Upcoming NCAEP event information:

Aquatic Insect Ecology for Environmental Professionals - Level 2: Laurel Community Center,
4100 NC-212
Marshall, NC 28753
Date: 19 Jun 2023 12:30 PM EDT

Staff of Michael Baker International (Jason York) and Penrose Environmental Consulting (Dave Penrose) will conduct a 4-day course sponsored by the NC Association of Environmental Professionals (NCAEP) on Aquatic Insect Ecology for Environmental Professionals from June 19-22, 2023, at Laurel Community Center in Shelton Laurel, NC.

Aquatic insects (Benthic Macroinvertebrates) play key roles in many regulatory water quality programs in North Carolina and the Southeast.  These insects have been used by regulatory agencies to assess water pollution and trends in stream health since the mid-70’s.  Many metrics have been developed to make the use of these data effective and understandable to non-biologists.  Benthic insects are proposed as tools for the determination of stream restoration effectiveness and project prioritization by regulatory agencies.  Despite the value of this group of organisms in regulatory programs, very little is generally known about these insects as valuable regulatory tools.  This workshop series will introduce participants to the ecology and taxonomy of aquatic insects.

This Level 2 Workshop is geared to Environmental Professionals including local, state and federal aquatic ecologists; interagency review teams; consulting biologists; faculty and students with aquatic emphasis; and managers with citizen science programs. For those registrants who would like to become SFS (Society for Freshwater Science) certified for Eastern EPT genera, we will be offering a 20 image-collaged exam. Registration and payment for the optional exam is separate from class fees. Please contact the instructors if you are interested in pursuing SFS Taxonomic Certification.

Message Regarding Coronavirus – Updated March 2023
It is difficult to say what the status of the COVID-19 pandemic will be in June 2023. It is our top priority to look after the safety of our instructors and workshop participants during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This facility is large enough to accommodate the workshop and allow for adequate social distancing. NCAEP will adhere to and update all participants to all state and local health regulations regarding masking and social distancing. Hand sanitizer will be made available to workshop participants. We ask that if you or any member of your household has exhibited COVID-19 related symptoms or received a positive COVID-19 test within two weeks of the start date of the workshop to please notify us and a refund will be issued. If it is determined by the North Carolina Association of Environmental Professionals or the instructors that the workshop cannot safely proceed, participants will be offered a refund, or their registration will be saved for a later workshop when the pandemic situation has become safer.

The fee for the course is $720 for NCAEP members and $745 for non-members.
Aquatic Insect Ecology for Environmental Professionals