CKISS Year in Review Reflect & Celebrate: 2024 Digital Photo Album

It’s that time of year again! We’re excited to share our annual Year in Review with you—our digital photo album showcasing the highlights, achievements, and partnerships that made 2024 a success.As we wrap up 2024, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the funders, partners, members, and volunteers whose support drives our mission. Your dedication has fueled impactful programs, meaningful events, and lasting change across the region.Take a moment to reflect and celebrate with us by exploring the 2024 CKISS Digital Photo Album.

Aquatics Program Photos

Thanks to the Habitat Conservation Trust , Government of BC and Columbia Power for supporting the “Preserving the Ecological Function of BC’s Freshwater” 2024 project! Their support fuels vital lake monitoring efforts across the Kootenays as part of the Invasive Mussel Defence Program. We’re thrilled to announce that the final lab report is in, and all samples have come back negative for invasive zebra and quagga mussels! 🎉 This is fantastic news for the health and safety of Kootenay waterbodies. A big thank you to everyone who stops at a Watercraft Inspection Stations and practices Clean, Drain, Dry to help protect our waterways. Together, we’re keeping these harmful aquatic invasive species out of our region!

 

Education & Outreach Program Photos

🌊 Thank You to FortisBC for Supporting the Clean Drain Dry Program! 🌊 In 2024, FortisBC generously supported the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) to promote the Clean Drain Dry (CDD) program. This critical initiative raises awareness about aquatic invasive species, like zebra and quagga mussels (ZQM), and encourages responsible actions to protect our local waterbodies. 📢 Summer Outreach Highlights ✅ CKISS partnered with Bell Media and fellow invasive species groups to launch a geo-targeted advertising campaign across platforms like CTV, TSN, and Much Music, reaching audiences locally and beyond. ✅ Additional outreach included: Facebook & Instagram Ads Social Media Posts Newsletters Youth Field Trips Outreach Booths & Resource Distribution Educational Presentations adn Boat Launch Signs Thanks to FortisBC’s support, we were able to amplify our message and help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species across our beautiful waterways. 🌿 🚤 Remember: Always Clean, Drain, and Dry your watercraft and gear before moving between waterbodies! Together, we can keep our lakes, rivers, and streams invasive-species-free.
🌿 Thank You, BC Parks! 🌿 The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) was proud to partner with BC Parks through the Community Park Enhancement Funding! This funding allowed us to make a meaningful impact in protecting local ecosystems from invasive species. ✨ What We Accomplished: 📍 Kokanee Creek Provincial Park: We hosted an educational presentation on invasive species at the Nature Centre. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a day of learning and fun! 📍 Beaver Creek Provincial Park: CKISS staff and volunteers came together for a Community Pulling Together event. Together, we removed invasive plants and re-seeded native species, supporting the Invasive Plant Management Plan to restore this beautiful park. We are so grateful to BC Parks for funding and supporting these important efforts. A huge thank you to our volunteers and community members for helping us protect our parks and fight invasive species! 🌱 💚 Let’s continue to work together to keep our natural spaces healthy and thriving!
🌿 A Huge Thank You to Columbia Basin Trust! 🌿 We are incredibly grateful to Columbia Basin Trust for supporting the CKISS Education Program in 2024. Thanks to their support, we’ve been able to make a big impact by spreading awareness and taking action against invasive species! Here’s what we’ve accomplished so far this year: ✨ 52 education activities since April 2024, engaging thousands of individuals through: ✅ 17 outreach events with our CKISS booth. ✅ 10 Community/Youth Weed Pull events. ✅ 7 youth field trips. ✅ 5 presentations and 9 workshops. ✅ 2 native planting events. 💻 This funding also helps us keep our community informed with: Website updates The CKISS n’ Tell Newsletter Press releases Regular social media updates Every event, workshop, and outreach activity brings us closer to protecting our precious ecosystems from invasive species. Thank you, Columbia Basin Trust, for helping us educate, inspire, and empower our communities to take action! 🌱
Thank You to the Province of British Columbia for Supporting CKISS Education and Outreach! 🌿 We are proud to acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia, a core supporter of the CKISS Education and Outreach Program. With their vital support, we are able to engage, educate, and inspire residents and visitors to take action against invasive species. We proudly deliver and promote the following programs: 🌱 PLAY CLEAN GO Encourages outdoor enthusiasts to clean clothing and gear to prevent the spread of invasive plants. 🚤 CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY Helps watercraft users reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species. Promotes non-invasive plant alternatives to gardeners and the horticulture industry. 🐠 DON’T LET IT LOOSE Educates pet owners and schools about responsible pet and aquarium ownership. 🔥 BUY LOCAL, BURN LOCAL Encourages campers to use local firewood to protect forests from invasive pests and diseases. With these programs, we’re building community awareness and empowering residents to take action to protect our ecosystems. Thank you to the Province of British Columbia for enabling us to be ambassadors for meaningful change and for helping us make a real impact in the fight against invasive species. 🌎
🌿 A Big Thank You to the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary and Columbia Basin Trust! 🌿 We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary and Columbia Basin Trust through the Resident Directed Grant for our Youth Pulling Together Program. This program empowers local youth and communities to take action against invasive species while fostering education and stewardship of our natural assets. In 2024, we successfully organized two impactful Pulling Together events: 🌟 Beaver Creek Provincial Park with students from J.L. Crowe Secondary. 🌟 Nancy Greene Summit parking lot with students from École Des Sept-Sommets, who also committed to maintaining the Play Clean Go sign for continued stewardship. Through these events, participants gained hands-on experience, learned about the impact of invasive plants, and developed skills to actively restore their local ecosystems. These activities inspire youth to become environmental ambassadors, showing that a few hours of teamwork can create tangible results and lasting pride!

