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Preparation for the August 11–14, 2020 Virtual Workshop

Congratulations! You are one of 1000 registrants for the live 2020 NRCS WLFW Low-Tech Riverscape Restoration Workshop. Registration is now full.

This page will help you get ready for the virtual workshop.

← Back to Workshop Page

Quick Start

If you’re a seasoned webinar pro, just scan these essentials:

  1. Attend any or all of the five modules. We strongly recommend everyone attend Module 1.
  2. Look for emails from GoTo Webinar, sent via the Association of State Wetland Managers (ASWM) and Laura Burchill. These emails include your join links. Log in 10 minutes early to test your connection.
  3. Download or buy a hard copy of both the LTPBR Manual and Pocket Guide — we will reference these constantly.
  4. Check for module materials the day before each session. These include slides, handouts, and exercises.
  5. Print out exercises and bring colored markers or pencils. Modules 3 and 4 will have mapping exercises better done on paper.
  6. Expect regular breaks. Four days of webinars is a marathon. Stretch, move, and refresh when needed. We’ll announce breaks in each module.

More Details

What to Expect

Large virtual meetings can be imperfect, but we’ll keep them lively and engaging. With nearly 1000 live participants, one-on-one interaction is limited, but you can still engage through chat, Q&A, and polls.

If you experience problems:

  • First, close the webinar and rejoin using the same link.
  • If that fails, reboot your computer and rejoin.
  • If you are still stuck, contact Laura Burchill:
  • Or catch up on module materials afterward.

Don’t panic — most issues resolve with a simple restart.

Do I need to look and sound my best?

Nope!

  • Participants will not use their webcams or microphones.
  • Stay in your pajamas if you wish — no one will see you.
  • Instructors will share their voices, but also keep webcams off to reduce bandwidth strain.

How Will I Engage?

You’ll have three main ways to interact:

  • Respond to live polls
  • Ask questions in the webinar chat
  • Participate in the hands-on exercises

Our moderators will collect questions and bring them up during panel Q&A. Not all questions can be answered live, but we’ll address the most relevant and common ones.

What About Videos?

We will avoid showing videos live to protect lower-bandwidth participants. Instead, links to YouTube videos will be provided to view on your own.

Workshop Preparation

Want to be extra prepared? We recommend previewing these chapters:

  • Module 1: Chapters 1 & 2
  • Module 2: (No advance reading assigned)
  • Module 3: Chapter 3
  • Module 4: Chapters 4 & 5
  • Module 5: Chapters 4 & 6

Web Meeting Expectations

Large webinars can go wrong — see this humorous example of what not to do:

Funny Web Meeting Video

(Click to watch on YouTube)

GoTo Webinar Basics

If you’re new to webinars, check this short GoTo Webinar orientation:

GoTo Webinar Participant Video

(Click to watch on YouTube)