JULY e-Newsletter

Check out what we've been up to and what's coming up to this month

Knowledge is Power

 

First, to underscore the seriousness of the problem with invasive species we have to understand the impact. The costs of invasive species, economically, socially, and environmentally, is increasing at an alarming rate; and the consequences of allowing the spread to continue are unimaginable. Nationally, millions of dollars annually are spent to manage the current invasive species we have. Many of our recreational areas have been deemed unusable due to the impact of Zebra mussels; and our once flourishing agriculture land is being abandoned because of uncontrollable invasive plant infestations.  

 

Public awareness of invasive species is emerging and, in general, people are starting to become more aware of what they buy. This is where business owners, land developers, realtors, and the like need to be on the ball, "Consumers have a huge influence on the market when it comes to their purchasing power" says EKISC's Education and Communications Manager, Jessie Paloposki. "Industry leaders and businesses who aren't on the same page may end up finding themselves in the dust [of the green movement] if they aren't joining in to mitigate the impact of invasive species." 

 

Business responds to customer pressure far more quickly than it does to demands from outside groups or to scientific arguments. In the past, EKISC has targeted customers to encourage them to ask the hard questions when they are buying products which may be contaminated with invasive plant species. This year, in an effort to help industry grow with consumer demand, EKISC is targeting companies with an offer to attend courses to learn about invasive plant management.

 

In June EKISC delivered it's first Invasive Plant Management for Industry Professionals course. The course was designed for land managers, business owners, and operational workers to gain an understanding of best management practices, identification, monitoring, and reporting. The course also allowed participants to network with people across industries, understand relative challenges, and come up with cross-industry solutions. 

 

"I found the instruction to be excellent, as well as the assistants that were there."

 

The support being offered is the first step toward something EKISC hopes will grow into a movement to develop codes of conduct, ethics, and best management practices regarding invasive species. Perhaps this is the start of something bigger; neighbouring provinces and states have "weed free" certification for companies who abide by specific conducts, offering consumers the choice to purchase products from a more reputable source.

 

"Our goal in progressing with invasive species education is to maintain and encourage positive industry-consumer relationships and encourage better invasive species management" says Jessie.

 

EKISC welcomes all questions, comments, enquiries or concerns regarding our educational programming. Likewise, if you would like to set up a course for your group, please contact jessie@ekisc.com

 

Industry Resources
Become a PlantWise Provider
Realtor and Land Developer Resources

Invasive Plant ID Course

 

This is a course for anyone interested in increasing their invasive plant identification skills. This course introduces participants to invasive plant identification in the field as well as invasive plant control and removal methods. Participants will have the opportunity to get hands on experience with invasive plant species - feel free to "bring a weed" from your property if you'd like help identifying it.

 
Register Now

Meet Frank

 

Frank Hastings is our Member of the Month. He is a retired teacher/hobby farmer. His friend and fellow Rocky Mountain Naturalist, Peter Davidson, got him into spraying invasive weeds in 2012. At present, he strives to control noxious weeds part-time in his neighbourhood and on friend's properties. When not helping control weeds, or teaching community groups to identify exotic invaders, or writing Weed Warrior columns for the newspaper, dog walks and nature hikes compete with the bridge club for his spare time.  

 

 

 

 
Learn More >>

Mr. Zebra Mussel is Back!

Aquatic Invasive species are a threat to our eco-systems, they MUST be brought to justice and who better to deal with them than the firm hand of the law! Check out this interactive and entertaining, family friendly, courtroom drama, and you be the judge! 

July 6: Wasa Provincial Park

Aug 11: Moyie Provincial Park

Aug 19: Kikomun Provincial Park

 
See All Parks Events

Eco Parks, and Eco Gardens, and Weeds, OH MY!

 

On Wednesday August 22nd at 7pm the Weed Warriors from East Kootenay Invasive Species Council (EKISC) will take a look at your weed samples, and discuss how to manage invasive weeds. The Marysville Eco Park is no stranger to invasive weeds and has been battling a few species itself. At this event we will walk the park and help to manage a few of our invaders in addition to taking a look at your own. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

 
More Info
 

On Thursday August 23nd from 2:00 - 6:00 EKISC and the Fernie Eco Garden are teaming up to host an Eco Garden Open House. Wildsight will have information about their  composting and seed saving programs. EKISC will be waging war on pesky garden weeds and what types of plants to avoid planting altogether. The whole event will be topped off with a good old fashion native plant sale.

 

 
More Info

Visit our Outreach booth at an upcoming Farmer's Market near you and purchase some beautiful native plants. #PlantWise bragging rights included! 

 

In partner with our PlantWise Partner, Tipi Mountain Native Plants

 
Where to Buy PlantWise Products
1902 Theatre Road, Cranbrook, BC, Canada
1-888-55-EKISC

Share on social

Share on FacebookShare on X (Twitter)Share on Pinterest

Check out our website  
This email was created with Wix.‌ Discover More