College of Applied Biologists

Researchers’ Forum & CMI’s 30-year Celebration
2025-09-25 - 2025-09-26 | Coast Hillcrest Hotel, Revelstoke area, British Columbia, Canada
For nearly 30 years, this event has taken place across the upper Columbia Mountains, bringing together individuals from the scientific community, Indigenous and provincial land management, stewardship organizations, naturalist groups, and local communities. The gathering provides updates on ecological projects occurring in southeastern British Columbia, within the territories of the Sinixt, Secwepemc, Ktunaxa, and Syilx Okanagan peoples. Topics typically include restoration efforts, community initiatives, ecosystem monitoring, research, field trials, and land stewardship. The event is held in an informal setting and is open to all interested participants.

Essential Fisheries Field Skills Certificate Program (EFFS)
2025-09-29 09:00 - 2025-10-10 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Deep Bay Marine Field Station – VIU, 370 Crome Point Rd, Bowser, V0R 1G0, Canada
The Essential Fisheries Field Skills Certificate Program (EFFS) is a two-week training course focused on practical skills and knowledge related to salmonid biology and fish identification, fisheries field techniques, fish and fish habitat inventory and assessment (both qualitative and quantitative), electrofishing certification, and water quality sampling and monitoring. The program is intended for individuals seeking to develop or update competencies in environmental fieldwork. Typical participants include environmental consultants, field technicians, resource workers, First Nations representatives, individuals entering the industry, and graduates of fisheries or environmental post-secondary programs.

Indigenous Mapping for Stewardship and Cultural Heritage Management
2025-10-06 - 2025-10-10 | Cowichan Valley, BC, BC, Canada
Mapping
NRIM 001 Indigenous Mapping for Stewardship and Cultural Heritage Management (course overview description)

Dates: Monday, October 6, 2025 to Friday, October 10, 2025

Time: 9am-5pm

Cost: $1,350

City: Cowichan Valley BC

Instructor: Trailmark Systems

Additional Information:

Format
Class: 4 days; Field: 1 day
Days one to three are classroom-based and cover the following topics:

Day 1: The History and Foundations of Mapping as it relates to Indigenous Land Stewardship
Day 2: Digital Platforms for Participatory Mapping and Indigenous Knowledge
Day 3: Oral History Mapping

Day four is field-based (outdoors, adjacent to classroom) and allows participants to practice recording real-time observations in the field.
Day five brings participants back to the classroom to work on analyzing and communicating results, including introduction to QGIS and creation of a map using field data collected the previous day.
Prerequisites
None
You Supply
Students should bring a pen and paper for taking notes, and an internet enabled smartphone.
Prior to registering for any NREP course, please review the program’s registration guidelines, including important refund policy information.

Fundamentals of Backpack Electrofishing: In-Person - Edmonton, AB: October 08-09
2025-10-08 - 2025-10-09 | Edmonton, AB, Canada
The Environmental Sciences Training Institute is hosting backpack electrofishing certification training in Alberta and British Columbia for 2025. This one-and-a-half day course serves to certify participants in backpack electrofishing safety, fish handling methods, equipment, and fundamentals of electrical theory. Please contact efishing@esticanada.com with any questions or to book a custom delivery. Learn about the Efishing program here.

Electrofishing: Theory, Safety and Uses
2025-10-09 - 2025-10-10 | Nanaimo
Fisheries
NRFS 001 Electrofishing: Theory, Safety and Uses (course overview description)

Dates: Thursday, October 9, 2025 to Friday, October 10, 2025

Time: 9am-5pm

Cost: $550

City: Nanaimo BC-Field Session

Instructor: Kim Ives

Fundamentals of Backpack Electrofishing: In-Person - Red Deer, AB: October 14-15
2025-10-14 - 2025-10-15 | Red Deer, AB, Canada

What’s the Future of Grasslands and Rangelands in the East Kootenay?
2025-10-16 - 2025-10-18 | Kimberley Conference Centre, Kimberley, Canada
The purpose of this gathering is to tell stories, share knowledge, and explore ideas and solutions for improving grassland and rangeland health in the East Kootenay. This event will explore the related implications of changing grasslands in the East Kootenay for wildlife and livestock forage, vulnerable grassland-dependent species, Indigenous and regional food security, wildfire risk reduction, and invasive species. To this end, a multidisciplinary group of scientists, First Nations, natural resource professionals, land managers, and ranchers will gather to discuss current land management challenges, initiatives, knowledge gaps, and the cumulative impacts to ecosystem health. The underlying assumption guiding this event is that if you improve grassland health through restoration, protection, and stewardship, then you improve conditions for wildlife, grassland ecosystems, and communities whose cultures and livelihoods are tied to these spaces.

