On Saturday June 27th CKISS hosted a party at the Old Church Hall in Nelson to celebrate their 10 year anniversary. “The first portion of the day was the Biodiversity Bonanza, it was a fun filled and educational afternoon for kids of all ages. “ Executive Director Jennifer Vogel states. “There was an array of things for kids to do, arts and crafts, games, face painting and much more. Our goal was for families to have fun and learn how ecologically diverse BC is.” Forty-three people came out to the free event despite the heat wave. Kootenay Bats, the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, KAST, and Wildsafe BC joined CKISS as special guests to help celebrate the 10-year anniversary.
By evening the venue was transformed into a cocktail party for invited CKISS members and stakeholders. Fifty guests were treated to cold beverages, invasive species fusion appetizers and live music from the Clinton Swanson jazz duo. “ A highlight of the evening was the speaker series. Experts doing impressive work with rats, bats, bullfrogs and snakes gave the crowd engaging presentations.” Vogel states. CKISS gave out three volunteer awards to Rod Sturdevent, Margaret Hartley and Gerry Njellsten. All three have gone above and beyond in actively removing invasive species from the Kootenays. A big thank you was given to Terry Anderson’s dedication as Treasurer; he has been a vital member of the board of directors for 10 years. Past CKISS coordinators Juliet Craig and Crystal Klym were also recognized for spearheading the society and bringing it to new heights. The Society looks forward to the next 10 years of continuing the vision of diminishing the impacts of invasive species on the ecosystems, communities, and economy of the Central Kootenay region.