EPP 717 - Hydric Soil Indicators for Regional Supplements
Course Summary: This is a recommended two-day advanced course for wetland delineators. The course covers the fundamental relationship between soil formation and hydric soil indicators, in the context of delineating wetlands according to the procedures and standards established by the new regional supplements for the Western Mountains, Valleys and Coast, plus the Arid West.
This lecture and field course will focus on a hands-on understanding and the ability to interpret landforms, document soil profiles, describe redoximorphic features, and hydric soil determination. One-third of the course will be lecture; the remaining time will involve numerous field stops within the Portland Metropolitan area. Field study will include examining redoximorphic features, describing drained hydric soils, and properly applying hydric soil indicators.
This course requires some wetland hiking, carrying field gear and some labor. Hiking/walking may involve slippery or wet, uneven ground that is often without trails
Duration: 2 days in the field and 1 day of pre-recorded online lectures, readings, and videos.
Available Professional Credit: 1.6 CEU, or 16 PDH.
Student Testimonials:
"I enjoyed looking at soil layer and determining soil colors/redox info."
"It was useful having us go through hydric soil indicators by ourselves and then discussing as group.
Numerous problematic conditions: array of indicators covered. Well organized."
"I really like the examples of problematic situations, especially sand and gravel bar situations. Volcanic
ash also very interesting."
"This course provided clarification, critical thinking, and robust application of soil sampling."
Course Topics:
- Landforms and geomorphology
- Delineating Wetlands
- Soil taxonomy
- Soil chemistry
- Sampling depths and measurements
- Analysis of wetland situations lacking hydric soil indicators
- Examining redoximorphic features
- Describing drained hydric soils
- Applying hydric soil indicators.