Fundamentals of Backpack Electrofishing: In-Person - Cochrane, AB: October 17-18
2025-10-17 - 2025-10-18 | Cochrane, AB, Cochrane, AB, Canada

Fundamentals of Backpack Electrofishing: In-Person - Prince George, BC: October 20-21
2025-10-20 - 2025-10-21 | Prince George, BC, Canada

Environmental Technician Certificate Program
2025-10-20 09:00 - 2025-11-21 17:00 | Deroche, Deroche, BC, Canada
The Environmental Technician Certificate Program (ETCP) is a five-week, 200-hour training course designed to prepare participants for work as environmental monitors in natural resource sectors. The program includes both classroom and field-based instruction, with field training scheduled on most days. It is intended for individuals seeking to develop or enhance skills relevant to environmental monitoring. Typical participants include field technicians, resource workers, First Nations representatives, individuals entering the industry, and graduates of environmental post-secondary programs.
The ETCP is accredited through the College of Applied Biology and meets the educational criteria for the Applied Biology Technician designation.

CNAR 2025 Calgary Achieving Regulatory Excellence Together
2025-10-21 - 2025-10-22 | Calgary, Canada
CNAR’s 18th Annual National Conference event is an event for those with an interest in Canadian regulation. The Conference welcomes proposals from all, including members, non-members, Partners, Suppliers, government agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations.
CNAR 2025 Call for speakers Guidelines
CNAR 2025 Speakers Proposal Application

Data Manipulation and Visualization in R
2025-10-21 08:30 - 2025-10-24 12:30 | Online
Data manipulation and visualization will provide students with the tools they need to effectively tidy, transform and visualize their data in R. This course will teach the theory behind tidy data, setting up a reproducible data pipeline, introduction in the tidyverse suite of packages, importing data, tidying data, transforming data, dealing with missing data, summary statistics, exploratory data analysis, data visualizations and writing reports in R markdown. Focus on dplyr, tidyr and ggplot2 packages from the tidyverse.
This course spans four half-days.

Riparian Areas Protection Regulation
2025-10-21 09:00 - 2025-10-25 16:00 | Online /Nanaimo BC, Canada
This four-day course introduces the purpose and application of the Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR), including the roles and responsibilities of government, proponents, and Qualified Environmental Professionals (QEPs). Participants learn how to conduct field assessments and follow reporting procedures, including electronic submission requirements. The course is intended for environmental consultants and professionals in related fields such as fisheries, forestry, and engineering who may be involved in RAPR field assessments, as well as individuals working with or regulating land use initiatives, including land developers, government staff, and other industry stakeholders.

Riparian Areas Protection Regulation
2025-10-21 09:00 - 2025-10-25 16:00 | Online /Penticton BC, Canada

Webinar - Road Impact Wetland Health Assessments in Northern British Columbia
2025-10-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
On October 21, 2025, Katerina Sofos is scheduled to present a webinar titled Road Impact Wetland Health Assessments in Northern British Columbia.
This webinar is part of the Wetland Knowledge Exchange’s monthly series, which is intended to support information sharing and collaboration among individuals and organizations with an interest in wetland-related topics such as management, conservation, and reclamation.

ESCA BC 2025 Annual Conference
2025-10-29 - 2025-10-30 | Coquitlam, BC, Canada
Save the date for October 29 and 30, 2025 to join hundreds of ESC professionals in Coquitlam, BC, for two full days of educational sessions, networking, hot breakfasts and lunches, an entertaining social mixer (Wednesday late afternoon), a keynote, plenary panels, and more.

3rd Annual Remediation Now: Contaminated Sites Management Now & Tomorrow; Canadian & International Updates from Practitioners & Government Agencies
2025-10-29 08:15 - 16:55 | UBC Robson Square/Online, Vancouver, BC, Canada
GeoEnviroPro will share technical and regulatory updates on contaminated sites management, featuring input from government agencies, Canadian professionals, and international experts.
The workshop is intended for consultants, industry professionals, students, researchers, and community groups. It will also include networking opportunities for early-career professionals through the Emerging Professional Initiative.

