NCSR Wetland Ecology and Management Series

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on earth, and as such, provide countless ecological and economic benefits to humans.  Management of this valuable resource is complex and represents an opportunity to approach the nature and management of a natural resource from several different perspectives in natural resource or environmental science programs. The NCSR Wetland Ecology and Management Series is designed to support the instruction of wetlands topics at the undergraduate level.  It is modular in nature and instructors can pick and choose some topics for coverage and de-emphasize or ignore others.  Thus, these curriculum materials are designed to meet a variety of instructional needs and strategies.  The NCSR Wetland Ecology and Management Series is comprised of the following modules: 

• Wetlands – An Introduction

This module characterizes the wetlands resource and introduces students to wetlands as ecosystems and to the rationale for wetlands management. Wetland functions and values are also described.

• Wetlands – Then and Now

This module describes the current status of wetlands and compares that to their place in history.  Wetland types, classification schemes and causes for wetland loss and degradation are also discussed.

• Wetlands Management I – Determination and Delineation

This module introduces wetlands management and describes wetland determination and delineation as first steps in wetland management projects. A field activity is included that engages students in the essential elements of wetland determination and delineation.

• Wetlands Management II – Compensatory Mitigation

This module introduces the concept of compensatory mitigation and evaluates its effectiveness as a strategy for managing the wetland resource. A wetland mitigation field activity is included that describes how instructors can identify appropriate local wetland mitigation sites and how to organize a mitigation tour.

• Wetlands  and Climate Change

This module describes the complex relationship between wetlands and climate change.

• Wetlands  and Hurricanes

This module examines the impact of hurricanes on wetlands as well as the role of wetlands in the protection of coastal areas.

• Wetland Restoration in the Everglades

This module uses restoration efforts in south Florida as a case study of wetland restoration.

Each module includes a lecture outline, PowerPoint presentation and detailed instructor notes. Modules with field-based activities also include student handouts, detailed procedures, data sheets and notes to instructors.

Intended audience

The NCSR Wetland Ecology and Management Series is intended to provide instructional support for undergraduate education at the freshman/sophomore level.  Technical programs that include wetlands topics such as Wetlands Management, Civil Engineering and Biological Technician programs will find the modules to be a useful introduction to wetlands science and management.  The materials are not designed to provide the training that is required by individuals to become certified wetland delineators or other types of wetlands technicians, as these curriculum materials and mechanisms for their delivery are available elsewhere.  Also, NCSR wetlands materials are not designed for K-12 as a number of efforts have addressed wetlands for this level.  In addition to providing background for those who will work with wetlands in their profession, NCSR materials also provide the background and context for students in other undergraduate programs.  The materials may generate interest in some to pursue wetlands management as a career, but more importantly will result in an informed citizenry on wetlands issues.  It is hoped that a more informed public will gather support for wetland conservation efforts as they occur in their local communities and help build a greater understanding of their importance.

Curriculum produced by NCSR. Funding Provided by the National Science Foundation