Advanced Wetland Delineation
Course Overview
After a year or more of wetland delineation practice, many delineators find they could benefit from a course that provides a refresher on the basics and dives deeper into the real-life topics that would expand their field skills. WTI is proud to offer a course exactly for that need. The course provides a series of online lectures and readings that immerse participants fully into Chapter 5 of the COE Regional Supplements, the procedures provided to make wetland determinations on the “Difficult Wetland Situations” for the region. Topics will include interpretations of landforms and hydrology, soil morphological features in disturbed and problematic soils, regionally pertinent Hydric Soil Indicator insights, Normal Circumstances and Normal Climatic conditions, and wetland mapping and reporting techniques. After all lectures are completed (approximately 10 hours), you will attend a 2-day field session (16 hours) with a highly seasoned delineator and instructor. Each day, the field session will include hands-on data collection, discussion of findings, review of techniques and pitfalls, and consideration of regionally specific disturbances. Field sessions are generally held rain or shine, unless conditions such as storms or heat are dangerous, in which case arrangements are made for alternative learning.
Since many new delineators encounter partially disturbed conditions, there will be an emphasis on sites that have some difficulty, such as old fill material, grazing or mowed plant community, tree plantations (Lake Charles, LA only), past excavation (ditches), or regionally specific problem areas. This course is especially valuable for those working on transportation corridors, urbanized areas, and agricultural settings.
Prerequisites: 1) Basic Wetland Delineation course with WTI or another provider (at least 32 contact hours) AND 2) At least one year of experience conducting wetland delineations
Resources: Field Packing List | Sample Field Practicum Agenda | Printable Course Curriculum
26 contact hours
10 hours online + 16 hours in field
Unless otherwise noted, field sessions run from 8:00 am until 5:30 pm each day.
Scoles, Smith, B. Whited, M Whited
Your Course Includes
Pocket Guide to Hydric Soil Field Indicators
This field guide is based on the National Technical Committee on Hydric Soils’ Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States v. 9.0.
Printed Lecture Notes and Electronic Resources
Receive a copy of lecture notes and a thumb drive of essential electronic resources to reference after the course.
Certificate of Completion
You will receive a certificate of completion with instructional contact hours documented once you have completed all course requirements (i.e. online lectures, field practicum, discussion forum participation).
Frequently asked Questions
When does the course start and finish?
You can begin your online lectures anytime after your course opens (December each year). You must complete all online lectures before your in-person field practicum date. You can review lectures online anytime until November 30th (online course close date).
Can I view lectures at my own pace?
Yes! You can view and review lectures as many times you wish until your course closes. All online courses close on November 30th each year.
Can I have face-to-face interaction with the Instructor?
You will have face-to-face interaction with your field practicum instructor to ensure you understand all the material as well as standard field practices. During the online componenet of the course, please contact the instructor via the discussion board or our direct messaging system from the member’s area.
Does this course count towards my certification program?
Your certificate of completion can be used to document instructional hours received in this topic. You should contact the specific certifying agency or association directly to find out how they will assess or credit this WTI course. Typically, our courses are accepted by all state and national certifying agencies and associations; however, you should confirm that with the specific certification program to which you are applying or renewing.
Field Practicum Locations
Field session dates and locations for Advanced Wetland Delineation Field Practicum:
| Dates | Locations | Register by Field Location |
| June 3 – 4, 2026 | Anchorage, AK | REGISTRATION COMING |
| June 9 – 10, 2026 | Twin Cities, MN | REGISTRATION COMING |
| August 25 – 26, 2026 | Marysville, WA | REGISTRATION COMING |
| October 7 – 8, 2026 | Manchester, NH | REGISTRATION COMING |
Get Started Now
Select location above and click on “Register Now” to enroll.
Course Curriculum
This course provides a series of online lectures and readings relating to landform interpretation, soil redox features, hydric soil indicators, growing season/climate, problematic hydric soils, data sheet completeness, regulatory jurisdiction, difficult and problem situations. ion Manual still valid as used by the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and numerous state governments. After all lectures are completed (approximately 10 hours), you will attend a 2-day field session (16 hours) with a highly seasoned delineator and instructor. Each day, the field session will stop at 3 to 4 locations to collect data, discuss field findings and have in depth discussions about delineation techniques, pitfalls, soil/hydrology indicators, and wetland mapping.
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Discussion: Welcome and Introduce Yourself Here (AWD-2025)
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Discussion: I have questions or comments (AWD – 2025)
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Course Logistics (AWDTP, 11 minutes)
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Completing a Routine Data Form (24 minutes)
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Landscape Relations (1 hour, 30 minutes)
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Hydric Soils and Redox (1 hour, 10 minutes)
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Climate-Growing Season (42 minutes)
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Hydric Soil Field Indicators (2 hours)
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Problem Areas and Difficult Situations (1 hour, 36 minutes)
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Problematic Soils (1 hour, 14 minutes)
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Ordinary High Water Mark (44 minutes)