Other Wetland Related Events

Discover the unique wetland adaptations and soil carbon storage capacities of this globally rare and threatened ecosystem. Explore the unique, beautiful, and fragrant Ericaceae species that thrive in the understories of these communities, as well as the role that sphagnum mosses play in forming peat. Come away with information about the fascinating range of species in this plant community, the importance of protecting wetlands and peatlands, and the cultural significance of Atlantic white cedar for Wampanoag and other Indigenous peoples. 

Understanding the Basis and Use of Wetland Evaluation | Nov 6 | Manchester NH

Spend the morning learning about four different methods of wetland evaluation: the NH Method, the new Army Corps Rapid Assessment Method, the Ecological Integrity Assessment Method, and the Federal Highway Method. You'll discuss the pros and cons and most appropriate use of each method and also learn how to use the GRANITView Mapper (https://granitview.unh.edu/html5viewer/index.html?viewer=granit_view) as a preliminary tool for evaluation and how this can accompany GIS work. During the afternoon, you'll head outdoors to a wetland in Manchester to practice using the wetland evaluation methods. You'll use the prepared wetland maps to assist your field assessments. Be sure to bring a notepad, clipboard, pencil, personal drinking water, and bug spray. It would also be helpful if you can bring a camera and binoculars. Wear clothing suitable for outdoors. 

Winter Plant Identification for Wetland Boundary Determination | Dec 5 & 12 | Portsmouth NH

This 2-day workshop will focus on upland and wetland tree and shrub identification under winter conditions as part of the requirements for state and federal jurisdictional wetland boundary determination. You'll learn to key out woody plants to the species level using twigs and buds (no leaves), determine the plants wetland indicator status, and perform a plant dominance test for wetness as outlined in the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Northcentral and Northeast Region (Version 2.0) Environmental Laboratory, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, January 2012 

Regional Supplement Publication link: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p266001coll1/id/7640. 

Required Book (provided): Winter Woodies: A Guide to Trees, Shrubs, Vines, and Trailing Plants for the Northeastern United States. R.W. Tiner. Institute for Wetland & Environmental Education & Research, Inc. Leverett, Massachusetts. January 2024.

 Please join us for our monthly bird monitoring walks on the refuge. Ken Copenhaver and Julie Filiberti lead the walks on various refuge trails on the 3rd Saturday of each month year-round (except December and May, when it is on the 2nd Saturday). The purpose of the walks is to gather long-term data on the presence of birds, their abundance, and changes in populations. Observations are entered into the Vermont eBird database, where the Cornell Lab of Ornithology stores the data. These walks are appropriate for birders of all skill levels and provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about birds throughout the seasons. After 195 months of walks, we have recorded 170 species of birds.

This month's walk: Saturday, November 21, 2026  at  8:00 AM to  9:00 AM

Maquam / Black Creek Trail located at 371 North River StrSwanton, VT (map)

Always see the upcoming dates at  https://www.friendsofmissisquoi.org/calendar

If you have any questions, contact me, Ken Copenhaver at copenhvr@gmail.com

Vermont State University Spring course : Dates to be announced

Contact Tylor Payne to be added to the list of folks to be notified when SPRING registration is open! taylor.paone@vermontstate.edu

The cost to join is $1175, which includes a yearlong membership to VAWS for the following calendar year.VSU accepts VSAC Advancement Grants and AmeriCorps Segal awards.

This in-person training is based in part on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation manual; the 2012 Supplement for Northeast Region; and most recent National Wetland Plant List and NRCS Hydric Soil guidance. Participants will also learn about federal and state regulations, and appropriate permitting in relation to wetlands. Lecture topics include: science of wetland hydrology; hydric soils; hydric vegetation; wetland development; and current Vermont regulations. Field practicals include soil and plant identification, and wetland delineation in accordance to the ACOE Field Delineation Manual. 

Two baskets in two days for $380.00, on-site camping included as needed.  Register Here

Willow baskets taught by Eric Cannizzaro and Black Ash baskets taught by Penny Hewitt.   Eric is best known for his chair making workshops, but has been nurturing a willow garden to offer willow basketry workshops too. This workshop will introduce students to techniques of slewing, English randing and wrapped handles Penny is passionate about revitalizing and sharing traditional skills, particularly in the form of black ash basketry from harvet to product. As a teacher, she enjoys “teaching people how to use their hands and simple tools to transform natural materials from the surrounding forests into objects of beauty that are useful in everyday life”