 

🌿 Thank You to Our Amazing Partners for Supporting the Kootenay Broombusters Program! 🌿 We’re excited to celebrate the success of our pilot year for the Kootenay Broombusters Program! 🎉 This program is made possible thanks to support from the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) through the Local Conservation Fund, along with the Kootenay Conservation Program, Columbia Basin Trust, and the Government of BC. This year, dedicated volunteers made bold strides in removing invasive Scotch broom from sensitive areas on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake and in Procter. Their hard work is already sparking hope for ecosystem recovery and strengthening community resilience. 🌱 📽️ Check out our video to see these incredible efforts in action! Looking ahead to 2025, we aim to expand this program, and we need your support! Help us strengthen funding applications by: ✅ Filling out our Expression of Interest form. ✅ Reporting any sightings of Scotch broom. Together, we can protect our beautiful Kootenay ecosystems and tackle invasive species head-on. Thank you to all our partners, volunteers, and supporters for making this program a success! 💚
🌱 Thank You to Our Partners for Supporting Community Action! 🌱 A huge thank you to the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) and Columbia Basin Trust through the Resident Directed Grant for supporting the Community Pulling Together program! This program brings local residents together to: ✅ Take direct action to control invasive species. ✅ Raise community awareness about invasive species. ✅ Encourage volunteers to become stewards of the natural spaces in their communities. In 2024, we hosted successful Community Pulling Together events: Robson: Scout group volunteers rolled up their sleeves for invasive plant removal. Pulpit Rock: Thanks to the Nelson Run Club volunteers (special shoutout to Jazmine Lother for recruiting so many helping hands!). Snk’mip Sanctuary, Hills: With support from our valued partners at the Valhalla Foundation for Ecology. With this continued funding, we’re excited to host another event at Pulpit Rock and a new event at the Kootenay Gallery in Castlegar in 2025! 🎉 Stay tuned for upcoming volunteer opportunities in Spring 2025! Together, we can tackle invasive plants, protect our ecosystems, and enjoy the outdoors while making a real difference. 🌿
🌿 Thank You to the Government of Canada Department of Environment and Climate Change🌿 As we wrap up the Communities Protect Freshwater Together: Riparian Restoration in the Kootenay Region Eco Action Project, we’re excited to celebrate the progress made over the past three years! This initiative focused on restoring critical freshwater and riparian habitats at three key sites: Jubilee Wetland, Hunter Siding Wetland, and Harrop Wetland. ✨ Community-Driven Restoration Success 🌱 At Jubilee Wetland, students from Rossland Summit School tackled invasive Canada thistle and creeping buttercup, helping native plants like the Oregon Checker Mallow thrive—a promising comeback for this threatened species. 🌱 Hunter Siding Wetland saw incredible teamwork from the Slocan Lake Stewardship Society, BC Wildlife Federation, and community volunteers who led invasive species removal and native planting efforts. 🌱 At Harrop Wetland, students from Redfish Elementary and J.L. Crowe worked together to restore habitat for at-risk species like the western toad and painted turtle. These projects have shown what’s possible when communities, volunteers, and local stewardship groups unite to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems. 🌍 This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change. 🌿 Ce projet a été réalisé avec l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada agissant par l’entremise du ministère fédéral de l’Environnement et du Changement climatique. A heartfelt thank you to the @canenvironment , our incredible volunteers, students, and local partners who made this project a success. Together, we are making a lasting impact on our precious ecosystems!

