The successful use of wetland identification and assessment tools includes an understanding of different wetland classification systems and how to apply them.
This four-part series of on-demand modules will introduce viewers to four different classification systems used in wetland conservation and regulatory practices in Washington: Cowardin, Hydrogeomorphic (HGM), U.S. National Vegetation Classification (USNVC), and Landscape, Land form, Water flow path, Water body type (LLWW).
We developed this series with the Washington Natural Heritage Program for local governments and wetland professionals.
Funding for this series of modules on wetland classification was provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through a wetland program development grant.
View our YouTube videos:
Wetlands 101 is an introduction to wetlands for local government planners, especially those working in small jurisdictions with no technical wetland support staff. The training series is intended to provide the basic tools that planners need to:
- Recognize a wetland.
- Assess whether a wetland delineation report provides adequate and accurate information.
- Feel comfortable discussing wetlands with applicants and their consultants.
For each wetland indicator such as hydrology, soils, and vegetation, we also discuss how to review the corresponding portion of the wetland delineation form.
While the content below is specified as eastern and western Washington; the content for both could be useful to viewers in either area.
Eastern Washington - view our YouTube videos
We are working to complete a hydric soils video. If you have questions about the video series, please contact Yolanda Holder.
Western Washington - view slides and notes from a past webinar series
*Important Note: The information in the slides and notes was developed to accompany a webinar series that was conducted in 2015. The information was current at the time of the webinar.
Coastal Training Program
We offer courses on managing coastal, estuarine, and wetland resources through our Coastal Training Program. The program is coordinated by several agencies to provide practical, science-based training to professionals who make decisions about coastal management in Washington.
The program is administered through the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, which we manage in partnership with the NOAA Office for Coastal Management.
Society of Wetland Scientists (Pacific Northwest Chapter)
The Society of Wetland Scientists Pacific Northwest Chapter occasionally offers training or workshops about wetlands and mitigation topics. Visit their events web page for information on upcoming classes.
Many Washingtonians want to help preserve, protect, or restore wetlands. We encourage this responsible wetland stewardship and have a couple of resources to help:
- At Home With Wetlands: A Landowners Guide: Things you can do for your wetland.
- Homeowners' Guide to Wetlands & Buffers: Homeowners play a big role in wetland protection and health. This guide provides information for homeowners on how to protect wetlands and information on the importance of buffers to wetlands protection. It also includes gardening and yard care tips for every season.
- Guide to Healthy Streams, Lakes, and Wetlands for Small Farms and Rural Landowners in Eastern Washington: When you look out the window of your house you see the land that is part of a watershed. Any water that falls on the land moves downhill to create streams, lakes, and rivers. The purpose of this book is to provide you with a better understanding of the many components that make up a healthy watershed. In addition, this book explains what you can do on your property to protect the lakes, streams, and wetlands that make Eastern Washington such a wonderful place to live!
We encourage, support, and provide several resources to educate people of all ages about wetlands and their role in a healthy watershed. Understanding these connections is essential to preserving our remaining wetlands for people, fish, and other wildlife of Washington.
- Discover Wetlands: A curriculum guide for grades K-12 focused on Washington's wetlands, what they are, their value, and human affects on them. Includes wetland plant and animal identification cards and field studies.
- Learn about wetland functions and values: A web page with information about wetland functions and values, and links to more information.
- Washington's Wetlands: A booklet providing general information about wetlands.
- Wetlands: A small, illustrated children's book about wetlands. Grasses, plants, insects, birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, mud, and water are introduced one by one.
- Wetland videos: We can provide the following videos all on one DVD:
- Fabulous Wetlands (7 minutes): A wacky and entertaining video featuring Bill Nye "the Science Guy" talking about the importance of wetlands. You can now view this video on YouTube.
- Washington Wetlands (15 minutes): A video of still images that provides an overview of the functions of values fresh and saltwater wetlands in Washington.
- Yellowlegs, Eelgrass, and Tideflats (28 minutes): Film about the natural history of Washington's estuaries emphasizing the variety of wildlife common to these areas.