Land Guardian Program – November 3rd – December 5th, 2025 – Online
2025-11-03 09:00 - 2025-12-05 18:00 | Online
The Land Guardian Program (LGP) offered by NRTG is a five-week (200-hour) training initiative designed to meet the demand for individuals working as guardians in various sectors, including communities, industries, and non-profit organizations. The program includes lectures, field training, case studies, scenarios, and exercises aimed at developing practical skills, technical knowledge, and analytical thinking.

Indigenous Mapping for Stewardship and Cultural Heritage Management
2025-11-17 - 2025-11-21 | Cowichan Valley, BC, BC, Canada
Mapping
NRIM 001 Indigenous Mapping for Stewardship and Cultural Heritage Management (course overview description)

Dates: Monday, November 17, 2025 to Friday, November 21, 2025

Time: 9am-5pm

Cost: $1,350

City: Cowichan Valley BC

Instructor: Trailmark Systems

Additional Information:

Format
Class: 4 days; Field: 1 day
Days one to three are classroom-based and cover the following topics:

Day 1: The History and Foundations of Mapping as it relates to Indigenous Land Stewardship
Day 2: Digital Platforms for Participatory Mapping and Indigenous Knowledge
Day 3: Oral History Mapping

Day four is field-based (outdoors, adjacent to classroom) and allows participants to practice recording real-time observations in the field.
Day five brings participants back to the classroom to work on analyzing and communicating results, including introduction to QGIS and creation of a map using field data collected the previous day.
Prerequisites
None
You Supply
Students should bring a pen and paper for taking notes, and an internet enabled smartphone.
Prior to registering for any NREP course, please review the program’s registration guidelines, including important refund policy information.

In-Person, 2-day Engaging with Indigenous Peoples event
2025-11-18 - 2025-11-19
Upcoming In-Person Training Event:
November 18-19 in Vancouver
Are you looking to expand your understanding or refine your skills in engaging with Indigenous Peoples? Join us in Vancouver for our upcoming 2-day event! This training and book talk event is a great opportunity to help you build the knowledge and skills to effectively, respectfully, and meaningfully work with Indigenous Peoples.

November 18: Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples® training (9am – 4pm), 21 Things™: Shaping the Conversation book event + discussion (6pm – 8pm)
November 19: Indigenous Consultation & Engagement training (9am – 4pm)

Fish Health Level 1: Introduction to Basic Fish Health Management
2025-11-18 - 2025-11-21 | Online
The Natural Resources Extension Program at VIU offers three levels of Fish Health training. Level 1 introduces key principles of fish health management for aquaculture and aquarium species. Subsequent levels build on this foundation, with Level 3 focusing on applied techniques for detecting and diagnosing bacterial pathogens. Each level is delivered as a separate five-day course and must be completed in sequence (e.g., Level 2 is a prerequisite for Level 3).
This is a synchronous online course delivered via TEAMS.

Environmental Project Management – November 19th – 21st, 2025 – Online
2025-11-19 08:00 - 2025-11-21 16:00 | Online
Environmental Project Management (EPM) is a three-day online course designed to introduce participants to practical approaches for planning, executing, and concluding environmental projects.

Annual Invasive Species Virtual Fall Forum
2025-11-19 10:30 - 12:30
Experts in the field of invasive species management will be sharing their knowledge.
Topics will include:
🌿Research on knotweed mortality under thermal and anoxic stress w/ Adam Soames
🌿Native Western red cedar and invasive English holly —and how they demonstrate opposing trends that may portend consequential shifts in forest structure w/Brandon Drucker
🌿And more!
Mark your calendar. Registration will open Oct 6.

Fish Health Level 2: Practical Fish Health Techniques for Aquaculture & Fisheries Ecology
2025-11-24 09:00 - 2025-11-28 17:00 | Nanaimo
The Natural Resources Extension Program at VIU offers a three-level Fish Health training series. Level 1 introduces foundational concepts in fish health management for aquaculture and aquarium species. Levels 2 and 3 build on this foundation, with Level 3 focusing on techniques for identifying and diagnosing bacterial pathogens. Each level is delivered as a separate five-day course and must be completed in sequence (e.g., Level 2 is required before enrolling in Level 3).
This is a classroom-based course delivered from VIU’s Nanaimo campus.