 

🌱✨ A Heartfelt Thank You to NSERC! ✨🌱 As we wrap up 2024, we celebrate three incredible years of the STEMming Invasive Species Youth Program! 🎉 Over the course of this program, CKISS has had the privilege of connecting with 700+ youth in our region, sparking curiosity and inspiring action. The STEMming Invasive Species Program brought science, technology, engineering, and math to life for young Canadians, empowering them to make a difference in their communities. Through a mix of classroom and outdoor activities, we explored: 🌿 Science: Games, invasive species ID, and hands-on removal of invasive plants. 📱 Technology: Using tablets and software to identify species and collect field data. 🛠️ Engineering: Creative challenges like designing gypsy moth traps. 📊 Math: Practicing plant survey methodologies and contributing to provincial databases. This program was a testament to the power of STEM education and the importance of hands-on, experiential learning. Thank you to every student, teacher, and community partner who joined us on this journey! We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Nous remercions le Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG) de son soutien. 💚

Field Program Photos

A big thank-you to BC Hydro for their essential funding and partnership over the year! ⚡🌱 This season marked the final year of our three year collaborative project aimed at managing noxious and invasive weeds that impact BC Hydro lands, operations, and the surrounding region. With BC Hydro’s support, CKISS achieved key objectives, including: 🌿 Planning and implementing weed management programs 🌿 Conducting inventories of invasive species 🌿 Engaging with customers and stakeholders 🌿 Applying effective control techniques for invasive and noxious species 🌿 Conducting follow-up reviews to ensure quality management 🌿 Strengthening regional coordination with partners We gratefully acknowledge BC Hydro’s commitment to protecting local ecosystems and supporting invasive species management in British Columbia. 🌎💙
🌲💚 Thank You, BC Parks! 💚🌲 This year, CKISS took action to protect the incredible biodiversity in our provincial parks, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of BC Parks! Thanks to their funding, our team conducted inventories, mechanical treatments, and chemical treatments across several stunning locations: 📍 Pilot Bay Provincial Park 📍 King George VI Provincial Park 📍 Syringa Provincial Park 📍 Arrow Lakes Provincial Park – Eagle Site 📍 Inonoaklin Provincial Park 📍 Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park 📍 Kokanee Creek Provincial Park 📍 Beaver Creek Provincial Park
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Columbia Power for their vital funding and support this season! 🌱⚡ With their partnership, CKISS tackled key invasive plant challenges, helping to protect local ecosystems and biodiversity. This season’s accomplishments include: ✅ Monitoring and treating yellow flag iris ✅ Managing North Africa grass along transmission line ROWS and sensitive areas ✅ Controlling purple loosestrife, Scotch broom, and rush skeletonweed at Glade North Beach ✅ Applying chemical control for priority species and monitoring results at Brilliant Dam and Glade North Beach ✅ Seeding disturbed sites with a Columbia Power-provided mixture to prevent invasive plant spread Thank you, Columbia Power, for your commitment to environmental stewardship and invasive species management! 💚
A huge shoutout to FortisBC Electric for their invaluable support in protecting our local ecosystems this season! 🌱⚡ Thanks to their funding, CKISS was able to make great strides in managing invasive species. This included chemical treatments targeting knotweed and blueweed, as well as conducting detailed inventories of priority species along gasline rights-of-way and Fortis properties like the UBO laydown area. Additionally, we tackled Scotch broom through mechanical treatments to ensure these invasive plants don’t threaten native biodiversity. We are deeply grateful for FortisBC Electric’s commitment to preserving the environment and supporting sustainable solutions for invasive species management. Together, we’re making a difference! 🌎💚
A big thank-you to FortisBC Energy for their generous support in combating invasive species this season! 🌱⚡ With their funding, CKISS carried out important work to protect local ecosystems. This included conducting invasive plant inventories along gasline rights-of-way, as well as targeted chemical and mechanical treatments for poison hemlock and wild parsnip at Erickson Elementary. We also applied chemical treatments to priority invasive species along the Fortis gasline at Beaver Creek Provincial Park and continued critical inventories to guide future management efforts. We are incredibly grateful for FortisBC Energy’s dedication to environmental stewardship and their ongoing partnership in invasive species management. Together, we’re creating healthier communities and ecosystems! 🌎💚
🌟 A big thank-you to the Province of British Columbia and the Ministry of Forests for their vital funding support! 🌲💙 This funding allowed CKISS to successfully tackle high-priority invasive species like marsh plume thistle, yellow flag iris, leafy spurge, and North African grass in the Central Kootenay. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests.
A big thank-you to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) for their continued funding support in 2024! 🚧💚 This funding allowed CKISS to carry out essential invasive plant management activities, including: Managing invasive species along roadsides, rights-of-way, and gravel pits, chemical treatment of invasive knotweed and outreach to landowners in mixed jurisdictions, installing ‘Do Not Mow’ signs to protect sensitive areas, and more! We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. Your support is crucial in protecting our local ecosystems and preventing the spread of invasive species. 🌱
