Description
This 3-day workshop introduces concepts of fluvial geomorphology and stream processes related to channel and floodplain formation, bankfull stage identification, regional hydraulic geometry curves, applications of the Rosgen and Montgomery-Buffington classification systems in the Southeast, and stream stability assessment.
Participants work in small groups in the field to measure stream physical conditions and calculate stream morphology relationships for channel dimension, pattern, and profile. Participants also learn about field techniques for measuring streambank erosion, pebble count techniques for substrate analysis, and channel stability assessment.
This course is recommended for the following groups of individuals:
- Environmental Professionals
- Engineers
- Ecologists
- Biologists
- Hydrologists
- Geomorphologists
- Landscape Architects
- Planners
- Natural Resource Program Managers
Course Instructors:
Registration fee is $1300 and includes breakfast items, lunch, workshop materials, and access to training videos.
Location: 108 Seitz Hall, 155 Ag Quad Lane, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Tess Thompson, Virginia Tech, 540-231-2454 to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event.
Outline
Day 1: July 15, 2026
7:30 a.m. Registration and Breakfast (Provided)
8:00 a.m. Classroom Discussion – Stream Morphology, Ecology & Stream Stability Assessment
12:00 p.m. Lunch (Provided)
1:00 p.m. Field Trip (Transportation Provided) - Bankfull identification, cross-section measurements, bank stability assessment
5:00 p.m. Adjourn
Day 2: July 16, 2026
7:30 a.m. Breakfast (Provided)
8:00 a.m. Classroom Discussion – Stream Classification & Reference Reach
10:30 a.m. Field Trip (Transportation Provided) - Reference Reach Survey: cross-section, pattern, profile, pebble count and stream classification
12:00 p.m. Boxed Lunch (Provided)
5:00 p.m. Adjourn
Day 3: July 17, 2026
7:30 a.m. Breakfast (Provided)
8:00 a.m. Classroom Discussion – Reference Reach Data Compilation & Analysis using Spreadsheet and Stream Restoration Planning & Design
12:00 pm Lunch (Provided)
1:00 p.m. Field Tour (Transportation Provided)
3:00 p.m. Adjourn
Notes
Participants should bring the following materials with them each day of the workshop:
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Field gear, waders/boots for field trips (depending on the conditions, field tours can be done in the rain)
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Refillable Water bottle
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Calculator and a laptop with excel for classwork
Optional materials to bring include:
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Rain gear
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Clipboard
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Sunscreen
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Bug spray
Based on previous workshops, it is estimated that the following professional development hours will be awarded after the successful completion of the workshop. A certificate of attendance will be emailed after the workshop, listing these PDHs:
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16 PDHs for professional engineers and land surveyors (approved by the NC Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors)
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Other professionals may appeal to their respective boards to obtain professional education credits.
Cancellation and refund requests should be sent to vceprograms@vt.edu with the name, student number, and email of the current registrant, as well as the course number and title for processing. A $25 administrative processing fee will be charged for each cancellation. The cancellation request must be submitted at least thirty-one (31) days before the date of the workshop to receive a full refund. Cancellation requests made between thirty (30) days and eight (8) days before the date of the workshop will receive a 50% refund. Refunds can take up to nine (9) weeks. Attendee substitutions from within the same company may be made at any time at no cost.
In the event of severe weather, this workshop may be postponed or canceled at the discretion of the workshop instructors. If the workshop is postponed, you may receive a refund if you are unable to attend the newly scheduled date, time, and location.
If the workshop is postponed or canceled, the workshop instructors and coordination staff are not responsible for participants not meeting their PDHs or CEUs requirements with their various professional licensing boards.