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 additinal field day beyond what is offered in the Basic Wetland Delination 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, rewinding or reviewing lectures as many times as you wish until your course close date (November 30th). Successful completion of course requires participation at one in-person 24-contact-hour field session.
52 contact hours.
Tuition cost: $1,475.00
Your Course Includes
2022 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.
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). Your printed and electronic course materials should arrive in the mail within about a week after your field location is confirmed unless you request them sooner. You must complete all online lectures before your in-person field practicum date. You may continue to review online lectures anytime until your course closes (November 30th each year).
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 options for Basic Wetland Delineation Online with Field Practicum:
| Dates | Locations | Register by Field Location |
| May 13 – 15, 2025 | Portage, WI | REGISTER NOW |
| September 16 – 18, 2025 | Whitefish, MT | REGISTER NOW |
| October 21 – 23, 2025 | Richmond, VA | REGISTER NOW |
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. Materials include a 2017 Pocket Guide to Hydric Soil Field Indicators, a USB drive containing current 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual, Regional Supplements, Plant Lists, and other publications, and Lecture Notes. Expect to spend a minimum of 28-lecture-contact-hours online that can be started at any time, but must be completed prior to attending the field session selected at time of registration. Successful completion of course requires participation at one 24-contact-hour field session.
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Discussion: Welcome and Introduce Yourself Here (BWD)
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Discussion: I have questions or comments (BWD)
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Basic Wetland Delineation Pre-test
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Welcome to Wetland Delineation with Emphasis on Soils and Hydrology Online Lectures (23 minutes)
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Course Logistics – WDESH (9 minutes)
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Geographical Jurisdiction (52 minutes)
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Introduction to 1987 Manual and Regional Supplements (44 minutes)
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Hydrology Fundamentals – Part 1 (46 minutes)
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Hydrology Fundamentals – Part 2 (19 minutes)
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Landscape Relations (1 hour, 30 minutes)
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Hydrology Field Indicators Part 1 (39 minutes)
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Hydrology Field Indicators Part 2 (36 minutes)
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Hydrology in the Field demonstration (18 minutes)
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Soil Fundamentals (38 minutes)
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Aspects of Soil Color (27 minutes)
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Redoximorphic Features (15 minutes)
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Hydric Soil Field Indicators (2 hours)
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Soil Indicators in the Field demonstration (13 minutes)
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Hydrophytic Vegetation – Part 1 (19 minutes)
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Hydrophytic Vegetation – Part 2 (28 minutes)
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Hydrophytic Vegetation Exercise Results
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Technical Guidelines (13 minutes)
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Soil Surveys (35 minutes)
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Surface Water (1 hour, 14 minutes)
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Ground Water (1 hour, 3 minutes)
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Monitoring Water Movement (1 hour, 34 minutes)
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Measuring Infiltration (35 minutes)
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Methods – Part 1 (48 minutes)
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Methods – Part 2 (23 minutes)
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Completing a Routine Data Form (24 minutes)
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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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Disturbed/Atypical situations (1 hour, 13 minutes)
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Assessing Drainage (28 minutes)
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Soil Taxonomy (1 hour, 15 minutes)
Get Started Now
Select location above and click on “Register Now” to enroll.