Wetland Ecology, SC Native Plant Certificate Elective

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.

Dr. Jeffery Beacham, ecologist and SCNPS State Board of Directors, will lead the class, which will be held in the S.C. Botancial Garden Conference Center, upper level.

The SC Native Plant Studies Certificate Program is offered by the SCBG in partnership with the South Carolina Native Plant Society. Discount available to SCNPS and SCBG members. 

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.