Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

Certification Programs

Conservation Authority staff can facilitate a number of sector recognized certification programs for a variety of majors. In addition to the certifications identified below, specialized certifications can be developed upon request. Please contact the Education Staff for more detailed information.

Compass/Map/Global Positioning System (GPS) Certification

Available as 1/2 day or full-day certification

Data collection systems assist decision makers by accurately describing information about specific locations in a given area. Through an introductory powerpoint, students learn how GPS’ assist in aviation, security, road transportation and science applications. Field activities include measuring and recording distance, calculating area, determining elevation and creating routes. GPS training is compulsory for participation in GIS programming.

Sector Specific Sustainability Practices for Agriculture

Offered as a 1/2 day or full-day certification

This program focuses on the Best Management Practices promoted by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority. Students will learn the science behind the sustainability practices and receive an inside look into some of our local stewardship projects which showcase sustainable farms in our watershed. An off-site sustainable farm visit may be available upon request.

Nutrient Management Certification

Available as 1/2 day certification only

Learn about nutrient management from a Conservation Authority perspective. Keeping nutrients on land and out of the water creates a more productive farm and protects the local watershed. The focus of this certification is the importance of Best Management Practices in modern agriculture. Cover crops, no-till, crop rotation, riparian buffer strips, stream stabilization, livestock fencing, waste-water management, tree planting and wetland creation are valuable practices that protect the farmer and the environment. Students will learn through experimentation, discussion and a wetland water quality investigation. This program pairs with Principles of Drainage Certification to create a full day dual certification program.

Principles of Drainage Certification

Available as 1/2 day certification only

Students will explore the rich local history of drainage in the St. Clair Region watershed, from the beginnings of the 150,000 acre Enniskillen Swamp through time to modern drainage techniques. From a watershed perspective, drainage both past and present completely alter the landscape and how water (and the nutrients it carries) moves through the watershed. Drainage is more than just clearing water off the land; modern agriculture also needs to consider where the water goes and what it carries with it. This program pairs with the Nutrient Management Certification to create a full day dual certification program.

Species Identification of Ontario’s Freshwater Mussels

Available as a full day program only

The Sydenham River boasts the highest freshwater mussel diversity in Canada, however, many of these species are at risk. In addition to basic identification techniques, students will learn about our local species, their threats and SCRCA’s efforts to protect and preserve these unique animals. This certification gives students an opportunity to participate in real science; assisting with mussel collection, identification and adding to SCRCA’s distribution database.

Watershed Management

Available as a 1/2 day or full day certification

Human, ecological and environmental health are dependent upon the condition of local watersheds. A powerpoint presentation and self-guided tour using GPS technology will enhance student understanding of the importance of managing watersheds. We will look at local Watershed Report Cards and assess the quality of ponds at the Lorne C. Henderson Conservation Area by performing an inventory of the macroinvertebrates found within.

Habitat Restoration

Offered as a 1/2 day or full day certification

As a Conservation Authority, there are two primary areas of concern in animal and plant management; species at risk and invasive species. Students will extensively explore local species at risk, habitat requirements, threats, and recovery strategies. A discussion of invasive species, the impact these animals have in our local watershed and strategies employed to minimize their effects will be included. Students will perform species surveys and participate in a habitat improvement project. This program pairs with the Watershed Management certification to create a full day dual certification program.

Introduction to Stream Assessment Protocol

Offered as a 1/2 day or full day certification

Modelled after the OBBN (Ontario Benthic Biomonitoring Network) protocol, students will learn the basics of stream assessment from 3 data sets; physical streambank characteristics, water chemistry and benthic invertebrate communities. Students are also introduced to Watershed Report Cards and the work being done by Conservation Authorities to monitor and improve stream health on a watershed level. As Canada’s hotspot for freshwater mussels, a discussion on mussel distribution, status and threats will be included.

Tree Planting

Offered as a 1/2 day certification only

This certification offers an introduction to tree planting basics; students will learn to look at trees from a conservation perspective. Conservation Authorities plant trees for a variety of reasons; plantations for reforestation and habitat restoration, windbreaks to improve energy efficiency and reduce soil erosion, riparian buffers to protect water quality and even to study the effect of climate change.

Stress Management Techniques

Offered as a 1/2 or full day certification

For thousands of years people have known that nature heals; now science is proving this fact. Students will participate in a ‘healing hike’ and learn the techniques required to access nature as a stress management technique. Stress measurements are taken before and after the experience to show personal, quantitative data as proof. Students will participate as well as co-facilitate the activities providing them with an opportunity to share their experiences with peers.

Animal and Plant Management

Offered as a 1/2 or full day certification

As a Conservation Authority, there are two primary areas of concern in animal and plant management; species at risk and invasive species. Students will explore local species at risk, habitat requirements, threats, and recovery strategies and participate in a habitat improvement project.

 

Innovation, Creativity, Entrepreneurship (ICE) Training

Conservation Authority staff are available to partner in ICE Training sessions for SHSM students as either:

• Sector Partner – providing authentic ‘sector’ relevant challenges for SHSM students under the guidance of a facilitating teacher.
• Facilitator – acting as sector partner and facilitator, ICE-trained Conservation Authority staff will lead students through the 3 gears of ICE training: Empathy and Need Finding; Ideation and Prototyping; and Strategy and Testing.