Courses
We offer 3 unique, customizable courses to advance your plant identification skills and understanding of plants' roles in diverse ecosystems. Course content is designed for a wide range of audiences, from folks with modest experience in botany to those seeking a challenge and to expand their skillset. These courses were designed to fill the gaps in the available educational offerings left by post-secondary institutions, non-profits, and consulting companies.
The default delivery of courses is via Zoom. Virtual-delivery courses require a minimum of 5 registrants to run. In-person delivery and field exercises can be arranged.
*No courses are currently scheduled - please inquire by email for custom bookings.*
1) Aquatic Plants of Alberta
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 over 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 is the only commercially available course of its kind in Canada.
Target audience: students, consultants, fisheries biologists, wetland scientists, academics, water stewardship groups, shoreline communities.
Volume: roughly 20 hours of content.
2) Weeds of Alberta
This course explores the identification, taxonomy, biology, and basics of control of non-native plant species in Alberta, with an emphasis on the 95 noxious and prohibited noxious weeds listed under the Weed Control Act, as well as the powers and functions of the WCA. Including unregulated species, over 180 weedy species are covered. Differentiation from look-alike species is also addressed.
Target audience: rural property owners, gardeners, environmental stewardship groups, students, academics, vegetation managers, consultants.
Volume: roughly 15 hours of content.
3) Major Plant Families & Genera of Alberta
Description: this course explores the identification, taxonomy, biology, and habitats of the major vascular plant families and genera in Alberta; the province’s largest ~40 families and 120+ genera, by number of species, are covered. There is an optional module that addresses the basics of key botanic terminology, as well as key Latin and Greek species epithets. This course addresses vascular plants and does NOT cover bryophytes, algae, or cyanobacteria.
Target audience: gardeners, environmental stewardship groups, students, academics, consultants.
Volume: roughly 20 hours of content.