A heartfelt thank-you to Nature Conservancy of Canada for their vital funding in 2024! 🌿💚 This support allowed CKISS to make significant strides in invasive species management. At Bonanza Marsh, we successfully controlled a patch of Yellow Flag Iris, a highly invasive plant that can out-compete native wetland species and threaten wildlife habitats. This important work, carried out in partnership with the Valhalla Foundation for Ecology and the Snk’mip Marsh Sanctuary Wetland Restoration Project, helps protect sensitive areas like Snk’mip Marsh from further invasion. In addition, CKISS continued annual monitoring of invasive species in permanent vegetation plots within the Darkwoods Conservancy area, ensuring we can track and address threats to biodiversity over time. Thank you, Nature Conservancy of Canada, for your commitment to protecting wetlands and supporting our mission to preserve local ecosystems! 🌎💚
A heartfelt thank-you to Nature Conservancy of Canada for their vital funding in 2024! 🌿💚 This support allowed CKISS to make significant strides in invasive species management. At Bonanza Marsh, we successfully controlled a patch of Yellow Flag Iris, a highly invasive plant that can out-compete native wetland species and threaten wildlife habitats. This important work, carried out in partnership with the Valhalla Foundation for Ecology and the Snk’mip Marsh Sanctuary Wetland Restoration Project, helps protect sensitive areas like Snk’mip Marsh from further invasion. In addition, CKISS continued annual monitoring of invasive species in permanent vegetation plots within the Darkwoods Conservancy area, ensuring we can track and address threats to biodiversity over time. Thank you, Nature Conservancy of Canada, for your commitment to protecting wetlands and supporting our mission to preserve local ecosystems! 🌎💚
A huge thank-you to the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s (RDCK) Environment fund for their vital support in tackling invasive species across the region this year! 🌿 Thanks to their partnership, CKISS carried out critical invasive plant management all across the region at sites including the Balfour, Boswell, Burton, Crawford Bay, Creston, Edgewood, HB Tailings, Kaslo, Marblehead, Nakusp, Ootischenia, Salmo and Slocan Transfer Stations and Landfills. Efforts ranged from mechanical removal of Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry to chemical treatments targeting knotweed, hoary alyssum, blueweed, and North Africa grass. These actions focused on high-traffic and sensitive areas, ensuring invasive plants are kept under control and ecosystems are protected. Thank you, RDCK, for your dedication to preserving the environment and supporting this important work! 💚🌎
A big thank-you to RDCK Water for their ongoing support in protecting our local ecosystems this year! 💧🌱
With their partnership, CKISS conducted essential invasive species management at several key water sites, including the Arrow Creek Reservoir, Riondel Water Reservoir and Water Treatment Plant, Balfour Water Treatment Plant and Reservoir, and the Grandview Pumphouse.
We carried out mechanical treatments and disposal of invasive species like hoary alyssum, scentless chamomile, Himalayan blackberry, and Scotch broom, helping to maintain the health of these important water sources and surrounding areas.
Thank you, RDCK Water, for your commitment to environmental stewardship and for supporting efforts to protect our natural resources! 💚
A huge thank-you to the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) for their continued support in noxious weed management across the region! 🌱💚 This year, CKISS provided equitable noxious weed management services to all landowners in Area “A” of the RDKB, ensuring they received the help they needed regardless of property size or land use. We also coordinated the provision of noxious weed control services to landowners in this area, helping to address invasive species on their properties. Education played a key role in our efforts. CKISS worked with landowners in Area “A” to raise awareness about noxious weeds and provide guidance on effective control methods. Through collaboration with local partners and stakeholders, we’ve worked together to ensure a unified approach to invasive species management in the region. Thank you, RDKB, for your dedication to preserving the Kootenay Boundary’s natural ecosystems! 🌎
A huge thank-you to the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program for their generous financial support towards the Kootenay Riparian Invasive Plant Control project! 🌿💧 We targeted invasive yellow flag iris and purple loosestife alng Kootenay Lake and River for this project. Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, which helped drive the success of this important initiative. Additional funding was also provided by Columbia Power, and Fortis BC—thank you all for your contributions! This project focused on several key objectives to protect and restore riparian ecosystems: 🔹 Inventory of upstream target plant seed source areas 🔹 Removal of invasive riparian plants like yellow flag iris and purple loosestrife 🔹 Dispersal of biological control agents to manage invasive species 🔹 Restoration and monitoring of treated sites to ensure long-term success 🔹 Outreach efforts to educate landowners and the public on riparian plant management Together, we are making a lasting impact on the health of the Kootenay’s riparian zones and safeguarding local biodiversity. Thank you to everyone involved for your commitment to preserving our natural heritage! 🌎💚
A heartfelt thanks to the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests for their steadfast financial support! 🌿 With this assistance, CKISS conducted invasive plant inventories in areas like Yahk, Edgewood, Pass Creek, Burton, and Arrow Park – all slated for wildfire fuel mitigation treatments in the Fall of 2023. These surveys, conducted before and after treatments, will offer crucial insights on reducing the spread of invasive plants during similar projects in the future. Very cool! 🌱🔍 We extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Forests for their ongoing support. 🙏💚 #BCMinistryofForests #InvasiveSpeciesManagement #Grateful #ProtectTheKootenays We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia

