Practical Experience

  • Microscope identification of soil microorganisms in a variety of soil habitats: wetland, hardwood & herbaceous swamps; and wet meadow soils (OBL); rain gardens & biofiltration systems (FACW); native grass & wildflower meadows, lawns and landscapes (FAC), wooded upland & dry meadow habitat (FACU)

  • Interpret mineral/nutrient soil tests, biological assay soil tests, soil compaction & percolation tests

  • Wetland restoration & construction, including creating or rehabilitating native wetland soils by blending soil types which contain specific microorganisms to match existing hydrology and flora

  • Infiltration basin & biofilter construction, including engineered soils, soil microflora selection & introduction, underdrain systems, plant selection, planting & care

  • Erosion & sediment control for pond, stream, & drainage outflows, using pre-cast engineered products, plunge pools, fiber wattles, erosion control blankets, silt fence, filter fabric & filter aggregate layers, boulders, rip rap, live stakes & fascines

  • Storm water management & pollution control with above mentioned systems & devices

  • Invasive plant identification and removal, using both organic and conventional methods, including hand removal, the use of organic and synthetic herbicides, and propane burning in wetland & upland habitats

  • Native plant restoration by seed, plug, bare root, container and balled & burlapped (B&B) nursery stock; with special attention to local genotypes

  • Development & use of diverse composts and the design and brewing of “compost teas” for introduction of specific microbiology into constructed or damaged soils

  • Long-term maintenance of built or restored habitats, including plant loss prevention, animal browse control, pruning, vegetation control