Wetland Delineation with Emphasis on Soils and Hydrology

Course Overview

This course satisfies the requirements for basic wetland delineation training as specified by the Corps of Engineers and certification programs in many states. Materials and content are the same as identified in our Basic Wetland Delineation classes with additional time spent developing a stronger foundation in important aspects of soils and Hydrology. This course includes an additional field day beyond what is offered in the Basic Wetland Delineation course. Expect to spend a minimum of 28-lecture-contact-hours online. Online lectures must be completed prior to attending your chosen field session. You can proceed at your own pace, reviewing lectures as many times as you wish for one year from the date you start the course. Successful completion of course requires participation at one in-person 24-contact-hour field session.

Resources:  Field Packing List     |     Sample Field Practicum Agenda     |     Printable Course Curriculum

$1,475.00

52 contact hours

28 hours + 24 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

Learn more about your instructors

Click the registration link next to a specific field course location below to view recommended logding in that area.

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. 8.0.

Downloadable Resources

Receive lecture slides for note-taking and essential electronic resources for ongoing reference.

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?

Once your registration is confirmed and payment is complete, you may begin the online lectures at any time. The online portion must be completed before the in-person field practicum. You will have access to the course content for one year from your start date.

Can I view lectures at my own pace?

Yes! You can view and review the lectures as often as you like for one year from the date you start the course.

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 options for Basic Wetland Delineation Online with Field Practicum:

Dates Locations  Register by Field Location
April 28 – 30, 2026 Richmond, VA RESGISTER
May 12 – 14, 2026 Portage, WI RESGISTER
September 15 – 17, 2026 Kalispell, MT RESGISTER

Get Started Now

Select location above and click on “Register Now” to enroll.

Course Curriculum

The following lectures focus on the application of the Regional Supplements and the portions of the 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual still valid as used by the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and numerous state governments. Learn the technical guidelines for wetland delineations, field indicators of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology, methods for making jurisdictional determinations and methods to apply in difficult situations. Spend additional time on important aspects of soils and hydrology. 

  • Discussion: Welcome and Introduce Yourself Here
  • Discussion: I have questions or comments
  • Downloadable Resources – WDESH
    30 minutes
  • Basic Wetland Delineation Pre-Field Quiz
    48 questions
  • Welcome to Wetland Delineation with Emphasis on Soils and Hydrology Online Lectures (23 minutes)
    0 minutes
  • Course Logistics – WDESH (9 minutes)
    unknown
  • Geographical Jurisdiction (52 minutes)
    52 minutes
  • Introduction to Wetlands, the 1987 Manual, and Regional Supplements (44 minutes)
    44 minutes
  • Hydrology Fundamentals – Part 1 (46 minutes)
    30 minutes
  • Hydrology Fundamentals – Part 2 (19 minutes)
    19 minutes
  • Landscape Relations (1 hour, 30 minutes)
    90 minutes
  • Wetland Hydrology Indicators Part 1 (39 minutes)
    39 minutes
  • Wetland Hydrology Indicators Part 2 (36 minutes)
    36 minutes
  • Hydrology in the Field demonstration (18 minutes)
    18 minutes
  • Soil Fundamentals (38 minutes)
    38 minutes
  • Aspects of Soil Color (26 minutes)
    27 minutes
  • Redoximorphic Features (12 minutes)
    15 minutes
  • Commonly Used Hydric Soil Field Indicators (52 minutes)
    52 minutes
  • Concept of a Hydrophyte (19 minutes) Preview
    19 minutes
  • Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators (28 minutes)
    28 minutes
  • Hydrophytic Vegetation Exercise Results
    5 minutes
  • Soil Surveys (35 minutes)
    35 minutes
  • Surface Water (1 hour, 14 minutes)
    0 minutes
  • Ground Water (1 hour, 3 minutes)
    0 minutes
  • Monitoring Water Movement (1 hour, 34 minutes)
    94 minutes
  • Measuring Infiltration (35 minutes)
    0 minutes
  • Methods (28 minutes)
    48 minutes
  • Completing a Routine Data Form (24 minutes)
    24 minutes
  • Problem Areas and Difficult Situations (1 hour, 36 minutes)
    96 minutes
  • Problematic Soils (1 hour, 14 minutes)
    74 minutes
  • Disturbed/Atypical situations (1 hour, 13 minutes)
    73 minutes
  • Assessing Drainage (28 minutes)
    28 minutes