 

A big thank-you to Teck Metals for their invaluable support in invasive species management and habitat restoration this year! 🌿💚 With Teck’s contribution, CKISS conducted mechanical and chemical treatments of high-priority invasive species across Teck properties, including transmission lines, conservation areas, and general Teck lands. Restoration seeding was also carried out to help restore native vegetation and protect local ecosystems. Additionally, we completed inventories of old mine sites in Rossland, Duncan Lake, and Riondel as part of Teck’s Legacy project, helping to assess and manage invasive species in these critical areas. Thank you, Teck Metals, for your ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and for supporting these important initiatives to preserve the natural beauty of the region! 🌎
A big thank-you to the Village of Nakusp for their essential funding to support invasive species management across the community! 🌿💚 With their contribution, CKISS conducted thorough inventories of all municipal parcels, parks, and streets to identify priority invasive species. This important work will lay the foundation for future invasive plant management activities, helping to protect Nakusp’s natural areas and enhance the health of local ecosystems. We’re excited to continue collaborating with the Village of Nakusp to address invasive species and preserve the beauty of this vibrant community! 🌎
A big thank-you to the City of Nelson for their ongoing support in invasive species management throughout our community! 🌿💚
This past year, CKISS worked hand-in-hand with the City to tackle a variety of invasive plants. We conducted inventories and verified public sightings, managed priority species like Scotch broom, garlic mustard, Himalayan balsam, and blueweed, and even seeded treated sites with native plants to help restore local ecosystems.
We also took action on high-priority invasive species such as knotweed, applying chemical treatments to help prevent their spread.
Thank you, City of Nelson, for your commitment to protecting and preserving the beauty of your community and for partnering with us to address invasive plant threats! 🌎🌼

Staff

A heartfelt thank-you to ECO Canada Wage Subsidy for their generous support in helping CKISS grow our team and expand our impact! 🌿🌎 With their wage funding, we were able to onboard talented young professionals who played a vital role in protecting the environment. This support allowed CKISS to hire summer field technicians who conducted surveys and manual removal of invasive plants across the Kootenays, and an education, outreach, and aquatics assistant who shared information about invasive species, led engaging community events, and monitored for aquatic invasive species. ECO Canada Wage Subsidy not only helps create jobs in the natural resource sector but also fosters positive environmental outcomes. Thank you for empowering young professionals and supporting environmental stewardship in our communities! 💚
A huge thank-you to Canada Summer Jobs for their incredible support through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS)! 🌟 This funding made it possible for CKISS to welcome an amazing team of summer staff who made a big impact in the Kootenays. Our summer field technicians conducted surveys and manual removal of invasive plants, helping to protect local ecosystems. Meanwhile, our education, outreach, and aquatics assistant worked to inform the public about invasive species, lead community events, and monitor for aquatic invasive species. Thanks to Canada Summer Jobs, these youth gained valuable skills and paid work experience while contributing to the health of our environment. We’re so grateful for this program’s dedication to empowering young professionals and supporting community-based initiatives! 💚