Chironomidae Workshop

• Gain experience with materials and equipment required for slide mounting specimens
• Learn the morphology used in their identification
• Perform taxonomic identification to genera/species
• Take a lab practicum or the NABS II Group 3 Taxonomic Certification Exam*
  

Benefits of Attending this Program:

• Gain confidence in your understanding of Chironomid morphology used in their identification (it's easier than you think)
• Learn how to properly mount and systematically identify Chironomid larvae
• Begin preparing for and/or take the North American Benthological Society's (NABS) Taxonomic Certification Program Taxonomic Certification Exam (TCE) (an additional fee applies to take the NABS exam)

Workshop Overview:

The workshop is limited to 8 participants. Participants will receive instruction on Chironomid morphology, mounting media techniques, and dichotomous key use. The use of digital imagery emphasizing key identification features for all subfamilies and numerous genera will be reviewed each day. While both lecture and lab work will occur the emphasis is on lab work utilizing dissecting microscopes to properly prepare slide mounted specimens and compound microscopes and aquatic keys to accurately identify the organism. The primary taxonomic keys that will be utilized are: Identification Manual for the Larval Chironomidae (Diptera) of North and South Carolina. J. Epler and Freshwater Macroinvertebrates of Northeastern North America by Barbara L. Peckarsky, et al., 1990, Cornell University Press.

Provided for your use:

• Prepared chironomid slides
• Nikon SMZ645 dissecting and Swift M5MP (BF, DF, and phase contrast) compound microscopes
• Equipment necessary for specimen preparation and identification (slides, mounting media, alcohol, tweezers, specimen dishes, keys)

Required text:

Identification Manual for the Larval Chironomidae (Diptera) of North and South Carolina. J. Epler. The identification manual is free as a PDF and we have pre formatted the manual into three PDF files. It is recommended you individually print and comb bind each PDF as formatted to aid in ease of use. You can download the manual by clicking this link.

You are encouraged to bring your own slide mounted specimens, as well. We highly recommend that you bring additional taxonomy keys if you plan to take the NABS Taxonomy Certification Examination. For a list of additional keys click here.

Your Instructors:

J. Kelly Nolan, Director of Environmental Services and a Senior Taxonomist at Watershed Assessment Associates is a NABS certified level II eastern and western Group 2 and Group 3 taxonomist. Kelly has completed numerous stream bioassessment surveys and provided stream bioassessment and benthic macroinvertebrate taxonomy training to organizations, municipalities, state agencies, private corporations, and educational institutions. He holds a degree in biology from the State University of New York at Albany; and degrees from Adirondack Community College, Glens Falls, NY and Mississippi College, Clinton, MS. Kelly's professional experience, enthusiasm, and common sense techniques of aquatic macroinvertebrate systematics contributes to a realistic and sensible program on chironomid identification.

Alexander J. Smith, Alexander J. Smith is a Research Scientist II with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Water, and supervises the Stream Biomonitoring Unit. Alexander has been with the department since 2001. He received a BS in Environmental and Forest Biology from the State University of New York (SUNY) Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) in 2001 with a concentration in aquatic entomology. He also holds a MS in Ecology from SUNY Albany which he received in 2005. Presently he is a PhD student under the direction of Dr. Neil Ringler, Dean of Research SUNY ESF. Alexander is a North American Benthological Society Certified Taxonomist in both EPT and Chironomidae of the Eastern Region. He presently focuses the majority of his taxonomic efforts on Chironomid identification.

Location:

The workshop will be held at the Watershed Assessment Associates conference and laboratory facility in Schenectady, NY. Conference time is 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday November 5 through Friday November 9, 2012.

Travel Information:

By Air
Albany International Airport (ALB) is approximately 10 miles south of Schenectady. Several national air carriers, including Southwest Airlines, and all major car rental companies service the airport.

Cost: $1,175.00 This includes materials, equipment use, and coffee/snacks at breaks but not meals and accommodation. Participants are responsible for meals and accommodation.

There are several hotels within walking distance of WAA (28 Yates St.), including the Hampton Inn. (The Holiday Inn is slightly farther away, but within walking distance). Click on the following links for information about these Schenectady hotels:

www.hamptonschenectady.com
www.hischenectady.com

There are multiple venues for meals within walking distance of WAA and the above hotels.

To register click here and complete the online form.

*The NABS TCE fee is $200. To register to take the NABS exam you must register at this site: http://www.nabstcp.com/NABSTCPHome/UpcomingTests/tabid/94/Default.aspx.

Because this workshop is limited to 8 participants we recommend early registration.

More questions? Contact us at info@rwaa.us or phone 518-346-0225

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