Ecological Land Classification

May 12 - 16, and May 26 - 30, 2025

Ecopa Environmental offers an immersive one-week training program to equip participants with the essential skills in ecological land classification methodologies specific to Ontario. This introductory course delves into the foundational elements of ecological land classification, particularly emphasizing the physiography of south and central Ontario, their soils, and vegetation. Through daily workshops and hands-on field exercises, participants will gain proficiency in identifying and evaluating soils and vegetation communities. They will also learn to apply this knowledge to classify ecosites following provincial protocols. The primary focus of our program is on the practical application of ecosite classification, particularly in the context of Environmental Impact Studies and the assessment of Natural Heritage Features.

Participants will be introduced to the classification products Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First Approximation and its Application, and Ecosites of Ontario. While some previous experience with plant identification and soil description in the field is an asset, the course is suited to all levels of expertise.

Although ELC training has been offered by the province, there is no provincial certification in ELC. Graduates of this course with a strong background in ecology should be well-equipped to conduct ecological land classifications in south/central Ontario.

An optional ELC challenge test will be offered at the end of the course for those participants seeking an ECOPA certification. The test will cover field techniques and theory, with a minimum grade of 75% to pass. Graduates of the ECOPA ELC course may receive assistance with ELC assessments following completion of the course.

Program Outline

Monday

Morning

Registration
Introduction to ELC

Afternoon

Aerial & satellite imagery and desktop analysis
Field exercise - imagery, delineating polygon boundaries, and establishing waypoints

Tuesday

Morning

Physiography of southern and central Ontario
Introduction to soils, pedogenesis, soil separates & textures, soil profiles

Afternoon

Field exercise: soil augers and pits, identifying and assessing soil horizons and characteristics

Wednesday

Morning

Soil moisture regimes and drainage
Vegetation inventory and assessment
Field exercise – identification of forest vegetation, assessing forested communities - tree heights, diameters, forest structure, basal area stand composition.

Afternoon