Course Overview
This course covers the fundamentals of wetland and estuary form, function, classification and restoration in Canada and internationally. The wetland section of the course covers Canadian wetland classification, mechanisms of wetland loss, the importance of wetlands in storing carbon, and the physical, chemical and biological mechanisms by which constructed wetlands remove pollutants from urban storm water. The steps for building groundwater wetlands, surface water wetlands, wetlands with liners, and floating wetlands will be examined, in addition to the steps for building and maintaining constructed wetlands. The estuary section of the course covers estuary classification, reviews the ecological importance of estuaries, especially for salmonids, and reviews the physical, chemical and biological aspects of estuaries. Emerging Western Science and traditional eco-cultural strategies for restoring estuaries is covered, including dealing with invasive species (plant and animal), legacy contaminants, non-migratory goose herbivory, and sea level rise. The course will focus on re-establishing the carbon flux and storage in the estuaries through re planting of sub-tidal eelgrass, emergent sedges, management of goose herbivory, and strategic placement of large woody debris.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Assess and integrate the concepts and principles of restoring wetland and estuarine habitats
- Apply these concepts and principles in assessment and evaluation of degraded wetlands and estuaries
- Critically integrate these concepts and principles into the design of restoration plans.
- Design a sampling plan to collect biological and physical environmental data in wetland and estuarine ecosystems
Effective as of Fall 2025
Related Programs
Restoration of Wetland and Estuarine Ecosystems (ECOR 9301) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Construction and the Environment
- Ecological Restoration
Master of Science Full-time/Part-time
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.