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Foundations of Aquatic Restoration

Each NRTG course includes free, lifetime admission. Enrol once – come back anytime.

Description

NRTG’s Foundations of Aquatic Restoration is a one-day course that introduces you to the core concepts and practical approaches used in aquatic ecosystem restoration. Through interactive instruction and applied learning, participants will explore the principles, history, and philosophy that guide restoration in streams, wetlands, lakes, and other water-based environments across Canada and beyond. 

The course covers key terms and definitions in aquatic restoration, including restoration, remediation, and nature-based solutions, and examines aquatic ecosystem functions and services and their role in guiding restoration decisions. You will identify the key drivers of change to aquatic systems, including pollution, land use, and climate change, and apply the eight Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) principles to aquatic project contexts. Indigenous and Two-Eyed Seeing perspectives are integrated throughout to support inclusive and effective restoration practice. 

Graduates will develop a solid grounding aquatic restoration concepts and approaches to guide their continued learning and field practice. Completing this course counts towards Habitat Restoration Technician Program certification once the remaining courses are completed. 

This course is approved for 7 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) under the Society for Ecological Restoration’s (SER) Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) Program. Participants are responsible for uploading their certificates at ser.submittable.com to receive CECs.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be able to:   

  1. Define key terms in aquatic restoration, including restoration, remediation, and nature-based solutions.  
  2. Describe the history and philosophy of aquatic restoration, including Indigenous and Two-Eyed Seeing perspectives.  
  3. Explain aquatic ecosystem functions and services and their role in guiding restoration.  
  4. Identify key drivers of change to aquatic systems, including pollution, land use, and climate change.  
  5. Apply the eight restoration principles to aquatic projects. 

Certification

This course is assessed on attendance, assignments, and participation. To earn your certificate of completion you must meet all three requirements:  

  • Attendance: Full course day 
  • Assignments: Average 70% across assignments 
  • Participation: Minimum 60% participation score 

Your certificate of completion is required to claim your SER CECs and count towards your Habitat Restoration Technician Program certification. 

Prerequisites 

No formal credentials required to register.  

Who attends? 

This course is for you if you work in or near aquatic environments and want formal, practical training in stream, wetland, or lake restoration. You are a good fit if you:

  • Work on or near land, water, or ecosystems as part of your job or community role  
  • Are an Indigenous land guardian, watchman, or community member involved in stewarding your territory  
  • Work in environmental consulting, natural resources, or industry and need applied restoration skills  
  • Have field experience but no formal restoration training and want credentials to back it up  
  • Are looking to move into restoration work and need a recognized certification to get started 

What should I bring or supply? 

You will need: 

  • Computer 
  • Stable internet access 
  • Pen and paper 
     

Instructor Profiles 

Dr. Jenny Hill PMP, OALA, PLEng

Consultant, Researcher, and Educator

Jenny is an experienced consultant, researcher, and educator specializing in green infrastructure, hydrology, water quality, ecological restoration and climate adaptation. She has worked across public, private, and academic sectors, advising on over 100 projects related to stormwater policy, restoration monitoring, and nature-based solutions.

Currently Research Scientist with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Jenny also conducts research on remote sensing for wetland restoration. She has authored industry white papers, including Natural Infrastructure in a Changing Climate.

Jeff Sereda, PhD.

Manager, Ecological and Habitat Assessment, Owner Sereda Environmental
Headshot of Jeff Sereda, Senior Fisheries Ecologist and NRTG instructor.

Jeff holds a PhD. in Limnology and an Aquaculture Technician Diploma. He served as manager of a commercial salmonid hatchery for 4 years, lectured at the University of Saskatchewan on topics of fish physiology, taxonomy, ecology, conservation, and aquaculture. Currently, Jeff is a Manager of Ecological and Habitat Assessment, and formally an Adjunct Professor at the University of Saskatchewan. 

Jeff’s research has encompassed topics such as assessing the risk of aquatic ecosystems to anthropogenic eutrophication, macrophyte management, fish habitat restoration, and the impacts of water management on species as risk (Bigmouth Buffalo, Chestnut Lamprey, Plains Sucker, and Lake Sturgeon). Jeff’s research has been presented at over 60 national and international conferences and resulted in 20 peer reviewed publications. 

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