Contributed by the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society
To get British Columbians active in preventing and stopping the spread of harmful invasive species, the BC government has officially declared the entire month of May as Invasive Species Action Month, and Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) is hosting four free spring invasive plant ID and management workshops throughout the region.
Invasive species threaten BC’s environment, economy and society, including human health, but stopping invasive species is possible if we take action now to prevent, detect and manage invasive species.
“The invasive plant workshops are important training opportunities for landscapers, biologists, regional, municipal, parks, and trail staff to learn how to identify and manage high priority species” says Robyn Hooper, Executive Director of CSISS. “There are workshops in Sicamous, Salmon Arm, Revelstoke and Golden in May and this year they are more popular than ever, so we encourage people to sign up soon. We are excited to have more people helping us report and manage invasive species in the Columbia Shuswap!”
Workshops take place at the Revelstoke Community Centre on Wednesday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1–3 p.m.
The workshops are part of annual spring training through the CSISS, and are offered in partnership with the CSRD and local municipalities. CSISS staff is also attending many community events with information booths, and offering presentations to community groups, youth groups and stewardship/recreation groups throughout the summer. If you would like CSISS to attend a meeting or event, please email: info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org
All across BC, Invasive Species Action Month is being celebrated and promoted. The public is encouraged to post to social media using the hashtag #bcinvasives and a website has been set up at www.bcinvasivesmonth.com.
The website has information about how to prevent and stop the spread of invasive species in gardens, parks and forests, through sporting and camping activities, in lakes, rivers and oceans, and in cities, towns and across the province. There are links to events and activities being held by the Invasive Species Council of BC, regional invasive species committees, local governments and stewardship organizations across BC, including in Columbia Shuswap region.
“At the May 2 workshop in Salmon Arm, there were more than 40 participants including organizations and staff from the Shuswap Trail Alliance, CSRD, City of Salmon Arm, BC Parks, Forestry and other industry groups, as well as members of the public” says Laura Gaster, CSISS’ field operations program coordinator who is leading the workshops this year.
