University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Wetland Science and Conservation Specialization

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Wetland Science and Conservation Specialization

Explore the Sustainable Management of Wetlands.

Examine the role of ecology, policy, and practice for sustainable management of vital wetland ecosystems.

Jeffrey W. Matthews, Ph.D.
Caitlin Bloomer, Ph.D.

Instructors: Jeffrey W. Matthews, Ph.D.

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Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

from 19 reviews of courses in this program

Intermediate level
Some related experience required
2 months to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

from 19 reviews of courses in this program

Intermediate level
Some related experience required
2 months to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Analyze wetland ecosystems and assess the impact of human activities on their structure and function.

  • Interpret and apply wetland regulations from local to global scales to support conservation and compliance efforts.

  • Develop strategies for wetland restoration, mitigation, and sustainable management through scientific and policy-driven approaches.

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Taught in English

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Specialization - 6 course series

Discovering the Basics of Wetlands

Discovering the Basics of Wetlands

Course 1, 12 hours

What you'll learn

  • Major components of wetlands, including their formation and hydrology

  • Types of plants and animals that utilize wetland habitats and their adaptations to this environment

  • Structure and function of wetlands and the importance of their ecosystem services

Mitigating the Human Impact on Wetlands

Mitigating the Human Impact on Wetlands

Course 2, 12 hours

What you'll learn

  • How current U.S. laws and regulations govern human impacts on wetlands.

  • The impact that human activities have on wetland ecosystem services and functions.

Wetland Delineation Fundamentals

Wetland Delineation Fundamentals

Course 3, 12 hours

What you'll learn

  • Recall the steps involved in wetland delineation and the resources available for remote identification.

  • Explain the importance of hydric soils and hydrophytic vegetation in wetland delineation, and describe the field indicators used in these components.

  • Apply your knowledge to identify and assess field indicators for hydrology, hydric soils, and vegetation in real-world wetland environments.

  • Develop wetland delineation reports, incorporating best practices and addressing problematic situations.

Managing Wetlands: Conservation & Restoration

Managing Wetlands: Conservation & Restoration

Course 4, 16 hours

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.

Wetland Regulation: Local to Global Perspective

Wetland Regulation: Local to Global Perspective

Course 5, 11 hours

What you'll learn

  • Contrast federal, state, and local regulatory roles in wetland conservation, focusing on CWA and WOTUS.

  • Analyze international conservation laws and conventions, including Ramsar, and their link to sustainability.

  • Evaluate wetland management factors, community participation, and resilience strategies against climate change.

Wetland Conservation Through a Human Lens

Wetland Conservation Through a Human Lens

Course 6, 9 hours

What you'll learn

  • Analyze the social, political, & cultural factors that influence wetland conservation, including the roles of stakeholders, policy, & governance.

  • Evaluate strategies for equitable and culturally sensitive stakeholder engagement in wetland management.

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Instructors

Jeffrey W. Matthews, Ph.D.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
1 Course1,329 learners
Caitlin Bloomer, Ph.D.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
5 Courses1,070 learners

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