Fluvial Geomorphology: Reading Riverscapes

Spring 2026 | Online & Asynchronous

3 Graduate Credits or 4.5 CEUs

This new, semester-long course introduces the fundamentals of fluvial geomorphology through the lens of reading landscapes and riverscapes. Students will explore how distinctive suites of physical and biological processes shape river form, character, and behavior. The course includes self-led field exercises and hands-on use of Riverscapes Consortium tools and models. 

Topics include:

• Catchment hydrology
• Hydraulics
• Fluvial geomorphic processes and analysis
• Instream & floodplain forms
• Reading and mapping riverscapes
• Geomorphic analysis
• Human impacts on river systems
• Riverscape diversity and behavior

When we present the principles of riverscape health in Intro to LTPBR (CEWA 5620) and we say “it depends” about how important each principle is in each riverscape, this class unpacks specifically what depends across the full diversity of riverscapes.

Ideal for:

Professionals seeking an introduction to fluvial geomorphology, and graduate students located outside Logan (including MNR and GIS Certificate students)

For students who are taking or have taken Intro to LTPBR Planning (CEWA 5622), Advanced LTPBR Planning (CEWA 6626), or Riverscape Monitoring (CEWA 6627) and want to better build their skill sets at reading any riverscape or answering questions about geomorphic conditions, this is the next class for you. 

Visit the course website for more info and registration

Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration (LTPBR) of Riverscapes - Introductory Short Courses

Spring 2026 | Online

Each course: 1 Graduate Credit or 1.5 CEUs

Our popular LTPBR short course series returns completely online. Refreshed and expanded with updated content, new lectures from different instructors, and instruction on the latest Riverscapes Consortium tools and datasets, these courses are appropriate for new-to-LTPBR people and folks who may have taken an introductory workshop and want to go a little deeper on the what and why. This modular series offer flexibility — take one course or build foundational competency across all six. 

For all students looking to go deeper on the how and technical, we are now offering an advanced fall series of classes (CEWA 6626-6629) which require this intro series of classes as prerequisites.

This introductory series counts for Level I & II training through the Federal Ag Learn and DOI Talent professional development courses.

Course schedule + registration:

(All sessions are Tuesdays, 1:30 - 4:00 MT on Zoom):

Intro to LTPBR of Riverscapes: Jan 6, 13, & 20

Provides an introduction to the practice of Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes. Students gain exposure to the scope of riverscape degradation, low-tech restoration technique examples, and riverscape and restoration principles.

Planning LTPBR of Riverscapes: Jan 27, Feb 3 & 10

Provides an introduction to the planning process of Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes (LTPBR). Students learn how to map riverscapes, assess current conditions and estimate recovery potential to support LTPBR projects.

Science & Case Studies of LTPBR: Feb 17, 24 & Mar 3

Students explore the science and case studies that encouraged Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes. Students gain exposure to key experiments and studies, come to understand what the state of current LTPBR science is, and where remaining knowledge gaps exist.

Designing LTPBR of Riverscapes: Mar 17, 24 & 31

Provides an introduction to designing Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes (LTPBR). Students design their own LTPBR restoration projects at a site of their choosing.

Implementation of LTPBR of Riverscapes: Apr 7 & Apr 18

Introduces Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes implementation. Students construct low-tech structures like PALS (post-assisted log structures) and BDAs (beaver dam analogues) on student-designed restoration projects. Students explore consultation and permitting, and become proficient in construction safety and logistics. Involves a virtual session (Apr 7) and an in-person construction day (Apr 18)

Adaptive Management & Monitoring of LTPBR: Apr 14 & 21

Provides an introduction to adaptive management associated with Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes. Students learn how to build an adaptive management plan and associated monitoring plans for an LTPBR project.