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EKISC striving for communities to pull together
The East Kootenay Invasive Species Council (EKISC) is welcoming invitations to help you and your community group organize a community weed pull this summer.
What is a community weed pull? And why should we do it?
“Well, invasive species are the second leading cause of biodiversity loss worldwide. And the East Kootenay has plenty of them!” said Megan MacPhee, the Education and Communication Manager for EKISC.
“We don’t have to tell you twice that the East Kootenay is known for its scenic beauty, rich biodiversity and stunning forest, shrub, grassland and wetland ecosystems. That not only provides habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species, but provides us recreation opportunities, brings in tourism and so much more,” MacPhee continued.
By reaching out to EKISC, and organizing a community weed pull, you are not only getting hands-on experience identifying some of these plant invaders, but you are helping to reduce the spread and impacts of invasive species that affect us environmentally, economically and socially – especially in some of your favourite areas like trails and parks!
Where does EKISC come in with all of this?
EKISC not only provides resources like ID books, brochures and prevention tools, but a community weed pull comes stock with experts like Megan MacPhee, water and snacks, garbage bags, hand tools and gloves! And maybe even a BBQ!
These weed pull events are suitable for all ages groups, all community groups or members of the public looking to help protect our wild spaces and favourite places from the negative impacts of invasive species.
We have organized pulls with groups like the Columbia Lake Stewardship Society, Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook and Invermere, Boys and Girls clubs, Elk River Alliance and school groups and with multiple recreation groups like Wildhorse Cycling Club.
If you are interested in organizing a community weed pull with EKISC around the East Kootenay this season,, visit www.ekisc.com/get-involved or email [email protected] – provide a little bit about your community group, where you are interested in pulling and any dates you may have in mind.
EKISC would like to thank our friends and funders at the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Fund, Columbia Basin Trust and Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation for the resource to keep community weed pulls and invasive education accessible.
Lead image: Community weed pull at Lazy Lake, pulling Spotted Knapweed in Painted Turtle habitat, organized by the members of the Lazy Lake Environmental Association. Photos submitted
East Kootenay Invasive Species Council
