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Managing Wetlands: Conservation & Restoration

Managing Wetlands: Conservation & Restoration

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructor: Caitlin Bloomer, Ph.D.

Included with

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Some related experience required

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Some related experience required

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Apply ecosystem stewardship concepts and technological tools to wetland restoration and conservation.
Create a wetland restoration plan capable of restoring or replacing ecosystem services and functions.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is available as part of

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Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
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There are 4 modules in this course

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to wetland management, exploring key practices in conservation and restoration. Students will learn the differences between wetland conservation and restoration, and the goals wetland managers typically set for each. The course emphasizes the importance of adaptive management and ecosystem management, contrasting these approaches with traditional wetland management strategies. Students will also gain insight into the constraints that can impact management efforts. In addition, the course covers the components of an effective wetland monitoring plan, the various evaluation techniques used, and the tools employed to track wetland health. Finally, students will explore best practices for wetland restoration, focusing on site-specific techniques and the management of both native and invasive vegetation in restoration projects.

In the course orientation, you will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course. Then dive into the second part of this module to understand the reasons for different wetland management practices, describe the differences between wetland conservation and restoration, and identify the types of goals wetland managers may establish. This module will provide a solid foundation for understanding the motivations, goals, and objectives of wetland management and restoration projects.

What's included

14 videos6 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

14 videos Total 53 minutes

Course Overview 2 minutes
Meet Your Instructor | Caitlin Bloomer 1 minute
Module 1 | Overview 1 minute
What is Wetland Management? 3 minutes
Wetland Alteration 5 minutes
Managing for Conservation 4 minutes
Threats to Wetlands and Management Responses 5 minutes
Conservation: Protecting Existing Wetlands 5 minutes
Restoration: Repairing Existing Wetlands 3 minutes
Challenges to Wetland Restoration and Conservation 4 minutes
Setting Goals for Wetland Management 5 minutes
Advisory and Technical Groups 5 minutes
What do you think is the biggest misconception about wetlands? 8 minutes
Module 1 | Wrap-up 2 minutes

6 readings Total 95 minutes

Course Guide 5 minutes
Updating Your Profile 10 minutes
Course Glossary 10 minutes
EPA Wetland Protection and Restoration Website 15 minutes
National Association of Wetland Managers 15 minutes
Wetland Management Planning (WWF)  40 minutes

2 assignments Total 40 minutes

Orientation Quiz 10 minutes
Module 1 | Knowledge Check 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Getting to Know Your Classmates 10 minutes

In this module, you will learn how to use publicly available resources to plan for climate change. You will also become familiar with some of the constraints—ecological, socio-political, and economical—that can limit management. Finally, you will apply the concept of adaptive management to wetland restoration planning. This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities and uncertainties inherent in wetland management and restoration.

What's included

12 videos4 readings1 assignment

12 videos Total 71 minutes

Module 2 | Overview 2 minutes
Introduction to Adaptive Management 5 minutes
Monitoring Techniques for Wetlands 6 minutes
Introduction to Ecosystem Management 3 minutes
Restoring Wetland Ecosystems: A Management Approach 5 minutes
Adaptive Management Under Changing Climate Conditions 5 minutes
Legal and Policy Frameworks Supporting Adaptive Management 8 minutes
Economic Constraints and Funding 5 minutes
Balancing Human Needs with Wetland Conservation 6 minutes
Long-Term Impacts of Adaptive Management on Wetland Ecosystems 6 minutes
Agency Priorities for Wetland Conservation 18 minutes
Module 2 | Wrap-up 2 minutes

4 readings Total 145 minutes

Course Glossary 10 minutes
Adaptive Management of Ramsar Wetland 60 minutes
Healthy Wetlands, Healthy Watershed 60 minutes
Wetlands in a Changing Climate: Science, Policy and Management 15 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module 2 | Knowledge Check 30 minutes

In this module, you will understand methods for monitoring surface and shallow subsurface hydrology. You will also learn how to apply rapid assessment techniques and hydrogeomorphic assessment methods. Finally, you will explore how to establish a monitoring plan for a wetland restoration project. This module will provide you with the essential tools and techniques to effectively monitor and assess wetland restoration efforts.

What's included

15 videos3 readings1 assignment

15 videos Total 59 minutes

Module 3 | Overview 2 minutes
Wetland Monitoring Plans 3 minutes
EPA's Monitoring Recommendations 4 minutes
Bioassessments vs. Functional Assessments 3 minutes
Monitoring Design 5 minutes
Wetland Evaluation Technique (WET) 5 minutes
Hydrogeomorphic Approach (HGM) 5 minutes
Monitoring Questions and Approach 4 minutes
Indices of Biological Integrity 6 minutes
Floristic Quality Index 4 minutes
Monitoring Groundwater 4 minutes
Groundwater Monitoring Reports 4 minutes
Meteorological Data for Wetland Hydrology 4 minutes
Water Quality Standards 4 minutes
Module 3 | Wrap-up 3 minutes

3 readings Total 100 minutes

Course Glossary 10 minutes
Ohio Rapid Assessment Method 40 minutes
Hydrogeomorphic Classification for Wetlands 50 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module 3 | Knowledge Check 30 minutes

In this module, you will learn what goes into developing a plan for a wetland restoration project, including basic designs for reestablishing wetland hydrology and soil. This module will bring together all the concepts and techniques you’ve learned, providing a comprehensive approach to planning and executing successful wetland restoration projects. At the conclusion of this module, you will be ready to complete the final assessment for the course and earn your Coursera certificate!

What's included

14 videos5 readings2 assignments

14 videos Total 61 minutes

Module 4 | Overview 1 minute
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Best Practices 4 minutes
Wetland Restoration Principles Coalition 5 minutes
Assessing Site Conditions 6 minutes
Hydrology Restoration: Removal 7 minutes
Hydrology Restoration: Addition and Modification 7 minutes
Soil Preparation and Amendments 6 minutes
Getting Started with Vegetation 4 minutes
Restoring Native Plants 6 minutes
Consider Invasive Plants 3 minutes
Invasive Plant Management Techniques 5 minutes
Buffers 3 minutes
Module 4 | Wrap-up 2 minutes
Course Wrap-up 2 minutes

5 readings Total 115 minutes

Course Glossary 10 minutes
Wetland Restoration Design and Construction (MN Wetland Restoration Guide) 50 minutes
Wetland Vegetation Establishment (MN Wetland Restoration Guide) 35 minutes
Celebrating Your Achievement & Looking Ahead 10 minutes
Getting Your Course Certificate 10 minutes

2 assignments Total 150 minutes

Module 4 | Knowledge Check 30 minutes
Final Assessment 120 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Caitlin Bloomer, Ph.D.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

5 Courses 1,009 learners

Offered by

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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Frequently asked questions

Yes! Although completion of the Coursera course alone is not credit-bearing, it is a required component of a graduate-level Canvas course that can be "stacked" toward advanced credentials such as an academic (transcriptable) graduate certificate or a degree. If you decide to pursue further education, the credits you earn from this course can be applied toward a formal academic program, provided that you meet all the requirements of admission to the certificate or degree.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.