A local group will hold a series of free events throughout May during Invasive Species Action Month.
The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society says the month is intended to draw attention to the impacts on BC’s environment, economy, society and human health that invasive species cause and the simple actions you can take to prevent their spread and impacts on the environment and society.
“We definitely do have the presence of invasive species in the Kootenay region,” education program co-ordinator Laurie Frankcom. “Humans are the leading cause of invasive species spread, that means we can also be the No. 1 solution.”
Frankcom said they want to manage and prevent the spread of such plants as knotweed and Scotch broom and they are also concerned about new invaders like harmful zebra mussels.
Invasive species are the second greatest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss, the group said. The in-person and virtual events they are hosting include:
- The Room to Bloom: A Spring EcoGarden webinar on May 2 for gardeners who want to grow native plants and support pollinators.
- A community weed pull at Pulpit Rock in Nelson on May 7.
- A broom bash and weaving workshop in Kootenay Bay on May 31.
- A CKISS outreach booth at Critter Day on May 13 at Beaver Creek Provincial Park and at the Castlegar Garden and Nature Fest on May 27.
In addition, CKISS will visit local schools and community groups to offer presentations, field trips, weed pulls and native planting activities. To sign up for the events or to find out more visit ckiss.ca/events/public-events.