennington - Michael Pennington is the Wetland Mitigation Specialist for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) Water Resources Division. Michael serves as the program administrator for EGLE's Wetland Mitigation Banking program and provides assistance to staff on complex wetland mitigation issues. Michael also provides wetland education and training and he plays a pivotal role for the division by providing technical and regulatory guidance for the best protection and management of the state’s wetland resources. Before working for EGLE, Michael managed MDOT’s Wetland Mitigation and Wetland Banking Programs for 14 years.

James Sallee – James is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with over 20 years of experience working in Michigan’s wetlands. James currently works as a wetland consultant conducting wetland delineations and hydric soil reviews throughout Michigan. James led a research project on difficult hydric soils of Michigan that resulted in additional hydric soil indicators being developed and included in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers supplements. James also spent several years as the DEQ’s (now EGLE) Wetland Specialist focusing on hydric soil identification. James has testified as a hydric soil expert in various administrative, criminal, and civil court cases. James also participated in the National Wetland Condition Assessment.

Keto Gyekis – Keto manages the Wetland Identification Program for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) Water Resources Division. He travels throughout the state, from urban centers in southern Michigan to the western end of the Upper Peninsula, conducting wetland delineations and inspecting consultants’ delineations. He conducts wetland jurisdictional determinations for EGLE and assists staff with the wetland permit application review process and enforcement issues. Prior to EGLE, Keto had worked as a field ecologist for a consulting firm, delineating wetlands throughout Michigan and in three other states. He has maintained certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist. Keto was a co-developer of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands and has led several trainings on wetland functions and values and wetland delineation.

Class Cancellation Notification: Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified if a class is being canceled for any reason. When classes are canceled by MWA, the MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees:

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
An attendee that cancels prior to 14 days of the start of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
An attendee that cancels 1-13 days from the start of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
An attendee that cancels within less than 1 day of the start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

JOIN THE WAITLIST:

Wetland Delineation Training (5 days) May 23-27, 2022
2022-05-23 08:30 - 2022-05-27 16:30 UTC
Name of Class: Wetland Delineation Training (5-Day) USACE Northcentral and Northeast Regional Supplement

Dates: May 23-27, 2022

Location: Field-Various areas in and around Lansing/Charlotte areas, Classroom- Alive, 800 W Lawrence Ave, Charlotte

Time(s): 8:30am to 4:30pm

Instructors: Todd Losee, Michael Pennington, James Sallee, Keto Gyekis

Cost: $700 (MWA members), $800 (non-members)

Click here to become a member and get the discounted price!

Class Description: This is a 5-day course covering all aspects wetland delineation focusing on the procedures outlined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 87 Manual and the Northcentral and Northeast and Midwest Regional Supplements. The course will spend significant time on the criteria necessary to meet the wetland delineation standards for Wetland Hydrology, Hydric Soils, and Hydrophytic Vegetation. The course will focus on a variety of wetland types in and around Charlotte, Michigan. Participants will learn all aspects of wetland delineation including how to properly complete the Wetland Data Form. Participants will be provided with a Hydric Soils Indicator Manual, Wetland Data Forms, and Wetland Plants List. Participants will be responsible for meals and lodging. Several lodging options are available in the Lansing/Charlotte area. This is a field course, participants should be prepared for varying field and weather conditions (rain gear, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.).

Instructor Bios:
Todd Losee – Todd has over 20 years of experience delineating wetlands while working in the public and private sectors. Todd served on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Supplement Development Committees for both the Midwest and Northeast Northcentral Supplements. Prior to his current job as a private wetland consultant, Todd served as the state’s expert in wetland identification and managed EGLE’s Wetland Identification Program and the development of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands (MiRAM). He has served as an expert witness in administrative, criminal and civil wetland court cases; and he has completed hundreds of wetland delineations particularly at some of the most technically difficult and controversial sites.

