Course Description: this course explores the roles of aquatic and riparian vegetation in supporting aquatic wildlife; plants for erosion control and and improving water quality; and identification of up to 100 species and genera of submerged, floating, and deeper-growing emergent aquatic plants. Also covered are aquatic invasive plants and laws, regulations, and approvals associated with aquatic and shoreline vegetation. This course emphasizes open water and (some) marsh plant species; see the Wetland Plants of Alberta course for bog, fen, marsh, and swamp plant species. This is the only commercially available course of its kind in Canada, to the best of our knowledge.
Target audience: students, consultants, fisheries biologists, wetland scientists, academics, water stewardship groups, shoreline communities.
Duration: roughly 11 hours of content.
Fall 2026 session:
Monday November 9, 1-4:30PM
Tuesday November 10, 1-4:30PM
Friday November 13, 1-4:30PM
Aquatic Plants of Alberta
Important Notes about Course Delivery
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The default difficulty level of these courses is intended for those with at least a moderate level of experience with vascular plant identification, unless otherwise specified.
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The default delivery of courses is via Zoom. In-person delivery and field exercises can be arranged.
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Registration is $75 + GST per person, per course, unless otherwise specified. Payment may be made by etransfer to kallummcdonald@gmail.com or by mail (cheque or money order) payable to Kallum McDonald.
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Fewer than 5 registrants may result in cancellation or rescheduling of courses; unexpected circumstances may require cancellation or rescheduling of courses. Should a course be cancelled after the first session, refunds will be issued as quickly as possible for the proportion of the course that was cancelled.