Sometimes, making a difference starts with something as simple as noticing a weed.

At the East Kootenay Invasive Species Council’s (EKISC) Annual General Meeting on September 29, we were pleased to present our 2026 Golden Shovel Award to the citizens of the City of Kimberley.

Since 2010, EKISC has presented the Golden Shovel to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to invasive plant management or awareness in the East Kootenay. Over the years, we’ve recognized dedicated volunteers, conservationists, community organizations and individuals who have gone above and beyond to help protect our local landscapes.

This year, we decided to recognize something a little different: an entire community.

The story began with a post on a Kimberley community Facebook page expressing concern about blueweed. That initial concern was followed by reports, conversations and, eventually, action. Kimberley residents rolled up their sleeves and started pulling blueweed, with truckloads of pulled and bagged plants eventually making their way to the transfer station.

The award was accepted on behalf of Kimberley residents by Chelsea Tully, the Regional District of the East Kootenay’s Invasive Plant Technician and a Kimberley resident herself.

“This response is a great reminder of just how important citizen science and community reporting are when it comes to invasive species,” said Katie Reid, EKISC’s Executive Director. “We can’t be everywhere at once, and often the people who live, work and recreate in an area are the first to notice when something doesn’t look quite right.”

A photo, a location, a report or a conversation with a neighbour can be the first step in getting an invasive plant identified and managed before it spreads further, Reid added.

And while pulling one plant might not feel like a big deal, those individual actions add up. When a whole community starts paying attention, sharing information and pitching in, the impact can be significant.

Blueweed is a good example. It’s a striking plant, but its presence in the wrong place can have impacts on native plant communities and biodiversity. Early detection and community involvement can make managing these kinds of infestations much more achievable.

The Golden Shovel is our way of saying thank you to the people who take the time to notice, report, pull and care. To the citizens of Kimberley: thank you for turning concern into action and showing what community stewardship can look like.

And we’re not planning to stop here. EKISC is looking forward to carrying this momentum into June 2027, when we hope to host a community blueweed pull in Kimberley and bring even more local weed warriors together.

If you spot an invasive plant, don’t assume someone else has reported it. Take a photo, note the location and let someone know. That small action could be the start of something much bigger.

Congratulations, Kimberley, on your 2026 Golden Shovel Award. We can’t wait to see what we can tackle together next.

East Kootenay Invasive Species Council photo

East Kootenay Invasive Species Council

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