Michael Pennington - Michael Pennington is the Wetland Mitigation Specialist for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) Water Resources Division. Michael serves as the program administrator for EGLE's Wetland Mitigation Banking program and provides assistance to staff on complex wetland mitigation issues. Michael also provides wetland education and training and he plays a pivotal role for the division by providing technical and regulatory guidance for the best protection and management of the state’s wetland resources. Before working for EGLE, Michael managed MDOT’s Wetland Mitigation and Wetland Banking Programs for 14 years.

James Sallee – James is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with over 20 years of experience working in Michigan’s wetlands. James currently works as a wetland consultant conducting wetland delineations and hydric soil reviews throughout Michigan. James led a research project on difficult hydric soils of Michigan that resulted in additional hydric soil indicators being developed and included in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers supplements. James also spent several years as the DEQ’s (now EGLE) Wetland Specialist focusing on hydric soil identification. James has testified as a hydric soil expert in various administrative, criminal, and civil court cases. James also participated in the National Wetland Condition Assessment.

Keto Gyekis – Keto manages the Wetland Identification Program for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) Water Resources Division. He travels throughout the state, from urban centers in southern Michigan to the western end of the Upper Peninsula, conducting wetland delineations and inspecting consultants’ delineations. He conducts wetland jurisdictional determinations for EGLE and assists staff with the wetland permit application review process and enforcement issues. Prior to EGLE, Keto had worked as a field ecologist for a consulting firm, delineating wetlands throughout Michigan and in three other states. He has maintained certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist. Keto was a co-developer of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands and has led several trainings on wetland functions and values and wetland delineation.

Class Cancellation Notification: Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified if a class is being canceled for any reason. When classes are canceled by MWA, the MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees:

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
An attendee that cancels prior to 14 days of the start of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
An attendee that cancels 1-13 days from the start of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
An attendee that cancels within less than 1 day of the start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

Sedge Identification (June 8 & 9)
2022-06-08 09:00 - 2022-06-09 16:30 UTC
Sedge Identification
Dates: June 8-9, 2022 (Wednesday and Thursday)

Location: Waterloo Recreation Area, Chelsea, Michigan

Time(s): 9:00am to 4:30pm

Instructor: Dr. Anton Reznicek

Cost: $200 (MWA members), $250 (non-members)

Class Description: Two day field class covering wetland sedge (with a focus on the genus Carex) identification in the field. Plants encountered in the field will be identified and distinguishing flowering and non-flowering characteristics will be given. The course will focus on a variety of wetland types in and around the Waterloo Recreational Area. Participants should bring a bagged lunch each day. Lodging options are available in Chelsea or Ann Arbor.

Course Materials: All class attendees should bring a hand lens, write-in-the-rain notebook, pencil, and plant identification books.

Accommodations: Attendees are responsible for their own meals; packing a lunch is recommended.

Instructor Bio:

Anton Reznicek – Dr. Reznicek is the Curator Emeritus (Vascular Plants) and Former Assistant Director of the University of Michigan Herbarium and Research Scientist Emeritus of the UM Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Dr. Reznicek focuses his research on the systematics and evolution of Cyperaceae, especially Carex, with emphasis on a multi-level approach concentrating on several aspects including development of new characters useful in systematics, monographic studies of major groups, sectional classification and nomenclature, and processes and patterns of evolution.

Class Cancellation Notification

Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

How to Register:
1. Select the number of spaces you'd like to register for by selecting either the 'Member Spaces' or 'Non-Member Spaces'. If you'd like to become a member, click here.
2. Once you've entered your registration information, please hit the blue 'Submit Booking' button and you'll be redirected to PayPal to complete the purchase. (Your booking is not complete until you've submitted payment information.)

Waitlist: Sedge Identification (June 8 & 9)
2022-06-08 09:00 - 2022-06-09 16:30 UTC
THIS EVENT IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT, PLEASE JOIN THE WAITLIST BELOW.
Sedge Identification
Dates: June 8-9, 2022 (Wednesday and Thursday)

Location: Waterloo Recreation Area, Chelsea, Michigan

Time(s): 9:00am to 4:30pm

Instructor: Dr. Anton Reznicek

Cost: $200 (MWA members), $250 (non-members)

Class Description: Two day field class covering wetland sedge (with a focus on the genus Carex) identification in the field. Plants encountered in the field will be identified and distinguishing flowering and non-flowering characteristics will be given. The course will focus on a variety of wetland types in and around the Waterloo Recreational Area. Participants should bring a bagged lunch each day. Lodging options are available in Chelsea or Ann Arbor.

