Free Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Training

The University of Pittsburgh received a Growing Greener Technical Assistance Grant to develop and present watershed related geographic information systems (GIS) training to Pennsylvania watershed organizations - staff and active volunteers. We have produced a program entitled "Watershed Evaluation Spatial Training" (W.E.S.T.). The WEST utilizes the ArcMap 8.3+ software application in conjunction with watershed geodata from the Turtle Creek Watershed. We have been offering this program to western Pennsylvania watershed organizations over the past year and one-half and trainee evaluations show that it has been well received.

The program is free for watershed staff and active volunteers. We provide the materials (including a workbook, CD, and evaluation software for 60 days) and an instructor.

There may be members of the Three Rivers Birding Club who could be interested in this program which would be quite valuable in mapping bird sightings. We have a training series coming up beginning June 7th at California University of PA which is partnering with the University of Pittsburgh to make this valuable training available to as many people as possible.

Contact Doug Campbell, Director - Geospatial Applications & Training, if you would like to enroll in the program.