Pre-conference Workshops:
(Monday, Oct. 15, 1-5pm; $50)
# 1 - Introduction to Stream Project: Decision Analysis and Design Guidance for Stream Restoration
The Stream Project is a collaboration among scientists, engineers, and decision analysts from the National Center for Earth-Surface Dynamics (NCED), the Intermountain Center for River Rehabilitation and Restoration (ICRRR), and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to create a stream restoration decision analysis and design guidance methodology that defines and implements a rational, objectives-driven approach to evaluating and designing stream restoration projects. Within a multi-objective decision analysis framework, achievable objectives are identified given watershed context and site conditions, tools are provided to determine the degree of response possible, and a decision analysis organizes the analysis of project alternatives. This workshop will provide an overview of the Stream Project logic, a survey of the assessment, design, and decision tools, and hands-on practice applying these tools to case studies.
Instructors: Peter Wilcock and Daniel Baker, Johns Hopkins University
# 2 - Working with Stream Functions
The ultimate purpose of all stream restoration and mitigation projects is to improve stream functions. However, it’s not always clear what stream functions are, how they should be assessed, and how success should be determined. This workshop will introduce participants to the Stream Functions Pyramid, which is a framework to help improve function-based restoration projects. The framework includes a hierarchy of stream function categories with Hydrology on the base, followed by Hydraulics, Geomorphology, Physicochemical, and Biology. Measurement methods and performance standards are provided for a variety of function-based parameters within each category. A detailed overview will be provided along with handouts of the Stream Functions Pyramid Framework. Participants will use the framework in classroom exercises to develop function-based goals and objectives and document functional lift at restoration projects. A lecture and classroom exercise will also be provided on how to use the framework to develop stream debits and credits, which will be helpful for participants from Corp Districts without a mitigation Standard Operating Procedure.
Instructors: Will Harman and Rich Starr
# 3 - Managing Invasive Plant Species in the Coastal Southeast
This workshop will focus on invasive exotic plants plaguing our coastal ecosystems throughout the southeastern US. Topics will include terrestrial and aquatic invasives, current status and research on specific troublesome species, and methods of control. Research specialists and industry professionals will present an array of information on the state of coastal exotic invasive weed species.
Instructors: Drew Gentry, Invasive Plant Control; Steve Hoyle, NCSU Aquatic Weed Program; Melanie Doyle, Conservation Horticulturist, NC Aquarium @ Fort Fisher
NCDA pesticide continuing eduction has approved this pre-conference workshop for the following credits: 2 hours credit- A; 4 hours credit - N,D,X; 3 hours credit- G,H,L,O
# 4 - Speaking of Science -- how to avoid the snares and sand traps of public speaking
(this workshop is free and will be from 2pm-5pm)
Imagine your audience ... of scientific experts ... perhaps more expert than yourself ... now envisage "time for questions". Indeed, it is not surprising that giving presentations at large, or even small, science gatherings can be frightening, overwhelming, and intimidating, but it can also be extremely rewarding and gratifying. On very few occasions do we, as scientists, technical experts, and project managers, get to reach out to dozens or hundreds of our colleagues in a single session. Make the most of your moment on stage. If you would like to improve your public speaking skills, please join Janine Castro for a half-day session on making your presentation interesting and effective, while also reducing your stress and actually enjoying the experience. Participants will leave the workshop with a greater skill set to develop and deliver presentations and will have an opportunity to practice a presentation in class (optional). The workshop is very interactive and will build on the collective experience of the audience and the instructor.
- Introduction -- the purpose and value of presentations.
- Presentation anatomy -- what are the parts of the presentation body?
- Think about the end as you begin -- what do you want them to remember?
- Humor -- presentation grease and glue.
- Things that begin and end have a middle -- substance without overkill.
- Your voice and the rest of you -- impressions aid communication.
- The finale -- bring them home.
- Prompters -- speaker crutches.
- The set up -- calming yourself.
- Questions -- opportunity to expand.
- Rehearse -- look natural through practice.
- What to avoid? -- potholes on the presentation road.
- Types of presentations -- all are not equal.
- Visual aids -- seeing is believing.
- Imagery basics – want people can and cannot see.
- Final words -- reflect, remember and reinforce.
- Evaluation/ feedback
- Now you try…
Instructors: Janine Castro, Geomorphologist, USFWS & NMFS
Stream Tour Descriptions
(Thursday, Oct. 18)
Tour # 1 - Rural Coastal Plain Stream Restoration Projects: 8:00 am to 3 pm - A half-day field tour of local stream projects will be offered on Thursday morning. The cost of the field tour is $85 per person. Breakfast to go, lunch and refreshments will be provided.
This tour will introduce you to three rural stream restoration sites. Two projects are located in agricultural properties near Richlands and the third is located on the golf course of the Jacksonville Country Club. Each project varies in scope and magnitude depending on site conditions and funding mechanisms. The projects will feature a variety of elements including stormwater wetlands, incorporation of wood structures, and constraints associated with the golf course. Representatives from the NC Ecosystems Enhancement Program and the stream restoration designers will be on-site to discuss planning, design, construction, funding, landowner concerns and lessons learned.
Tour #2 Urban Coastal Restoration Projects: 8:30 am to 12 pm - A half-day field tour of local stream projects will be offered on Thursday morning. The cost of the field tour is $50 per person. Breakfast to go and refreshments will be provided.
This tour will introduce you to three stream restoration sites located in urbanized watersheds inside the Wilmington city limits. Two projects are located in residential communities and the third is located on the golf course of the Pine Valley Country Club. Each project varies in scope and magnitude depending on site conditions and funding mechanisms. The projects will feature a variety of elements including utility constraints, residential community and heavy use conditions. Representatives from the City of Wilmington and the stream restoration designers will be on-site to discuss planning, design, construction, funding, landowner concerns and lessons learned.
Optional Wednesday Night Dinner Cruise onboard the Henrietta III
Sponsored Wednesday night Dinner Cruise onboard the Henrietta III - complimentary to the first 100 conference attendees who sign up, compliments of our Mayfly Sponsor, Environmental Banc & Exchange. Space is limited to 100, so sign up early! Make sure you check the box for 'Dinner Cruise Ticket' on the online registration form.
You may also purchase one guest/spouse dinner ticket for $18.
Continuing Education Credit
13 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) are approved for professional engineers for the main 2-day conference (6.5 hours per day for Oct. 16-17), approved by the NC Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. An additional 3 PDHs are approved for pre-conference workshops # 1 and 2, as well as for the stream tours.
10 CEUs are approved by the NC Board of Landscape Architects for the main conference (Course # 8953) and 3.5 CEUs for pre-conference workshop #3 (Course # 8955).
Other professionals may appeal to their respective boards to obtain professional education credits.
