Methodology for Delineating Wetlands

Learn the methods for identifying wetlands from the experts! Using your skills developed from our plant identification North or South and Hydric Soil courses, this three-day course will introduce you to delineating wetlands using the Federal Interagency Wetland Delineation Manual, which is required for use in New Jersey. Techniques taught will also be applicable to individuals interested in using the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and the Regional Supplements for the Northcentral-Northeast Region and the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain.

Learn how to recognize key indicators of wetlands (hydrophytic vegetation and other signs of wetland hydrology) and how to use them in combination with hydric soil indicators to follow the delineation methods outlined in the manual. You will apply the procedures and indicators covered in the online class session to perform wetland determinations during two days of field exercises.

• Vegetation: Analyze plant communities, identify dominant plants, and determine the presence or absence of hydrophytic vegetation
• Hydrology: Recognize direct and indirect indicators of wetland hydrology

NOTE: While the Corps Regional Supplements for the Atlantic Coastal Plain and Northeast-Northcentral Regions will not be the focus of this course, comparable indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology will be presented and discussed. Both the Federal Interagency Manual and the Corps Regional Supplements utilize the 50/20 Rule for identifying dominant species to be used to determine whether the plant community is a positive indicator for hydrophytic vegetation.

PREREQUISITES: If you are planning to earn the Wetland Delineation Certificate, completion of Vegetation Identification North or South and Hydric Soils is required prior to attending this course. Regardless, it is essential that participating students have sufficient knowledge of plant identification (use of field guides) and hydric soil recognition to be able to successfully complete field exercises in wetland delineation as they are vital skills for this type of work.

Please be advised that this is not an introductory course. For an introductory course, please enroll in our Introduction to Wetland Identification course.

Speaker(s): Deborah Henson, Ralph Tiner

Fee: $1,550 per person

Registration Closes: May 27, 2026