Aquatic Invertebrates Ecology

Students will have the opportunity to collect field samples as well as identify invertebrates using Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) protocols. Students will learn how to use D-nets and kick nets to sample benthic invertebrates, as well as practical lab skills including how to use a microscope, pipette, and dichotomous key.

Available Online

Fish Ecology

Students will have the opportunity to collect field samples as well as identify local fish species. Students will use seine nets to catch fish, and learn fish processing skills including characteristics of different fish species, how to measure and weigh a fish, and how to record field notes.

Available Online

Soil Geology

Students will have the opportunity to dig holes, sample river mud and learn about hand texturing – be ready to get dirty! Students will learn about how texture, colour, grain size and grain shape affect soils and their interactions with the environment.

Available Online

Rocks and Minerals

This workshop explores how rocks and minerals are formed, and how to identify them. Students will have the opportunity to examine specimens and identify rocks and minerals using hardness test, acid test and more – geology rocks!

Available Online

Water Quality Testing

Students will have the opportunity to collect samples and measure water characteristics including pH conductivity, turbidity and more! Students will learn about how water characteristics vary due to both environmental and human impact. Using probes and water test kits – they will determine the origin of several mystery water samples.

Available Online

Fecal Coliform Testing

Students will have the opportunity to collect samples and test them for the presence of E. coli bacteria. Students will learn practical lab skills including how to light a Bunsen Burner, create a sterile field, use a filtration system, use a pipette, and how to plate and incubate bacteria.

Available Online

Tree Diversity

Students will have the opportunity to take a nature hike to identify and press various local tree species. Students will learn some forestry basics including how to use calipers, clinometers and convex spherical densitometers.

Marsh Plants

Coming Soon – Enquire for more details!

Marsh Biodiversity

Students will have the opportunity to walk through the marsh and identify local species. Students will learn how to use field guides and binoculars to identify the species in the marsh, they will learn the key characteristics used to identify species.

Pond Life

Students will have the opportunity to explore the pond and try to catch amphibians. Students will learn how to use nets to catch frogs, how to properly hold and identify frogs, how to identify turtles and learn about aquatic invertebrates.

Human Genetics & DNA

Students will have the opportunity to sample their own DNA, amplify it using the PCR method and observe DNA bands in gel electrophoresis – let’s find out whodunit? Students will learn about DNA structure, properties and behaviour as well as applications of DNA technology.

Nature Geocaching

This workshop explores geocaching and the outdoors. Students will have the opportunity to use a handheld GPS system to determine the location of hidden caches in a treasure hunt style game. Students will learn about different aspects of ecology through cache discovery.

OBBN

The River Institute periodically offers basic training in the Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network. This tool allows for monitoring of aquatic invertebrates in lakes, streams and wetlands to evaluate ecosystem health. 

Contact bhickey@riverinstitute.ca for more information

The River Institute is partnered with St. Lawrence College to offer the Environmental Technician Program. Students have the opportunity to work hands on in the field and the lab alongside River Institute Scientists throughout their 2–year degree.