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Comments from the August 2007 program: "Excellent preparation for identifying macros on all levels - very helpful that the instructor has specimens for comparison - microscopes great to work with - very friendly and modest atmosphere that encourages you to explore". "...for me this workshop was perfect... One of the best training courses I have attended". "Thank you so much for a great week. I learned more than I thought I could and met some fantastic people". "Overall,
from the dining hall to the classroom to the campfire an EPIC
experience."
Comments from the August 2006 program: "The workshop sharpened my identification skills especially with EPT taxa. Having preserved specimens was very helpful. There were many preserved specimens available that I have never seen before".
Comments from the August 2005 program: "A well organized course. We maintained an efficient on-time schedule with, and this is a real positive, a relaxed atmosphere. The course was challenging and still accessible to the beginner." "...definitely worthwhile and I certainly learned a lot! Aside from the taxonomy, I thought that the additional info provided on the ecology and biology was particularly useful." "...thank
you for a great course; I learned a great deal and enjoyed the whole
experience. I appreciate all the help and visual aids that you and
A.J. provided." Comments from the August 2004 program: I would highly recommend this program for professional development. It was well organized with a nice balance between lecture, field work, and lab work. I worked hard, but enjoyed every minute of it.". "The instructor set a relaxed tone, which is helpful to learning. I got a lot out of this course.". |
August 11 - 15, 2008
(a 5-day program)
Black Rock Forest
Orange
County, NY
Who Should Attend: State, county and municipal agencies, private consulting firms, citizen volunteers, neighborhood associations, environmental organizations, and teachers, performing stream and watershed assessments or monitoring programs; with a desire to improve their taxonomy skills.
Unable to attend? Contact us and discuss your program needs.
You will:
- Perform taxonomic identification to family and genera
- Learn about the anatomy and ecology of freshwater aquatic macroinvertebrates
- Gain experience with collecting techniques using kick and D-frame nets
- Collect samples from several different aquatic habitats
- Begin your personal reference collection of aquatic macroinvertebrates
- Complete a pre
and post self-practical evaluation of your taxonomy skills (test
your skills now) (pre
and post test results from 2004 - 06 program)
Benefits of Attending this Program:
- Gain confidence in your understanding of benthic macroinvertebrate ecology
- Learn collecting methods and how to systematically identify macroinvertebrates
- Prepare, review,
and take the North American Benthological Society's (NABS) Taxonomic
Certification Program Level 2 Taxonomic Certification Exam (TCE).
An additional fee applies; registration deadline to take an exam is
July 25, 2008.
Workshop Overview
Participants will receive classroom instruction on aquatic macroinvertebrate anatomy and ecology. The use of digital photography emphasizing key identification features for major aquatic insect families and other major aquatic orders will be reviewed throughout the week. While both fieldwork and lab work will occur the emphasis is on lab work utilizing dissecting microscopes and aquatic keys to properly identify organisms. All the necessary equipment and texts for proper taxonomic work is provided for each participants use. The primary taxonomic key that will be utilized is: Freshwater Macroinvertebrates of Northeastern North America by Barbara L. Peckarsky, et al., 1990, Cornell University Press. The program is laid back, high energy and a lot of fun.
Your Instructors:
J. Kelly Nolan, Aquatic Biologist Watershed Assessment Associates is a NABS certified level II taxonomist. Kelly has completed numerous stream bioassessment surveys and provided stream bioassessment and benthic macroinvertebrate training to organizations, municipalities, state agencies, private corporations, and educational institutions. He holds a degree in biology from the State University of New York at Albany; and degrees from Adirondack Community College, Glens Falls, NY and Mississippi College, Clinton, MS.
Helen T. Ghiradella, Ph.D. Professor of Biological Sciences at SUNY Albany will provide instruction on aquatic larvae anatomy and exoskeleton structure and function. Professor Ghiradella received her Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her research interests include: pattern formation in insect cuticle, flash control in the firefly, the biology of ultrasmall arthropods, and effects of environmental toxins on behavior of Drosophila.
Matthew Lajoie, Aquatic Biologist Watershed Assessment Associates is a NABS Certified Level II taxonomist. Matt also has significant experience in fish collection and identification, stream characterization, and habitat assessment, as well as in wetland delineation, soils descriptions, vernal pool studies, stormwater monitoring, GPS data collection, and GIS analysis. Matthew graduated from Bates College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies, Ecology concentration.
Location
Black Rock Forest is a 3,785-acre preserve administered and used as a field station by the Black Rock Forest Consortium, comprised of private and public educational, research, and cultural institutions. The forest is dedicated to scientific research, education, and conservation of the natural ecosystems(s) that once covered this entire region. Located in the Hudson Highlands on the west bank of the Hudson River, 50 miles (80 km) north of New York City, the area is home to numerous ponds, wetlands, and great biological diversity.
Free time activities include: hiking and nature watching.
Travel Information
By Air
Stewart International Airport
is located in Orange County NY and is approximately 15 miles from Black
Rock Forest. JFK
International Airport, Newark
Liberty International Airport and LaGuardia
Airport, are approximately 50 miles south of Black Rock Forest. Each
airport is serviced by numerous air carriers and all major car rental
companies are available.
Driving Directions to Black Rock Forest
Cost
$975.00 includes all workshop materials, food, and lodging.
To register click here and complete the online form.
A $100.00 deposit is required to register. Please make checks payable to: Watershed Assessment Associates, LLC, 28 Yates St., Schenectady, NY 12305
Upon receipt of the deposit a letter confirming your registration and an information packet and medical release form will be forwarded to the e-mail address provided.
The program is limited to 16 participants.
More questions? Contact us by jkn@rwaa.us or phone 518-346-0225
A program of Watershed Assessment Associates sponsored by Hudson Basin River Watch.
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