The student will develop an understanding of the rationale and practices used in the identification, classification, delineation and functional assessment of freshwater wetlands, including the recognition of wetland hydrology, soils and vegetation.  Familiarization with wetland delineation manuals, sources of information (including NWI maps, GIS databases, professional agencies, government offices and regulatory contacts), and the practical use of in-field observation techniques, is expected.  Presentation of this “class” database and results will be part of a poster produced for Scholar’s Day festivities in March 2004.  The laboratory experience will consist of a group project involving the identification, classification, delineation and GIS mapping of the wetlands within a project area at the Lime Hollow Nature Center.  Students will use the current NYS delineation manual, GPS point identification, and the NYS wetland delineation procedure.

LABORATORY/FIELD SCHEDULE

• Week 1: Introduction to Field Methods and Identification, Vegetation, Soils, Hydrology;   trip to the Lime Hollow Nature Center Wetlands.
• Week 2-3: Vegetation identification, collection and hydrophytes at Lime Hollow Nature Center.
• Weeks 3-5: Field Work and wetland mapping at Lime Hollow (vegetation, boundaries), Exam I, October 2
• Weeks 5-10: Field Work on Soils/Hydrology/Mapping and Identification/Project Work, GIS work and map incorporation.
• Week 11 (Nov 4,6) No Class Nov. 4, Exam II November 6.
• Week 12: Field Work, Work on Project Reports and Presentation.
• Week 13: Work on Field Project Group Reports/Lab and Computer Work/GIS database
• Week 14: Project Presentations/Final Group Reports

Methods:  We will use the typical methods employed by a wetland scientist in determining the wetland boundaries and types of wetlands in our assignment.  We will determine the characteristics of the vegetation, soils, and hydrology of each site, and incorporate that information into a database as part of the ongoing GIS work at Lime Hollow Nature Center.

As a group during the first few weeks, we will:
a) Tour the major wetland areas of Lime Hollow Nature Center.
b) Begin to identify typical wetland vegetation for the sites
c) Be assigned one particular site for a detailed wetland analysis.

Field work and data collection:
The class will be divided into four groups for field work and data collection.

Group 1:

Group 2;

Group 3:

Group 4;

Each of the groups will be assigned specific wetland sites, on week 3, and that group will work on its specific wetland for the next 6 to 7 weeks of laboratory until late October, early November.

A. The tasks of the student field groups are as follows:
· Establish a notebook for field notes for your group.  This field book will be archived for future use in continuing work on this project.
· Do a detailed vegetation survey at each wetland using a transect, including herbs, shrubs and trees.
· Describe the vegetation at each point and collect samples of items not identified in the field.
· Describe the soils at each site and whether they are listed as hydric soils or show hydric soil characteristics.
· Describe the hydrology or hydrologic conditions at each site and install a well to determine the hydroperiod of the wetland.
· Take digital photos of each site and the area around it to establish a visual record, and for later hot-linking into the GIS database.
· Classify the type of wetland found at the site using the Cowardin et al. (1979) system, and validate this using any NWI map available.

In-Lab Mapping Work:
After field work is completed (sometime in November), groups will create an interactive PowerPoint presentation describing each site, linking it to photos taken at each site, and defending your classifications and boundaries at each point.  This will result in a presentation in class during the last week of lab, and a poster presentation to be placed in the hallway or student room, and as a poster for Scholar's Day.

GIS Work and Computer Mapping:
Create a site map using downloaded USGS 7.5' topographic quad maps, downloadable NWI maps, and your designated GPS points to compare NWI boundaries with your boundaries.

Time Frame:
- Field work: Field data collection and archiving of field books (as per the tasks in I.A. above) should be completed by early November.  We will be going to the sites each Thursday in September, October and November with the van during lab periods, but each group is encouraged to take whatever additional time may be needed at the site to complete the collection.  You may work on your own, on weekends, and take your own cars to the site after checking in at Lime Hollow Nature Center.  Due care, proper clothing and equipment is essential in the field, including a map and a compass, should you get lost!!  Mapping Work: This will be completed during the period of early-November to the end of the course.

Evaluation:
I am more interested in a good product that in specific grades, but will be assigning each student two grades, one for field work, and one for lab and mapping work, and cooperation.  Students will evaluate themselves regarding their own contributions to the overall project, on the day of the presentation, and by allocating a specific amount of “capital” to each student within their specific groups.  This project is worth 30% of the course grade and will ultimately result in a poster presentation at Scholar’s Day.