This course includes biomonitoring concepts, sampling techniques, identification of benthic invertebrates, and bioassessment calculations. It’s ideal for those using benthic macroinvertebrates to monitor streams or lakes through standardized provincial methods. Participants who show proficiency will receive a certificate of network membership. This training will be conducted by an OBBN certified trainer and multi award-winning instructor, Barb Elliot. The course is taught over three consecutive days and will feature a field practicum. Registration is required in advance, and space is limited.

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Program Outline

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Day 1

Morning

• Icebreakers and Introductions

• Overview of Schedule and OBBN Certification Requirements

• Biomonitoring 101 and Introduction to the OBBN

• OBBN 27-group Identification: meet the bugs Part 1

Afternoon

• OBBN 27-group Identification: meet the bugs Part 2

• Practice with Identification: epoxy cubes, study sets, microscopes

• Protocol overview – field practicum and preparation for fieldwork

 

Day 2

Morning

• Preparation for field work (logistics, gear, data sheets)

• Field Demonstrations, Benthic sampling and field data collection (OUTDOORS)

Afternoon

• Demonstration of subsampling and sample processing; taxonomy review

• Sample picking, specimen identification practice, preparation of reference sheets

• Data management/OBBN database

 

 

Day 3

Morning

• Review and preparation for certification testing

• Begin certification testing (theory test and identification test)

Afternoon

• Complete certification testing

 

 

Required Equipment:

• water bottle 

• lunch and snacks

• bug spray and sunscreen

• appropriate clothing (long-sleeved shirts and pants)

• hip or chest waders

• pens, pencils, notebooks, and clipboards for outdoor fieldwork

• hand lens if you have one (not required, but helpful)