Identification and Protection of Small Streams and Wetlands: A Field Workshop October 2025
Small streams and wetlands have a greater influence on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems than their size would suggest. However, many do not appear on public maps. Although they are threatened by our land uses and by the changing climate, most are unprotected by federal and state laws. Some Hudson Valley communities protect these important resources through local policies, conservation design, and open space protection.
To foster planning decisions that proactively consider the importance of small streams and wetlands, this outdoor workshop will discuss:
the values of small wetlands and streams;
how to find and identify them, even in their dry condition;
threats to wetlands and streams; and
effective regulatory and non-regulatory protections.
The program will be held outdoors. Participants should be comfortable standing for the duration of the workshop and walking approximately one mile on uneven ground. The specific meeting location for the workshop will be shared with participants prior to the program.
The workshop is especially designed for municipal officials, including elected officials, members of planning boards and conservation advisory councils, and for members of watershed groups, land trust staff, and others who are regularly engaged in municipal or other land use planning and policy-making, reviewing land development proposals, advising landowners, or making land management or regulatory decisions. This workshop is targeted towards those with less experience with small streams and wetlands and priority registration will be given to individuals that meet this criteria.
This workshop will be offered on the following date:
Wednesday, October 8th, 2025, Ulster County, NY; 2:00 - 4:30pm
(please save October 9th as a rain date)
The event is free-of-charge but registration is required. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended. Municipal training certificates for 2.5 hours of credit will be available. If you need more information regarding the workshop location in order to register, please contact lstickle@bard.edu.
This workshop was developed through a partnership with Cornell University and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River Estuary Program with funding from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund.
You will receive an email confirming your registration