Registrants who demonstrate proficiency during the course are encouraged to take the Society for Freshwater Science taxonomic certification exam. If you are interested in taking the exam, please contact Mike Broomall at tcp@stroudcenter.org.

Identification of Ontario’s Benthic Invertebrate Families

When: February 19–21
Where: Lakehead University, 500 University Avenue, Orillia, ON L3V 0B9

To pass the Society for Freshwater Science taxonomic certification, taxonomists must have mastered the terminology used in family-level keys; they must have learned the characters that distinguish families in each major group of invertebrates; and they must have studied a wide variety of specimens, so they understand the morphological variability that exists within families. This course provides students an opportunity to acquire such skills and experience. Emphasis is on taxa from eastern North America (especially Ontario).

The course provides an intensive three days of learning (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Lectures and demonstrations will proceed for most of each day, with a portion of each afternoon reserved for instructor-guided practice (students will identify their own, or with provided specimens). Optional evening sessions (5 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day) will review important concepts.