Course Materials: All class attendees should bring a hand lens, write-in-the-rain notebook, pencil, and plant identification books.

Accommodations: Attendees are responsible for their own meals; packing a lunch is recommended.

Instructor Bio:

Anton Reznicek – Dr. Reznicek is the Curator Emeritus (Vascular Plants) and Former Assistant Director of the University of Michigan Herbarium and Research Scientist Emeritus of the UM Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Dr. Reznicek focuses his research on the systematics and evolution of Cyperaceae, especially Carex, with emphasis on a multi-level approach concentrating on several aspects including development of new characters useful in systematics, monographic studies of major groups, sectional classification and nomenclature, and processes and patterns of evolution.

Class Cancellation Notification

Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

How to Register:
1. Select the number of spaces you'd like to register for by selecting either the 'Member Spaces' or 'Non-Member Spaces'. If you'd like to become a member, click here.
2. Once you've entered your registration information, please hit the blue 'Submit Booking' button and you'll be redirected to PayPal to complete the purchase. (Your booking is not complete until you've submitted payment information.)

JOIN THE WAITLIST:

Wetland Mitigation Monitoring and Management (June 28-30)
2022-06-28 08:30 - 2022-06-30 16:30 UTC
Wetland Mitigation Monitoring and Management
Dates: June 28-30, 2022

Location: Charlotte, Michigan

Time(s): 8:30am to 4:30pm

Instructors: Michael Pennington, EGLE & Jeremie Wilson, MDOT

Cost: $350 (MWA members), $400 (non-members)

Class Description: Did you know that 90% of monitoring reports reviewed by EGLE staff contain deficiencies? Data is often collected incorrectly and data analysis and reporting doesn’t specifically address EGLE performance standards resulting in rejection of monitoring reports. This course is a must have for consultants conducting wetland mitigation monitoring for EGLE permits. This 3-day field training will highlight the differences between collecting data for wetland delineations and wetland monitoring and will cover all aspects of wetland mitigation monitoring from site set up, proper installation of monitoring wells, vegetation sampling, data analysis and writing monitoring reports that specifically address EGLE performance standards. The last day of the course will highlight various management techniques such as initial hydrology management, planting techniques, and invasive species control that lead to successful mitigation efforts. Participants will be responsible for meals and lodging. Several lodging options are available in the Lansing area. This is a field course, participants should be prepared for varying field and weather conditions (rain gear, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.).

Instructor Bios:

Michael Pennington: Michael Pennington is the Wetland Mitigation Specialist for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s (EGLE) Water Resources Division. Michael serves as the program administrator for EGLE’s Wetland Mitigation Banking program and provides assistance to staff on complex wetland mitigation issues. Michael is the Co-Chair of MWA’s training committee and he wetland education and training to EGLE staff and other wetland professionals. Prior to working for EGLE, Michael administered MDOT’s Wetland Mitigation and Wetland Banking Programs for 14 years.

Jeremie Wilson: Jeremie Wilson is the Wetland Mitigation Specialist for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Jeremie is responsible for planning, developing, and administering MDOT’s Wetland Mitigation Program, statewide. He has held this position with MDOT since 2012. Jeremie is currently serving his second term as a MWA board member.

Class Cancellation Notification
Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees

Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
Cancellation prior to14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.

How to Register:
1. Select the number of spaces you'd like to register for by selecting either the 'Member Spaces' or 'Non-Member Spaces'. If you'd like to become a member, click here.
2. Once you've entered your registration information, please hit the blue 'Submit Booking' button and you'll be redirected to PayPal to complete the purchase. Your booking is not complete until you've submitted payment information.

2017 Wetlands Conference
2023-05-31 - 2023-06-04
Michigan Wetlands Association 2017 Conference
Innovations in Wetland Protection and Management

September 27-29, 2017
Treetops Resort
Gaylord, Michigan

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 20, 2017
