Our Vermont Woods

Dates: The course meets for five sessions (2 lectures, 3 field studies) September 6, 8, 15, 20, 22, 2018 (see detailed schedule below) Cost: $160 (16-hour course)

"I’m thoroughly impressed with Dr. Harper’s extensive knowledge of soil science, and her ability to share seemingly endless technical information, which also included plant species, geology and topography that all related back to soils characterization." — participant in  Forest Soils in the Hogback Ecoregion

We are delighted to welcome back soil scientist and educator Dr. Wendy Sue Harper for her sixth year teaching this introductory course on forest soils, which is accredited through the Society of American Foresters and Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. Students will attend 2 classroom presentations and 3 field trips targeting different soils on the Waterworks in Bristol. During classroom lectures, students will learn about soil properties as indicators of soil formation and land use potential (including the five soil forming factors, soil profiles and horizons, soil texture, structure, color, pH, and organic matter), and how to use NRCS soil information and maps.  During field studies, students will undertake simple experiments and learn basic field soil examination techniques while studying several different soil types (including glacial outwash deposits, clayplain soils, soils formed in acid or neutral tills, and wetlands and streambank soils).  This course is especially appropriate for

• landowners,
• natural resource professionals,
• educators,   
• planners, or

Anyone who wants to improve their understanding of soils and how they influence our landscape. Participants who complete this course can receive continuing education credit through:

• Society of American Foresters Continuing Education Credits for re-licensing foresters: 12 Category 1 CFE credits.
• State of Vermont ANR/DEC Licensed Designer Continuing Education Credits: 8 for soils and 4 for non-soils.