+ + + + SWS - south central chapter + + + +

Photo credit: © Scott W. Jecker

Training and Community Involvement

The Education and Outreach Program was created to benefit member and non-member scientists and the communities that occur within the eight-state chapter. The intention of the education component of the program is to increase and broaden the range of knowledge of wetlands, including their components, processes, and values for students. The intent of the outreach component of the program is to bring to the public the vast array and degrees of this knowledge in a manner that benefits their communities. Secondarily, the program was created to increase membership within the South Central Chapter.

Course topics such as plant identification, hydric soils, problem soils, wetland hydrology, winter plant identification, wetland delineation, GPS/GIS, and various survey methodologies will primarily comprise the education component of the program. Submit suggestions for other topics of interest or course locations to Michael Souliere at msouliere@swca.com.

Initial concepts for outreach opportunities include beach, bay, river, and lake clean-ups; wetland mitigation design and planning; and attendance and involvement in community “theme days” (i.e. Bay Day, Arbor Day, Earth Day, etc.). The possibilities are endless within an area comprising eight states and various ecological regions. The South Central Chapter is seeking ideas and suggestions from Chapter members. Please contact Michael Souliere at msouliere@swca.com to recommend or suggest outreach opportunities.

Educational Courses and Outreach Event Schedules

Upcoming Courses and Events:

One day Wetland and Riparian Plant ID class
Where: Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
When: October 6, 2005

This course will focus on the identification of vascular plant species (including grasses) with an emphasis on wetlands, riparian areas, and transition areas. The course is designed for consultants, regulators and naturalists and will stress field techniques to facilitate the recognition and identification of common species. Students will be provided with a selected list of plants of the area and certificate of completion. The workshop will be taught by David E. Lemke, PhD. Dr. Lemke is a Professor of Biology at Texas State University - San Marcos and is a noted authority on the flora of Texas. He has published and lectured extensively on the vegetation of the state and has considerable experience as a botanical consultant on vegetation surveys, wetland determinations, and endangered species surveys. The workshop will be held on Thursday, October 6 with a 20 person limit.

Two day Wetland Delineation, Ordinary High Water Marks, and GPS Mapping 101
Where: Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
When: October 5 & 6, 2005

An introduction to wetland and waters delineation and GPS mapping. This is geared toward students and those unfamiliar with the delineation process. This workshop is designed to tie all the pieces together for a successful delineation. A course designed to provide basic information about identification and delineation of wetlands and other waters, and using GPS equipment to delineate boundaries. The workshop will be taught by Scott W. Jecker CWB, PWS and Western Data Systems. Mr. Jeckers' expertise is wetland delineation, Section 10/404 permitting assistance, endangered species, and wildlife ecology. He works throughout the southeastern United States on projects involving wetlands (delineations, permitting, violations, construction monitoring, and verifications), endangered species, water quality, and wildlife management. Mr. Jecker is a Certified Wildlife Biologist and Professional Wetland Scientist. Western Data Systems will provide basic information and instruction on the use of GPS. The workshop will be held on October 5 and 6 with a 20 person limit.

Past Courses and Events

Winter Plant Identification
Where: Austin, Texas
When: February 2005- check back for official dates
Instructor- David E. Lemke, Ph.D.
Purpose: Teach participants the fundamentals of identifying various plant species during the difficult winter months when foliage is lacking.

Winter Plant Identification
Where: Little Rock, Arkansas
When: February 2005- check back for official dates
Instructor- To be announced
Purpose: Teach participants the fundamentals of identifying various plant species during the foliage-lacking winter months.

Introduction to Hydric Soils and Hydrology
Where: Houston, Texas
When: March 10 and 11, 2005
Instructor- Richard W. Griffin, Ph.D.
Purpose- Teach participants the basics of wetland hydrology and its effects on soils.

Orange County Wetland Restoration/Creation Project
Where: Orange County, Texas
When: Spring 2005
Purpose: Assist in the design of a design, planting, and monitoring of a 1.6-acre tidal wetland restoration/creation project adjacent to the Sabine River. The project is being funded by the City of Orange, which has asked the South Central Chapter to be a partner in this valuable project. Contact Scott Jecker (swjecker@whitentongroup.com) for details.

Wetland Plant Identification - Houston, TX, (October 26, 2004)- The first course to be offered under the new program was a great success. Filling within a day and a half of being announced, this one-day course was held at Harris County Flood Control District’s Greens Bayou Wetlands Mitigation Bank (GBWMB) near Houston. Dr. Stanley Jones, course instructor, identified over 100 wetland plant species located at the GBWMB for participants, but also discussed tricks and tips for identifying these plants for those that are not a Ph.D. botanist.