Restoration Community of Practice Workshop
2025-11-25 - 2025-11-27 | Uda dune Baiyoh (House of Ancestors), 355 Vancouver St, Prince George, BC, V2L 2P1, Canada
Register now for our FREE Community of Practice workshop in Prince George November 25-27, 2025.
Registration Link: https://whova.com/portal/registration/97QoQX6rFHThpcYxEp-0/
Costs: Free in person; $30 online
Building off our successful launch of the Northern Restoration Community of Practice in 2024, we are excited to reconvene in Prince George November 25-27.
We’re bringing together practitioners like you to share learnings, build a positive future for our professional community, and collectively advance restoration efforts in Northern B.C.
Our Vision
To build, develop, and strengthen our community of practice through knowledge sharing, communication, and collaboration.
Join us in Creating our Future for the Northern Restoration Community of Practice
This won’t be your ordinary conference. We are mixing presentations and small group discussions with a facilitated activity to build our collective vision for the Community of Practice. You can expect to:

Gain new insights from your colleagues by learning about their projects and outcomes through presentations;
Have opportunities for small group discussions and coaching with your peers to discuss current successes, challenges and learnings in your work;
Co-create a vision for where we want to take the community of practice in the next 3-5 years; and
Identify tangible steps we can take as a community, and you can take as an individual, to grow our community of practice.

Remote participation is possible for viewing presentations, however, we encourage you to attend in person at the beautiful Uda dune Baiyoh (House of Ancestors). Lunches are included free of charge, and we can’t wait to welcome you! Please double check your ticket type when registering!!
Space is limited, so register now to secure your place.
Travel stipends are available for participants from Indigenous communities. Please email mae.whyte@sernbc.ca for more information.

Conference 2025: The Evolution of Biological Practice; Celebrating 50 Years with the ASPB
2025-11-26 - 2025-11-28 | Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Banff, Alberta, T1L 1J4
The ASPB celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The ASPB 2025 Conference theme is reflective of this milestone: Evolution of Biological Practice: Celebrating 50 years with the ASPB. The ASPB 2025 Conference will take place at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel November 26-28, 2025. Please watch the conference webpage as more details become available. https://www.aspb.ab.ca/conference

Partnerships for Wetlands: A Case Study from Lac La Biche County
2025-11-26 11:00 - 12:00
Partnerships for Wetlands: A Case Study from Lac La Biche County
Julia Shapka
Lac La Biche County
Wetlands play a critical role in Alberta’s landscapes, yet many have been lost in settled areas. Alberta’s Wetland Replacement Program (WRP) offers an important opportunity for municipalities to restore and construct wetlands while enhancing local ecosystems and communities.
This presentation will showcase Lac La Biche County’s Bold Centre WRP Project — a unique initiative funded by three different sources and located at the heart of the community, adjacent to a multiplex, high school, and library. The project brought together diverse partners in a collaborative effort to create a new wetland that serves both ecological and educational purposes.
The presentation will highlight the requirements of each funding source, construction activities, and the progression of the wetland since construction, illustrated with photos and project milestones. It will also cover workshops hosted on-site, challenges encountered, and solutions developed, and key recommendations for other municipalities interested in pursuing similar projects.
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm PST / 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm MST

Amphibian and Reptile Salvage Methods - online
2025-12-01 09:00 - 2025-12-02 16:00
The ability to remove amphibians and reptiles safely and effectively from a work site is an important skill for environmental professionals. This two-day applied course provides students with key skills and knowledge to capture, identify and handle specimens, effectively plan and conduct a herptiles mitigation project, and prevent disease transfer.
What should I bring or supply?

You will need:

Computer
Stable internet access
Pen and paper

Invoice Payment
To register and pay by invoice, please email info@nrtraininggroup.com

Construction Monitoring - Principles of Erosion and Sediment Control on Construction Sites - online
2025-12-02 08:30 - 12:30
NRTG’s MicroCourses offer a dynamic training pathway that’s as flexible as it is enriching to build expertise. Our Principles of Erosion and Sediment Control MicroCourse, spanning four hours, delivers in-depth training in an easily digestible format. It’s designed to maximize your skills for immediate application.
Our comprehensive course is designed to introduce you to the industry’s best practices for erosion and sediment control. From mastering common site isolation techniques to delving into real-world examples, you’ll learn how to assess the effectiveness of sediment and erosion controls with precision. We emphasize hands-on learning, guiding you through the documentation of site conditions and equipping you with the skills to craft thorough inspection reports. By the end of the session, you’ll be adept at evaluating, implementing, and enhancing erosion and sediment control measures, ensuring environmental compliance and sustainable construction practices every step of the way.
Course will be 4 hours long.
Invoice Payment
To register and pay by invoice, please email info@nrtraininggroup.com

Riparian Areas Protection Regulation
2025-12-02 09:00 - 2025-12-05 16:00 | Online/North Vancouver, BC
