Wetland Ecology, SCNP Elective 10.24.25

Wetland and riparian (streams & rivers) ecosystems are among the most productive and biologically diverse systems in the world, yet they are among the most threatened. Common wetlands in our region include floodplains associated with stream and river corridors, swamps, bogs, and marshes. These systems are vital for a sustainable global ecology, providing key functions such as pollution filtering for surface waters and ground waters, floodwater buffering, and wildlife nurseries. In this course, you will learn the basic science behind defining these systems and the special features that characterize wetland and riparian habitats in our region. You will also learn the basics of how the science and law (the Clean Water Act) meet to help protect these vital ecosystems. We will spend about one third of our time in the classroom learning the technical basics of what makes these systems distinctive and the important ecological services they provide. Then we will go into the field in the Clemson area for about two thirds of our time to study a wetland (or maybe two) by examining the special soils, hydrology and plant communities, and if we are lucky, some wetland wildlife. Instructor: Dr. Jeffery Beacham, ecologist and SCNPS State Board of Directors.

Location: S.C. Botancial Garden; Conference Center, upper level

Please Note: All classes are open to the public. If you would like to pursue the South Carolina Native Plant Certificate Program, all core classes plus 4 electives are required for completion.

Some classes in the certificate program include fieldwork and can be physically demanding We may use hiking trails with moderate difficulty. Participants must be in good physical condition and able to hike 1-2 miles without difficulty or assistance over terrain with steep sections, where footing will be uneven, with frequent tree roots, rocks, muddy areas and fallen tree trunks to climb or step over. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are required.

Please remember to enter your FRIENDS discount code at the time of checkout, as there is no way to apply it retroactively. Contact Sue Watts with any questions about the program and the code for the 10% discount which applies to Garden Friends and SCNPS members. Sue Watts:

Cancellation Policy:Cancellations made at least 7 days prior to the class will be subject to a 20% processing fee. Cancellations made less than 7 days before the class will be refunded subject to the discretion of the SCBG (less a 20% processing fee).Class registration cannot be transferred to other classes.

Please do NOT submit refund request through Eventbrite. Email the SCBG class organizer directly to request a refund.

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